Two Special 911 Models Debut at Goodwood | Porsche
CAR / FEATURES
August 4, 2017

Two Special 911 Models Debut at Goodwood | Porsche


Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series


Two Special 911 Models Debut at Goodwood


The Goodwood Festival of Speed, an automotive celebration held annually in southern England around June or July, saw Porsche unveil two special 911 models this year. Fumio Ogawa reports on the details from the event.


Text by OGAWA Fumio




The Fastest, Most Powerful 911


Porsche has released new models to tantalize 911 fans. These include the most powerful rear-wheel-drive " 911 GT2 RS" and a model with special interior and exterior finishes, boasting increased power over the base vehicle, the " 911 Turbo Exclusive Series".


The two cars were announced at Goodwood in southern England. They were revealed to journalists during the Goodwood Festival of Speed held at the end of June 2017.


On a special stage set up at the Goodwood Circuit, where racing was also active in the 1960s (and where Bruce McLaren tragically lost his life during a test), the 911 GT2 RS, driven by former F1 driver Mark Webber, was the first to appear.



Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS


Porsche describes the 911 GT2 RS as "the fastest and most powerful road-legal 911." A significant difference from its predecessor (3.6-liter) is the 3.8-liter engine.


It produces a maximum output of 515 kW (700 PS) and a maximum torque of 750 Nm. Compared to the previous GT2, power is up by 59 kW (80 PS), and maximum torque has increased by 50 Nm.


"What kind of car is it? It's a beast," Webber said, drawing laughter from the assembled journalists. But one wonders what kind of driver could control 700 horsepower from a rear-wheel-drive car.


The base for this is the 3.8-liter engine from the 911 Turbo S, which produces 427 kW (580 PS). Larger turbochargers are fitted for further performance enhancement.


Efficient cooling is essential for such a powerful engine, so intercoolers are naturally equipped for the turbochargers. Furthermore, by injecting water into the intercoolers, the intake air temperature in the overboost range is lowered to a temperature suitable for overboosting.


The transmission is a customized GT 7-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK). It features a specially developed exhaust system. Made of titanium, which Porsche describes as "extremely lightweight," it is about 7 kg lighter than the system used in the 911 Turbo.



The sound heard at Goodwood was a complex mix of mid and low frequencies, a "music" that would delight any Porsche enthusiast.

The vehicle weight with a full tank of fuel is 1,470 kg. The front fenders, wheel housing vents, outer shells of the sports design door mirrors, the air intakes in the rear side sections, and parts of the rear end are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are many interior components.


Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS


The engine hood is also made of carbon to keep the vehicle as light as possible. Additionally, the optional "Weissach Package" features carbon fiber for the roof, stabilizers, and coupling rods on the front and rear axles, further reducing weight by approximately 30 kg.


As a result, the 911 GT2 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds.






Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series


Two Special 911 Models Debut at Goodwood (2)




Equipped with Air Conditioning, Ready for Any Journey


Porsche claims the 911 GT2 RS features a "perfect racing chassis." Notably, it incorporates rear-axle steering to sharpen cornering.


It also includes specially tuned PSM (Porsche Stability Management) and a sport mode adjusted for optimal driving dynamics.


The tires are Ultra High Performance (UHP) type: 265/35ZR20 for the front and 325/30ZR21 for the rear. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are standard equipment.



Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS


"Let me share my impressions of this car," said Walter Röhrl, Porsche's chief test driver, who was present at the event.


"In a word, it's all-around capable. Recently, I drove the '935' (a racing model developed based on the 911 Turbo in the 1970s) at an event, and it was so difficult to drive that I broke out in a cold sweat (laughter from the audience). But the 911 GT2 RS is equipped with air conditioning and makes you want to drive it anywhere."


The interior of the 911 GT2 RS features red Alcantara, black leather, and carbon-patterned interior trim. A roll cage is installed behind the carbon-patterned full bucket seats.


At the same time, another special model was unveiled: the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.






Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series


Two Special 911 Models Debut at Goodwood (3)




The Hand-Crafted, Exquisite 911 Turbo S


The "911 Turbo S Exclusive" Series, announced at Goodwood, is described in Porsche's press release as "the most powerful and unique 911 Turbo S ever."


It boasts 607 PS (466 kW), an increase of 27 PS over the "911 Turbo S," and unlike the 911 GT2 RS, it features a full-time all-wheel-drive system.


Its most distinctive feature, differentiating it from the standard 911 Turbo S, is that it is "meticulously hand-finished" by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, which has embarked on a new chapter at Porsche's headquarters in Zuffenhausen.


The bonnet, roof, side skirts, and rear ram-air scoops are carbon components. It also features numerous exterior highlights, including the Turbo Aerokit, a specially designed rear apron, and two sets of black-painted stainless steel twin tailpipes.




Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series


Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series



Of the 500 units to be produced, there are six body colors. Initially, the image color Golden Yellow Metallic will be available, along with Agate Grey Metallic and Carrara White Metallic.


The bonnet, roof, side skirts, and ram-air scoops are made of carbon fiber and feature the Turbo Aerokit, a custom rear apron, and an exhaust system with two sets of black-painted stainless steel twin tailpipes.


Another striking exterior feature is the black-painted center-lock 20-inch wheels. A technique is employed where gloss black is applied over the Golden Yellow Metallic paint, and then the gloss black is precisely removed from the rim using the latest laser technology, revealing the Golden Yellow Metallic underneath.


The elegant interior is highlighted by sports seats upholstered in two-tone perforated leather. The stitching and the embroidered logo (Turbo S) on the headrests are Golden Yellow. The Alcantara headlining also features a double stripe in the same color, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.




Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series

Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series | Porsche 911 Turbo Exclusive Series



Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is based on a department that has long handled special orders for Porsche vehicles.


Going forward, under the banner of "small series," they will cater to vehicles with specifications like the luxurious interior and exterior of this 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and the 911 GT2 RS, as well as individual custom orders.


Concurrently, an exclusive chronograph from Porsche Design, featuring an in-house movement, will be sold exclusively to owners.


It features a titanium case with a see-through back, allowing a view of the automatic winding rotor designed to resemble a wheel. The precisely reproduced Porsche crest is a striking detail. It's a sports watch for drivers, equipped with a flyback function that allows the chronograph to reset to zero with a single button press.


The planned introduction of the 911 GT2 RS to Japan is expected to be announced later. The 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is limited to six units for the Japanese market (four with right-hand drive) and orders began on July 10, 2017, with a price of 33.34 million yen. While the official price for the wristwatch has not been announced, it was confirmed at the time of reporting to be 9,950 euros (approximately 1.3 million yen at 130 yen to the euro).