We all know the RS in Porsche 911 GT2 RS stands for Renn Sport. Or Race Sport if you want to use the English version. However, in Scottish, RS stands for Really Sideways. At least, that’s the conclusion one could make after watching Porsche driving instructor Gordon Roberston thrashing the GT2 RS around Silverstone.
Autocar brings us another interesting video via their YouTube channel. Ever wondered just how close the track only Porsche GT3 Cup is to the road going 911 GT3 RS? Well, so have they. And what better place to compare the two than at Silvertsone. Copse, Maggotts and Becketts before a mini-relax along Hangar Straight. There wouldn’t be too many better experiences to be had in a car.
It’s actually not really a pleasant sound, but the noise made by the sequential gearbox is pure delight. We know that’s a bit of a contradiction, but we also expect many will know exactly what we mean.
It’s fair to say they could have upped the excitement levels in this video, but it’s worth watching all the same.
With the updated Cayenne out of the way Porsche today confirmed it is expecting the arrival of a new SUV model. For now, the mini-me Cayenne will be called the “Cajun”—it may just stick with that name, too—and will be based on the Audi Q5. We should be seeing show cars in 2013, or sooner, with the market release due in 2014.
According to Porsche, “the Cajun will also have a very positive impact with its typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility.”
Light weight, huh, they must have forgotten the Cayenne tips the scales at around 2000kg, give or take a few fat men.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful road car the team from Stuttgart has ever made. Its 620bhp sent Chris Harris into overdrive and all 500 examples have already been sold. With all the hype Fifth Gear’s Jason Plato thought it would be nice to celebrate his BTCC success by thrashing the newest “widow maker” around Silverstone.
Plato currently rates the Ferrari 458 Italia as the best new supercar money can buy. Is the GT2 RS about to knock the Fezza off its perch?
As promised Porsche has revealed a new lightweight Cayman model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As expected the car is badged as the Cayman R.
Porsche didn’t really offer up any surprises either, which means the Cayman is a bit lighter, has a bit more power and will cost a few more beans, as well. Peak power from the mid-mounted 3.4 litre flat six is 243kW (330bhp). Weight has been reduced by 55kg to a new unladen total of 1295kg. The ride height, too, has been lowered by 20mm.
Buyers can pick from a 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed PDK. Porsche reckon you can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds with the manual, or 4.9 seconds with the PDK. The optional Sport Chrono Plus package reduces the 100km/h sprint time further to 4.7 seconds. Top speed is around 280km/h.
Now, onto the use of the R badge. Keen Porsche scholars will remember the 1967 911 R. Just 19 were made with 210bhp powering a super lightweight 830kg body. The R stood for Racing (or Rennen in German). Since then the R badge has been used very rarely by Porsche and when it has been used it’s mainly been for true race cars, such as the GT3 R. Purists might not be happy that a Cayman with a mere 10bhp more than a Cayman S and a respectable, but not spectacular, 55kg weight difference has been granted such special status. Quasi-celebrity motoring journalist Chris Harris is not pleased.
You’ve got video, pics and Porsche’s press release available after the break to help you decide if Porsche has used the R appropriately.
Porsche has confirmed it will be offering a world premiere at the LA Auto Show. Of course, not much is given away, other than saying, “A mid-engine sports car which will be unveiled during a press conference at 10:55am on November 17.”
Our news from June tells us this is likely to be a lightweight Cayman model. It’s now understood this new offering will be badged the Cayman R and not the CS as first thought.
Following a similar path the gorgeous Boxster Spyder, the Cayman R is expected to shed 80kg of weight and gain a few extra horses along the way.
We’ll have full details for you as soon as they come to hand. In the meantime check out the Porsche press release after the break.
[Thanks to James for the tip]
Autoblog brings us a great gallery of images of the 991 Porsche 911 coupé and convertible. Based on these pics, which show development cars mostly free of camouflage, the next-generation 911 is going to be a very nice looking car. A better looking 997, really. Which is just what we have come to expect from Porsche.
With any luck we’ll see the 991 revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (3–13 March).
[Source: Autoblog | Pic: KGP Photography]
Word has emerged that the Volkswagen Group’s mittelmotor (MiMo) sports car platform has been approved. That means an Audi R5, like the rendering above, could be a reality by 2014.
Volkswagen would make use of the MiMo architecture by turning their Concept BlueSport into a production reality. Porsche, though, is likely to get first dibs on the platform as they will likely play a lead development role. Something which can only benefit Audi and VW.
The mid-engine R5 will sit in between the TT and the R8 in Audi’s model lineup. While a number of engine configurations will be available, including a few electric gizmos, it’s expected the hero R5 will be powered by the 2.5 litre five pot found in the TT RS.
The MiMo Porsche, complete with the internal codename 356, would be positioned below the Boxster, making it the most affordable way into Porsche ownership.
This mittelmotor thing, then, is set to bring the motoring world some very tasty metal. With Porsche’s involvement, it is sure to be a fantastic drive, as well. One very big AUSmotive tick of approval has just been granted!
[Source: Car]
Over the course of the last week material concerning the latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has come our way from two different sources. It would be wrong not to share it with you.
First, from Porsche UK some pics and a press release telling us how closely linked the new Cup car is to the mighty 911 GT3 RS. The release says this is the first time this has happened, which means the Cup car now has a body measuring 44mm wider than the previous model. This also allows wider wheels and tyres to be used. The rear rims are 12″ wide, if you don’t mind. Oh, for the record, that massive rear wing now measures 1700mm across.
Of course the other key numbers to remember are 1200kg, 3.8 litres and 331kW (450hp).
Also finding its way to the AUSmotive in tray were a handful of images from Porsche Australia as part of their Australian International Motor Show press pack. Remember, the Carrera Cup returns to Australian race tracks in 2011. The GT3 Cup on the Porsche stand was one of the highlights of AIMS last week and if you couldn’t get along here’s a second chance to see what you missed.
Probably not. But if you take a look at this photoshoot on the GTSpirit forums you’ll most likely think the Carrera GT is a much nicer looking car than you first thought.
So, then, the most beautiful Porsche of all time? Can you really go past a mint 356 Speedster? I don’t think you can.
[Thanks to Richard for the tip]
Just 500 examples of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS will be made and if you don’t have your name down for one you are too late. Porsche is proudly boasting that all examples of its 620ho supercar are now sold. That means your best chance to see one right now is to go to the Australian International Motor Show where there is a stunning red example on the Porsche stand.
Here is the AUSmotive photo gallery from the Australian International Motor Show industry day. There are 128 photos in all and you can simply click on each thumbnail to access a 2000px super image.
Highlights include a couple of track specials in the form of the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the rear-engined V6 Renault Megane Trophy. Others to look out for are the Toyota FT-86G concept, the Ford Focus RS, a trio of Lamborghini Gallardos and the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which looks great in all white.
Dedicated articles on the following cars can be access by clicking on the links below:
A big thank you to Daniel McKenna who joined the AUSmotive crew at AIMS and brought you many of the pictures you see here.