Porsche Malaysia introduces the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS: a true masterpiece of automotive engineering. With a sleek design, advanced racing technology, and unparalleled power, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a dominant force on the road and the track that joins the 911 lineup here in Malaysia.
The 2022 launch of the GT3 RS brought forth a marvel where the aerodynamics of this 911 street car surpasses even those of the GT3 R race car.
What’s more interesting is that at the heart of the substantial performance enhancement lies the innovative concept of a central radiator – a concept initially introduced in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR and later adopted by the 911 GT3 R. Departing from the conventional three-radiator setup of its predecessors, the latest 911 GT3 RS implements a sizeable, angled centre radiator situated in the front of the vehicle, occupying the space typically designated for luggage in other 911 models. This ingenious modification has not only liberated side space but has also facilitated the integration of dynamic aerodynamic components.
Aerodynamics
Speaking of aerodynamics, the new 911 GT3 RS showcases numerous functional aerodynamic components in its design. A notable highlight is the swan-neck-mounted rear wing, larger than before, consisting of a fixed main part and an adjustable upper element. Notably, the wing’s upper edge surpasses the car’s roof height for the first time in Porsche’s production vehicles. The car’s front no longer includes a traditional front spoiler, replaced by a dividing front splitter that manages airflow over and under the vehicle. Sideblades efficiently direct air outward, while front wheel arches are ventilated through louvered openings in the front wings.
Porsche has created a sports car dedicated to purists to commemorate the special anniversary of the classic 911 sports car: The 911 S/T.
The moniker distinguishes the new 911 S/T as the offspring of a first-generation 911 model that was especially performance-focused. Porsche began offering a unique race-specific 911 S in 1969. These vehicles were referred to as 911 ST internally. Acceleration, braking, traction, and cornering grip were all greatly enhanced by changes to the chassis, wheels, engine, and body. These versions did not yet make use of large spoilers or other aerodynamic aids.
The Targa top is a feature of Porsche’s which goes back over 50 years and offers a semi-convertible design that has been available on the 911 model. Although the concept is used by some other carmakers, the ‘Targa’ name can only be used by Porsche which was clever enough to apply for trademark protection many decades ago.
And through the different generations of the 911, a Targa variant has been offered alongside the Coupe and Cabriolet. The same applies to the latest generation and this third body variant is available as the all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S models.
Fully automatic roof system
As with earlier Targa models, there is the innovative, fully automatic roof system. Just like the original Targa model from 1965, it consists of a characteristic wide roll hoop, a movable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window. The roof can be opened and closed within 19 seconds.
The exterior of the 911 Targa is characterised by the design elements of its 992 model generation. Compared to its predecessors, the latest bodywork features significantly more pronounced wheel housings at the front and, between its LED headlights, its bonnet has a distinctive recess evoking the design of the first 911 generations.
The rear is dominated by a wider, variably extending rear spoiler and seamlessly integrated, elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is made from aluminium.
The interior echoes the 911 Carrera models and is characterised by the clear and straight lines of its dashboard and its recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the centrally-positioned tachometer – very much a defining feature for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays extend the information provided to the driver.
A compact switch unit with 5 buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions is located below the 10.9-inch centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Connect Plus with Apple Car Play.
At the rear lives a 6-cylinder, 3-litre Boxer engine with twin turbochargers. Tuned for the 911 Targa 4, it produces 385 ps/450 Nm and, in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, it is claimed. For the 911 Targa 4S, the output is 450 ps/530 Nm, giving a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed said to be 304 km/h, 15 km/h faster than the 911 Targa 4.
Both cars use an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is standard. Alternatively, the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with the newly developed 7-speed manual gearbox, with which the Sport Chrono package is included.
New technology has also been integrated to extend the range of features for both 911 models. For the first time, Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is available. Thanks to the enhanced Smartlift function, ground clearance can be programmed so that it is raised for everyday use.
The original 911 Targa. It was presented in 1965 as ‘The first standard safety cabriolet in the world’. The fixed Targa bar, derived from the roll-over bar which had proven itself in racing events, guaranteed a high level of protection for the occupants. The hood concept, patented in August 1965, also had other advantages. It solved the problem of the fabric hood bulging unattractively at speed on motorways just as reliably as it did the issue of body distortion, which was common with convertibles at that time.
Further developed chassis
The electronically-controlled variable damping system PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is part of the standard equipment on the new 911 Targa models. This system automatically adjusts the damping characteristics in terms of driving comfort and handling to each driving situation and has two manually adjustable maps, Normal and Sport.
On the Targa 4, deceleration is taken care of on both axles by 330-mm brake discs with black 4-piston monobloc fixed calipers. The red-painted brake callipers on the Targa 4S have 6 pistons at the front axle, 4 at the rear while its discs measure 350 mm front and rear. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake can be ordered as an option.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about the new and pre-owned models available in Malaysia.
