Porsche 996 GT3 RS Information.
This is my tribute to the best naturally aspirated sports car that makes my heart beat faster.
Overview:
The year 2004 saw Porsche launch the RS homologated model as the base for the motor sport activities that matched the new international GT rules in 2004. This meant that at least 200 would be build. The RS comes a far way from the first 1972 Carrera RS 2.7 and the 993 RS and now the GT3 RS. This truly is a car that is fit to continue the RS legacy.
Some statistics that helped to create this grand racer. To acheive the best power to weight ratio - A 4.86kg/kW was the result!
The car was made 20kg lighter than the 2004 GT3 and weigh in at 1360 kg's.
This car lapped the Nurburg ring in times of around 7 mins and 43 seconds!
Technical statistics and features: The GT3 series 1 as the base line and only modifications mentioned.
Engine:
The lower friction in the wear parts resulted in the connecting rods being lengthened by 3mm and the gudgeon pin position in the piston moved up accordingly.
Gearbox/transmission:
The transmission is fitted with an external heat exchanger. The clutch is of the single mass flywheel arrangement.
The half shafts were reinforced.
The control cables were reinforced
Suspension:
Complete wheel hub assemblies.
Divided front-and rear lateral suspension control arms.
Optimized rear-axle geometry.
Body:
The front hood is lighter using carbon-fibre reinforced materials, The rear hood is also lighter as it uses carbon fibre reinforced materials and the rear window is lighter made from polycarbonate materials.
The layout of the front spoiler now has three vents carved from the nose to improve cooling
Better air ducts to the front brakes
A bigger air collector located under the rear wing uses pressure build-up there to supply extra intake air to the engine at high speeds, so that the “RS” reaches its maximum power output even more easily
Standard options:
The RS and Club sport version comes with a bolt-in roll cage (of which the front section is removable), fire extinguisher, fixed back competition bucket seats trimmed in fire-retardant fabric. Also installed are six-point race harness on driver side. Emergency cut-off switch under the bonnet. These are for track use only and the external red pull loop is normally stored under the luggage compartment lid. Those customers seeking a more track-focused cabin could specify the Club Sport package as a no cost option. . The racing variants are typical, 996 GT3 Club Sport, 996 GT3 RS, 996 GT3 Cup, 996 RSR, 996 GT3-R and was made available to privateer teams.
Research material-Acknowledgement to: GT3@ www.qv500.com/porsche996p3.php
The Driving impressions of the 996 911 GT3 RS
Here are some of my impressions with regards to driveability:
This is the Series 2 car that also have no fancy electronic 'gizmo's, only ABS brake control. The car feels a lot more torquier than the series 1. It also feels more responsive than the other GT3 cars. The suspension is very hard but you feel in touch with the road. The higher revs come up quicker thanks to the single mass flywheel which makes the gearbox feel like the close ration box it is. The suspension is that of a thoroughbred circuit racer legally qualified for street use The steering is very direct to where you point it The ride is hard ride which lets you feel the road. The car can hang out its rear end quickly if you are heavy on the power. The sound of the free flow exhaust note when you are doing high revolutions is absolutely awesome, it excite the racer boy in me. The close ratio gearbox is and feels perfect. The taught racing suspension with modified front camber (2 degrees negative) suits my driving stile perfect. The intermediate Dunlop R rubber makes the car corner beyond this world. You cannot imagine this but have to feel it. The six point harness makes you an integral part of the car. It talks to you giving you all the right feedback one can ask for! The big 350 mm dia disks and 6 pod callipers grip like you cannot imagine. It gives you the confidence to attack a corner. What can I say about the engine! For a petrol head that loves normal aspirated engines it is beyond superb! It revs, it's got lots of torque, it spins up fast and I love it.
Performance:
The GT3 RS is a street legal circuit racer. This car is the son of a wild beast but still a very driveable car due to the fact that it is not tiring to drive. This car is fitted with a modified exhaust system that is loader than normal. This car is very quick of the mark as can be seen in the specification and has a top speed of 306 KMH. The car have a mechanical limited slip differential that is great for track events as the traction out of corners is optimised. This is my ultimate car dream come true. Heart thumping exciting!.
Handling:
The GT3 RS is superb in this category. This is the closest that I will ever come to a race car. No other six cylinder normal aspirated car has ever come close in competition!
