Two years ago, Zuffenhausen chose Geneva to unveil the latest Porsche 911 GT3 – and underlined the fact that electronic aids such as a PDK gearbox might not be a purist’s choice, but they can make even a racing car go faster. Now, compared with the (relatively tame) GT3, the new RS comes closer than ever to the racing model. Its 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, which probably won’t survive in the next generation, puts out 500HP. That’s at least 25HP more than the GT3. In addition, the GT3 RS weighs 10kg less, thanks to its magnesium alloy roof and generous use of carbonfibre components. The new GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.3 seconds – and to double that speed in 10.9 seconds. So it’s hardly surprising that the street-legal ‘race’ car stormed round the Nordschleife in a new class record of 7 minutes and 20 seconds. Even the Porsche Carrera GT took 7 minutes and 29 seconds.

Influenced by the air-cooled classics

Visual identifiers include the GT3 RS’s wide wheelarches that incorporate air in- and outlets – and the widest standard tyres in the model range. A throwback to the classic air-cooled version is the 30cm-wide depression that runs along the boot lid and roof, reminding us that it wasn’t too long ago that this huge change in Porsche tradition took place. Let’s hope the turbo future turns out as well. The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available from May 2015 and will cost 181,690 euros.

Sports-racing duo in Geneva

In addition to the GT3 RS, Geneva will see the premiere of the most powerful version of the 911’s little brother, the mid-engined Cayman GT4. Powered by the 3.8-litre boxer engine from the 911 Carrera S, it brings the GT4 to 385HP, transmitted via a manual gearbox to the road. The price is €85,776 – significantly less than the GT3, which is priced from 137,303 euros.

Photos: Porsche