Without a doubt, Porsche’s 991 series has been the most comprehensively developed generation of the 911 to date – and the most successful too, with 233,540 units produced. And its production recently came to an end with the final unit – a 911 Speedster – prepared for the US market.
“The 911 – the core of the brand – replaced the 356 in 1963 and, in the decades that followed, our rear engine model grew into an unrivalled sportscar icon. The 991 generation in particular has set new standards in terms of performance, drivability and efficiency. It fills me with pride, as well as a touch of sadness, to have to send it off into retirement. For myself, I can say that the 991 has given me enormous pleasure,” said Michael Steiner, Chief Research & Development Officer at Porsche AG.
Porsche 911 50th anniversary edition
Review of the 991 series
The 991 generation was launched in 2011 as one of the biggest development steps in the history of the model line. Nearly 90% of all components were newly designed or had undergone substantial further development.
Thanks to a lightweight body made of an innovative aluminium-steel composite, it was the first time that a new 911 had weighed less than its predecessor. The chassis, which benefited from a 100 mm longer wheelbase than the model that it replaced, could be equipped with a new, optional roll stabilization system. This was the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and it set the benchmark in terms of driving dynamics.
The Cabriolet followed at the beginning of 2012 with another innovation. When closed, the lightweight magnesium bows made it possible to achieve a coupe-like curve of the roof that had never been seen before, and with a silhouette that was retained even at high speeds.
Porsche 911 Targa
The new 911 Targa, which came out at the end of 2012, was equally spectacular. Like the legendary original Targa, the new model had the characteristic hoop running the width of the vehicle. At the push of a button, however, the top section of the roof could be moved automatically and stored in the rear of the vehicle.
The host of innovations continued in the 911 Turbo, which saw the first active aerodynamics and particulate filter-equipped turbo engines on any 911 Carrera model.
The 991 generation also proved the ideal basis for special models and radical sports cars. Porsche celebrated the 50th anniversary of its cult sportscar in 2013 with an exclusively equipped limited edition model, of which only 1,963 examples were built.
In 2016, the 500-bhp naturally-aspirated 911 R evoked memories of the road-approved 1967 racing sportscar that had the same badge. Two other purist sportscars with classic predecessors made their debut in 2017: the sporty 911 Carrera T and the 911 GT3 high-performance variant with Touring Package offer.
One millionth Porsche 911
One-millionth 911
The one millionth 911 was also built during the 991 generation. As with Ferry Porsche’s first company 911, the not-for-sale commemorative model was painted in Irish Green and boasted leather and Pepita seats. In the same year, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur presented the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series with 607 bhp and spectacular Golden Yellow Metallic paintwork.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Other notable facts: The fastest and most powerful 911 racing technology ever seen in a production road-going 911 appeared in 2017 in the form of the 700-bhp 911 GT2 RS. Its naturally-aspirated sibling followed a few months later. The 911 GT3 RS had a racing chassis and a 520-bhp 4-litre naturally-aspirated engine, perfectly combining road and racetrack.
Porsche 911 Speedster
Right on time to mark the 70th anniversary of Porsche sportscars, the 911 Speedster embodied the original virtues of Porsche: lightweight construction, efficiency, purity and driving pleasure. It delivered 502 bhp from the 4-litre naturally-aspirated engine, had a manual 6-speed transmission and a high-performance sports chassis.
The two-seater was not just the last derivative of the 991 generation but has now also become the last model of the series to be manufactured. Like its ancestor and archetype, the 1948 Porsche 356 No. 1 Roadster, it will become an ambassador of the brand.
“Would you like to join us on a week long drive around Peninsular Malaysia? You get to drive the new Cayenne and Panamera Sport Turismo. Aaand you get to hang out with other models like the GT2RS and GT3RS,” said the voice over the phone.
“Of course I would,” was my immediate answer, trying to sound as cool and collected as one possibly could.
Called the Porsche Drive of the Year, the event was organised by the Porsche Club of Malaysia as part of the 70 plus annual events which it organises each year (click here to read the story on the drive).
About 40 Porsches took part in the drive, including some from the Porsche Club of Singapore.
As with most club drives, we met on a Sunday morning at the Porsche Centre in Sungai Best.
It was quite a sight to see Porsches of all sorts, old and new, hardcore performance machines and classic cars as well.
We began the 2200km journey in the new Cayenne – the third generation model of a super successful car. Sleeker, smarter, faster, and generally much better than before, the Cayenne proved to be the perfect partner for such a journey. And for obvious reasons too.
The Cayenne has dual personalities – it can be often sighted on luxury boulevards and in the parking lots of some of the world’s wealthiest people. But on the flip side, it is also often sighted plying muddy roads as they transport timber tycoons to their destinations.
