997.1 GT3 RS

“Practiced exponents could certainly feel the improvements in stability on a fast circuit like Spa”

HISTORY AND TECH

The 997 GT3 was launched at Geneva in March 2006 and, as with its 996 GT3 and 993/964 RS predecessors, it was designed to homologate the 997 for the Porsche Cup and from 1999, GT3 class. At Geneva, Porsche also presented the GT3 RS, which looked to all intents and purposes like a GT3 with an aero kit. However, the RS was rather more than that, as we're about to find out.

Apart from its bold side decals and green or orange paint schemes, the main visible differences with the GT3 were the carbon wing which stood proud on two wide struts, and the RS’s more prominent hips. The RS used the same wheels and tyres and mostly the same suspension as the GT3, but to accommodate its 3cm wider track, Porsche employed the wider Carrera 4 body. At the front, the RS’s very low front skirt was said by project leader Andreas Preuninger to