996 VERSUS 997 GT3 RS

“We built it without management knowing,” admits GT product line director, Andreas Preuninger. He took a standard GT3 and, taking inspiration from the blue-on-white Carrera 2.7 Carrera RS picture he loved as a kid, created the 996 GT3 RS. The management said yes, hoodwinked slightly as to the changes the engineer had made to the GT3 to create the new Rennsport. The engines were a bit more special than anyone would admit openly at the time, the quoted output the same 381hp of the regular GT3 because of the cost and hassle of homologating the revised engine. In reality though the 3.6-litre boxers in the RS were a little bit more special, with reshaped intake and exhaust ports among some other detailed changes. Preuninger has also previously admitted to us that none left the GT department with less than 400hp too, by the way.

Visually the 996 GT3 RS’s inspiration unashamedly nods to that 2.7 RS, it only being offered in white, with either contrasting red or blue wheels and GT3 RS decals along its lower flanks. Its 18-inch wheels were part painted, part polished, evoking the 2.7 RS’s Fuchs.

Compared to the standard GT3, the 996 RS looked more overtly race car, helped no end by its standard white paintwork, the three outlets fore of the bonnet to vent radiator air, the lightweight composite bonnet above topped by a sticker not a badge. And not forgetting the rear wing – how could we – which looked so preposterous when new, but now looks relatively restrained. Under it is a scoop intake