Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach. Still in a league of its own.

It feels like the references to the GT3 being the ultimate road going track car has for a long time been a cliché. But there is a simple reason why the brand has become synonymous with the race track. Of all of the time spent in various 911s, the below is possibly one of my favourites – with good reason.

Whilst the monstrous 992 can now found on the roads, now is potentially a brilliant time to reflect on the perhaps ultimate iteration of the outgoing GT3.

When it came to 991, Porsche refused to rest on its laurels and instead amplified the image that they have defined in the form of the Weissach package, applied to the GT3 RS.

Magnesium wheels from the GT3 RS weighing in 11 kilos lighter than the stock wheels, reducing un-sprung mass substantially. A further 9.5 kilos is shaved off by the roll cage, constructed from titanium. Add in some carbon fibre, to the roof, bonnet, and various trims and garnishes.

It’s light then. Just 1,476 kilograms in fact. Which, when combined with a naturally aspirated 520, amounts to a hell of a thing.

Whilst it might not be up to the gargantuan powers of the Halo GT2 RS, the simple fact is that it follows a formula that is simply tantalising to a petrolhead. Strip weight, add power. Naturally. And the power in this instance is gorgeously linear. As you squeeze the throttle and spin the 4-litre flat-six up towards its 9,000 RPM redline, the unmistakable boxer sound mixed with an intoxicating intake woosh combines in soul stirring affair.

I was lucky enough to drive a Weissach garnished RS in 2020; and maybe it’s a combination of the memory of a gem sticking out in an otherwise grey time and the step up from the previous generation GT3 – but it remains one of the most enjoyable experience from Stuttgart for me to date.

A GT3 should always perform on and off track and the turn-in is simply sublime on country roads and high speed apexes alike. Equipped with Pilot Sport Cup 2’s – you’ll want to exercise caution on the open road however, as they’re known to be squirmy with the best intents when things get a little wet out there. But such is the responsiveness of the RS, that you can still make mind melting progress without straying much above 70% of the engine’s potential.

Whilst there were only two pedals, the sheer speed at which the 911 could throw a reaction your way, would arguably not leave much time for more; and would certainly not be conducive to chasing effective lap times for the mere mortal. But that’s the true beauty that lies in the package.

Normally I’d expect an argument of how manuals are more involving – you most likely know the conversation line for line. But the sheer feedback on offer from the RS quickly lays waste to that point of view – like it or not. The PDK box has always been fantastic, but in the RS in particular, gears snap into place with a visceral urgency at the precise clunk of a paddle when sending it. But peculiarly the car felt completely at ease around town. And despite being extremely competent left in automatic mode it just feels much more natural triggering the gear changes yourself.

On track, the difference between the 991.2 GT3 and almost everything that preceded it is felt. From the first corner you feel like it’s long been home. The telepathic response of the steering, the sure-footed chassis, the rose linked suspension which runs twice the spring rate up front and 50% more in the rear – it all combines for a euphoric lap around whatever track you’re on. It was simply so much more stable than previous GT3s that you could carry noticeably more speed and change direction with far more urgency. You never feel that disconnect between the front and rear where the engine hangs out to the back of the car. I could simply pick an entry point and apex and the car reacted with pinpoint precision.

As I pushed on, I constantly reset my interpretation of what the limit of the car was, because each time I expected to loose grip or wash out, the car re-assured with even more feedback allowing me to achieve simply ridiculous levels of pace. I’m no racer. But you’ll forgive me for saying I was starting to feel like one with each lap!

You really get the sense that the car ahs been so painstakingly crafted, that each part compliments and supports another, but to me, the car still has some of the simplicity that is ever fading away. The power is more accessible than its GT2 counterpart too. More is more, and I certainly won’t lament more powerful supercars but the fact remains that the GT3 remains accessible, usable, visceral without loosing real world speed – and that is a beautiful balance..

Check out this Gt3 RS Weissach offered for sale!