Porsche has unveiled a special edition of its latest 911 GT3 RS, paying homage to the legendary 1972 Carrera RS 2.7. Announced at Monterey Car Week by Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA), this new model serves as the inspiration for the exclusive “Tribute to Carrera RS Package,” a limited offering from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur specifically for U.S. customers.
Gruner highlighted the significance of this tribute, stating, “America is the second home of the 911, and a special tribute exclusive to the U.S. is the perfect way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 911 Carrera RS 2.7.” He emphasized the aim to create a unique experience, blending exclusive options on the new Porsche Gt3 Rs with a curated list of accompanying items. This project, still in its early stages, is a collaborative effort between Porsche teams in Zuffenhausen, Flacht, and the U.S., driven by enthusiasts to honor the RS lineage.
A Nod to the Past: Design and Personalization
The showcased Porsche GT3 RS at Monterey Car Week is a testament to personalization, featuring a white finish accented with Python Green elements. This striking color scheme directly references the classic white and green combination offered on the original 1972 911 “RS,” while presenting a fresh interpretation for the modern era. The body is painted in non-metallic white, including side air intakes that match, and Python Green model designation graphics on the sides and rear. The forged aluminum wheels are also finished in Python Green with distinctive white pinstripes.
Further enhancing the green-on-white theme are the Exclusive Design taillights, which uniquely eliminate red from the rear lights and third brake light. The side plates of the prominent rear wing are painted white, featuring RS logos in Python Green, completing the exterior tribute.
Karl-Heinz Volz, Director of Exclusive Manufaktur Options, elaborated on Porsche’s personalization philosophy: “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur allows customers to personalize their car to a point where the vehicle is as much a reflection of them as it is of Porsche.” He noted that personalization is a long-standing Porsche tradition, dating back to the 356, and has evolved into an extensive program offering everything from minor tweaks to bespoke creations.
The headlights of this special GT3 RS also feature a unique white pinstripe ring, an option not typically available through standard factory customization. The interior continues the exterior’s color story with matching stitching and white trim panels, creating a cohesive and personalized cabin space.
Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Lines, shared his personal connection to the original Carrera RS 2.7: “As a car enthusiast growing up, my walls were plastered with models that I was particularly fond of. One of the most influential was the 911 Carrera RS 2.7. As a young kid it captured my imagination and even today it puts a smile on my face.” He further explained the lineage, noting that the styling of the 996 GT3 RS was inspired by the Carrera RS 2.7, a project he was involved in at Porsche. For Preuninger, this tribute to the first 911 RS model with the most extreme and capable 911 GT3 RS is a deeply emotional and significant moment.
The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Uncompromising Performance
The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS stands as the most extreme street-legal 911 variant to date. Its heart is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder engine producing 518 horsepower and capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. This power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. Emphasizing motorsport-derived aerodynamics, the car generates over 900 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and an astounding 1,895 lbs at 177 mph.
Explore the New Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes its performance intentions clear with its uncompromising design. Notably, it is the first 911 GT3 RS to incorporate active aerodynamics, enhancing downforce, providing airbrake assistance during deceleration, and featuring a Drag Reduction System (DRS) to optimize aerodynamic elements for reduced drag in specific driving conditions.
The Legacy of the 1972/73 911 Carrera RS 2.7
Fifty years ago, the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 earned the title of Germany’s fastest sports car. Originally conceived as a homologation special, it was packed with technological innovations. As the most potent iteration of the first-generation 911, its air-cooled flat-six engine, developed by Hans Mezger and Valentin Schäffer, produced 210 PS at 6,300 rpm and 188 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,100 rpm.
Beyond its powerful engine, the Carrera RS 2.7 pioneered the application of wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic principles in the 911. The iconic “ducktail” spoiler, now a design and functional hallmark, was crucial for achieving high-speed stability without increasing drag. In fact, it actually reduced the drag coefficient, enabling faster speeds and improved efficiency.