Braking ability:
The braking ability of this car is beyond superb. This braking system with the ABS and large 350 mm dia front discs and 6 pod callipers gives you confidence to handle most situations. The big brakes and good ventilation and air scoops make for brakes that are out of this world. Even driving it hard on track there is no indications of any fade.
Overall:
I really enjoy my GT3 RS. I do not intend to use it daily but am going to look for any excuse to put it on the road and most definitively on the track! That is where it belongs!
The Technical specification of the 996 GT3 RS
Colour : Carrera white With red decals
Engine
Engine Design: 6 cylinder horizontally opposed
Engine Installation: Rear engined
Engine Cooling system: Water cooled
Engine Type: M 96/79
Engine Displacement (cc): 3600
Engine Bore and stroke (mm): 100 x 76.4
Engine Output DIN (kW/Hp): 280/381 at 7400 RPM
Engine Maximum Torque (Nm/lb ft): 385/284 at 5000 RPM
Engine Output per litre (kW/l/hp/l): 77,8/105.8
Engine Compression ratio: 11,7:1
Valve operation and camshaft drive: Dohc, cams driven by double chain, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam, intake camshaft timing varies by 45 degrees. Variocam Plus.
Valve Lift : Intake = 11.5mm and exhaust = 10.5mm
Valve Opening at 1 mm: Intake = 343 deg and outlet = 234 deg
Carburation: Bosch DME, Motronic M 7.8, sequential multi-point manifold injection
Ignition system: Bosch DME, distributorless ignition system with six individual ignition coils
Firing order: 1-6-2-4-3-5
Engine lubrication: Dry sump system
Engine Oil Total (l): 12,5
Transmission
Drive configuration: Rear axle drive
Manual gearbox: 6 speed
Transmission type: G 96/96
Transmission Ratios
1st Gear: 3.82
2st Gear: 2.15
3st Gear: 1.56
4st Gear: 1.21
5st Gear: 1.0
6st Gear: 0.85
Reverse Gear: 2.86
Final drive ratio: 3.44
Limited slip differential diff load/deceleration %: 40/60
Body
Body design: Steel body, 2 doors, 2 seats, entirely hot dipped galvanised body, side impact protection beams in doors, flexible polyurethane front and rear bumpers with integrated aluminium beams, front bumper with chin spoiler, side skirts, poly-carbonate rear window and carbon fibre reinforced engine lid and front hood as well as fixed rear wing
Suspension
Suspension, front: Individually suspended with :disconnected" light alloy wishbones, McPherson struts with coil springs, dual tube gas filled shock absorbers, anti roll bar
Suspension, rear: Individually suspended on five wishbones per side on light alloy multi wishbone axle with LSA system (light weight, Stability, Agility), with coil springs, single tube gas filled shock absorbers , anti roll bar
Suspension, Front: Spring rate at wheel (N/mm) : 45.0
Suspension, Rear: Spring rate at wheel (N/mm) : 95.0 Variable
Suspension, Front: Anti roll bar (tubular- dia x thickness (mm)) : 26.8 x 4
Suspension, Rear: Anti roll bar (tubular- dia x thickness (mm)) : 20.7 x 2.8
Brakes
Brakes, front (Size (mm): Ventilated and drilled discs (350x34)
Brakes, rear (Size (mm): Ventilated and drilled discs (330x28)
Brakes, front callipers : Red 6 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes, rear callipers : Red 4 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes : Bosch ABS 5.7
Wheels front : 8.5j x 18
Wheels rear : 11j x 18
Tyres front : 235/40 ZR 18
Tyres rear : 295/30 ZR 18
Electrical System
Alternator (W/A) : 1680/120
Battery (V/Ah) : 12/80
with air conditioning : 12/80
Dimensions and weight
Track, front (mm) : 1485
Track, rear (mm) : 1495
Wheelbase (mm) : 2355
Length (mm) : 4435
Width (mm) : 1770
Height (mm) : 1275
Kerb weight (kg) : 1360
Permissible gross weight (kg) : 1660
Luggage compartment (VDA(l): 110
Fuel tank capacity (l): 63 including a 10.0l reserve
Power to weight ratio (kg/kW/kg/hp): 4.85/3.56
Fuel consumption :
Fuel type : 98 RON super plus unleaded
Urban l/100km: 31.3
Highway l/100km : 9.0
Combined l/100km : 14,2
CO2 (g/km) : 315
Performance :
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) : 4,4
Acceleration 0-200 km/h (s) : 14.0
Maximum speed (mph/kph) : 191/306
Production totals : 200 up to 2004