Cor. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is (spoiler alert) such a wonderful thing. Every time Porsche releases a GT-model 911, it's terrific, and we wonder how they make it better. And then they do.
This time, that comes with a power upgrade to the 911 GT3's 4.0-litre engine - which is basically a Cup race car engine - taking it to 513bhp (520 metric hp). It revs to 9000rpm - that's worth hearing, by the way.
It drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed PDK gearbox, which shifts more quickly and cleanly than ever, and drives through one of the funkiest chassis in the business. The suspension is rose-jointed, there are active engine mounts, a rear-steer system, wheels and tyres from the absurd GT2 RS and the brilliance and genius or Porsche's engineers to make all of this into a massively engaging, brilliant handling, cohesive entirety.
Is it better than other £140,000 coupes? Is it better to drive than the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8, McLaren 570S? On a track, the GT3 RS is better than anything this side of a Caterham 7 or Radical.
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Re Cardigankid:
What percentage of readers are able to buy any of the other three you name? How many they make is irrelevant to most of us, and is no reason to avoid the comparison.
Yet another teaser from Porsche
Please stop comparing the 911 GT3RS with cars that you could actually buy, like the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 or McLaren 570S. Road test it by all means, but for the sake of honesty make it clear that this is a limited edition publicity stunt sold below the cost of manufacture to a very limited number of people to boost Porsche's image. Those of us who are not in the select few find this both a bore and annoying, and if you don't stop I will cancel my subscription.
Compare these cars with a Porsche you can buy, like a 911 GTS, and you have a fair test. The McLaren, incidentally, will cream it.
Only downside I can see to
Only downside I can see to these is the gearing, well over the national limit at the top of second.
Doesn't show up on these press pieces when you can howl away on a racetrack, but on the road surely it's a lesson in frustration??
Is there a market for a short-ratio RS, in homage to the old lightweight hillclimb cars perhaps?