However, you don’t spot a Cayenne on a racetrack very often, but being a Porsche, it is quite capable of holding its own on any track anywhere. Porsche has equipped the Cayenne with all the wizardry needed to move a two tonne giant as quickly as possible with as little drama as possible.
And that same wizardry has been applied to provide you with a beautiful ride as well – soft and plush or rigid and responsive – all at the push of a button. This was perfect for the duration of the ride since we were driving mostly on badly patched trunk roads.
Called the Porsche Active Suspension Management, and judging by the state of our roads these days this technology is almost a must have in today’s cars. And even though it is an option in Porsche vehicles worldwide, it is offered as standard in the Malaysian spec Cayenne as part of the Porsche Premium Package offered on both the Cayenne and the Panamera Sport Turismo.
Handling is of course accurate when you want it, and dull and relaxed when you want it as well. All that the simple push of a button of course. But this is not contributed by the suspension alone, but also because the Cayenne we drove came equipped with the now infamous rear-axle steering system. This makes short work of making tight u-turns, and gives the car a level of handling other SUVs can’t match.
The system was first introduced back in 2016 and is fitted as standard on the GT3 and as an option on all other models. It will set you back by RM9,522, but if accurate handling is your thing, then it will be worth every ringgit.
So the Cayenne proved to the perfect steed for the drive. There were moments where we saw the GT2RS and GT3RS quite literally hopping and skipping over the uneven roads while the Cayenne simply glided over them. Absorbing and transferring every imperfection away from the cabin.
The Cayenne we drove was the base model, and costs RM894,683 with close to RM100,000 worth of options fitted. But the car is already impressive as it is.
The cabin is high-tech with touch activated everything on a piano black finished centre console. The piano black centre panel is something I personally cannot appreciate as I have sweaty palms. So after a day of driving, the controls were ruined by the smudges of my finger prints.
But that is made up for by a luxurious comfortable interior with ventilated seats, a four-zone air-conditioning system that lets each occupant control their own temperature setting, and a super crisp Bose surround sound system. As far as the drive is concerned, I believe the Cayenne was the best car to be in.
Of course, the faster 911s and GT cars were way ahead of us by at least an hour. But those cars were meant to be driven fast and tackle corners as if they were on rails. But we were not doing too bad ourselves.
The Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which may not seem like much, but it produces 340hp and 450Nm of torque. And even though the Cayenne is heavy, the engine is able to help it accelerate to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds (5.9 if you opt for the sport chronology package) and maxes out at 245km/h.
This was good to ensure that the Caymans and the Boxsters were always within sight.
Ever since it was introduced in 2002, the Cayenne has been regarded as one of the best, if not the best SUV in the business. This is because of its versatility on and off-road and how it balances that with luxury and performance. And now even the base Cayenne is amazing already.
Next week, we will tell you about the other car we drove, the Panamera Sport Turismo. It too has four-doors though it may not be as practical as the Cayenne, but it definately performs better. We will tell you more next week!
Porsche Premium Package – What is it?
According to Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (official dealer and distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia), it is an initiative to enrich the product substance to elevate a customer’s ownership experience even further. It offers additional comfort and luxury features that include 14-way power seats including memory function for both driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, automatic dimming mirrors, electrical sun blinds, ambient lighting, and BOSE Surround Sound System.
Porsche has teamed up with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) by committing to a multi-year partnership. This agreement will see the German automaker become the official and exclusive automotive partner of the WTA and the new title partner of the Porsche Race to Singapore”.
The Porsche Race to Singapore which is a leaderboard, used to be known as the Race to Singapore, and will, for the whole season, display the names of eight of the most successful singles and doubles players competing in the 57 tournaments that make up the WTA. The best results of each player from each tournament will play a part in determining if they qualify for the WTA finals in Singapore. Each tournament represents one lap on the leaderboard and the respective tournament is given its own ‘pit lane board’ displaying the lap number or in this case the number of the tournament with respect to the total for the season.
The player that heads this leaderboard with the most points at the end of the ’57th lap’ race will win a place in Singapore for the finals and will also be awarded a new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.
“The title sponsorship of the Porsche Race to Singapore contributes to the internationalization of our engagement in women’s tennis. It intensifies our successful partnership with the WTA and enriches it with a new attractive element,” said Detlev von Platen, member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Alongside our national activities and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s worldwide presence, this new element provides value and visibility throughout the entire year in women´s tennis.”
Currently, the Porsche Race to Singapore is being led by Czech Karolina Pliskova, with victories in Brisbane and Doha. Caroline Wozniacki occupies second place after finishing runner-up in Doha, Dubai and Miami. Johanna Konta, the Miami winner, is third.
We will need to watch the entire season to see who finally drives home the shiny new Porsche 911, but expect some tough battles as players vie to be crowned champion at the end of the season.
SIME Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, launched the fifth-generation 911 GT3 RS at the Sepang International Circuit in conjunction with the ninth and tenth rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2015 last week. (more…)
