In conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the Porsche 356 “No.1” Roadster, Sime Darby Auto Performance, the authorised dealer of Porsche here in Malaysia has unveiled the latest and greatest Porsche 911, the 911 GT2 RS. In line with Porsche’s global 70th anniversary theme of “Sportscar Together”, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) launched the new 911 GT2 RS to its customers, sports car enthusiasts and the media on 29 June 2018 at Sepang International Circuit.
We were lucky to be covering the Malaysian chapter of the preview and the event which included an owner's track session after a small hand over ceremony. Owners of a few GT2 RS and other Porsche 911 and Cayman also had a go at the circuit.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 ever built. It has the performance level of a super sports car and has set a new record for road-approved sports cars on the 20.6-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife at six minutes, 47.3 seconds. And today, at its local premiere, the super 911 was previewed and also handed over to a few Malaysian customers.
As stated in the opening paragraph, the Porsche 356 'No. 1' Roadster was registered on 8 June 1948 and seventy years later, Porsche has become the performance car which is coveted for its speed, performance and even its durability.
“Porsche is celebrating its 70th anniversary with numerous activities around the world; uniting sports car enthusiasts, customers and employees, reminiscing cherished and exciting moments that have been shared with others around the world,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (above).
"We are honoured to join Porsche in celebrating its 70th anniversary in conjunction with the launch of the new 911 GT2 RS,” he continues.
This is one heck of a 911. It takes the GT3 RS up to about 12 on a scale of 10, both in its styling and its total re-engineering of the car into something lighter than the standard turbo model and added more power. The 911 GT2 RS is powered by a 515kW (700 hp) biturbo flat six engine which makes 59kW(80hp) up than the previous GT2 model and has a torque output of 750 Nm (an increase of 50 Nm). It also loses the 911 Turbo's all wheel drive system for something pure - rear wheel drive.
The 911 GT2 RS weighs 1,470kg with a full fuel tank after some weight reduction. It allows the GT2 RS to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 340 km/h.
Sime Darby Auto Performance has announced that the retail base price for the new 911 GT2 RS starts from a mere RM2,900,000, which includes a four-year warranty. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Now add the Optional Weissach package with 30kg weight saving (details in the summary below and the price jumps by RM138,000 (The price of a Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo here in Malaysia). I would also suggest owners add the Chrono Package while they're at it. Of course, you may think that this is a little bit more expensive than a Bijan handbag or two, but hey, its the fastest production Porsche currently available out there. The best thing is, about ten have already found owners in Malaysia with another full set of fingers in line. No shortage of what could be the most hard core 911 that money could buy today.
When you look at it in the flesh, with its scoops and wings in its glory, you'd want one too.
More details after the photos of the GT2 RS below.
More details after the photos of the GT2 RS below.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Summary
The Engine and Drivetrain
The 911 GT2 RS builds on the 3.8-litre engine used in the 911 Turbo S. In order to increase its performance, larger turbo chargers push an increased volume of processed air into the combustion chambers. A new cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the overpressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions.
The customised seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new 911 GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. In addition, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium. The use of titanium enabled Porsche’s engineers to reduce the weight by around 7kg compared to the exhaust system in the 911 Turbo. In addition, it features a newly developed, independent exhaust system with titanium rear silencer and the full sound of a high-performance turbo that delivers an emotional soundtrack that is without precedence.
The Chassis
Discipline in sport means mastering every single detail, and in the world of super sports cars, cornering speeds are on another level. The 911 GT2 RS reaches these speeds, thanks to its flawless racing chassis with rear-axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres. Like all GT sports cars, the new 911 GT2 RS features a specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode that is tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics. Powerful air intakes and outlets, and the imposing rear wing emphasises the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which also means that everything about the new 911 GT2 RS is functional; it is a car that has truly mastered both form and design.
The large, wide wheels (265/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear) ensure outstanding braking and cornering power. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the 911 GT2 RS as lightweight as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line.
The Optional Weissach package with 30kg weight savings
Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That is why Porsche’s engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides weight savings of around 30kg. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and titanium. For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. The luggage compartment lid and the carbon-weave finish roof are emblazoned with a central strip in the same colour as the car for a visually distinctive look.
The Interior
The passenger compartment of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara, black leather and features carbon-weave finish as standard. The GT2 RS sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles enables quick and sporty gear changes. Drivers and passengers will experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in full bucket seats with carbon-weave finish. As in every 911, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is the central control unit for audio, navigation and communication. The Connect Plus module and Porsche Track Precision app are also included as standard, enabling detailed recording, display and analysis of driving data on a smartphone.
The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include performance display, which can be used to display, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital displays. What is more, the Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with high level of precision.
Exclusive watch for owners: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
For the first time ever, Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of a high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new vehicle and can be ordered at the Porsche Centre.
At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years’ work. The calibre 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimised movement bridge and an official COSC certificate of authenticity. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium. The vehicle and watch are produced individually according to customers’ preferences and will be delivered together.
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