The latest generation Porsche 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S have been officially unveiled by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP). The unveiling which was held at the Sepang International Circuit was in conjunction with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) that is taking place this weekend where the race version (911 GT3 Cup) will also be participating. (more…)
“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.
The eighth generation of the Porsche 911 is not just more powerful than its predecessor, but is also more comfortable and safer. With Porsche Wet Mode, the sports car offers even better handling on wet roads – a world first introduced exclusively for the 911. The innovative assistance system includes a function for detecting significant wet road conditions and a corresponding vehicle setup for increased driving stability on wet road surfaces.
How Porsche Wet Mode works
“Wet Mode was developed to provide the driver with consistent support in wet conditions. It does not restrict the maximum power of the engine or limit the top speed, and should therefore also not be used as insurance for driving too fast in very wet conditions. Instead, it should be seen as an assistance system in the truest sense,” says August Achleitner, who has been head of the model series for many years. Porsche Wet Mode can automatically detect a wet road and warn the driver about the risk of aquaplaning. For this purpose, acoustic sensors in the front wheel housing detect swirled-up spray water. This makes it fundamentally different from windscreen wiper rain sensors, which only react optically to water droplets on the windscreen independently of the road conditions. This is because there may still be standing water on the road even when a rain shower has passed. Here’s the video on how it works…
If the system detects a wet road surface, the response behaviour of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) systems is preconditioned. Both systems then intervene earlier and more sensitively than before. In addition, a warning is shown on the display on the right next to the rev counter. This informs the driver of detected wetness and recommends that the driver switch manually to Wet Mode. The corresponding function can either be activated in the new button bar above the centre console, or is integrated in the mode switch on the steering wheel with the optional Sport Chrono Package.
If Wet driving mode is activated, the PSM, PTM, adaptive aerodynamics, optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus and drive responsiveness are all adapted to guarantee maximum driving stability. From 90 km/h, the variable rear spoiler is extended to performance position, the cooling air flaps open, the accelerator pedal characteristic is flatter, and the PSM Off function or Sport mode can no longer be activated. The torque build-up of the engine is smoother, and the shift strategy of the new eight-speed PDK transmission is automatically adapted to this. On the 911 Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive model, more drive power is transferred to the front axle than in normal mode in order to reinforce the stabilisation effect. Reduced locking ratios of the electronically controlled rear differential lock are also part of the 911 setup for wet conditions.
The effect for the driver is clearly noticeable: the 911 offers more confident handling, while the precisely matched interventions are particularly effective in the event of sudden changes in direction, spontaneous power requests or on changing road surfaces with different coefficients of friction. The electronic copilot does not just offer benefits in the wet. Wet Mode can also be activated manually on snow-covered roads with reduced grip in order to increased driving stability.
The eighth generation of the new 911 was presented in Los Angeles at the end of November 2018. The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S now produces 331 kW (450 PS). This corresponds to an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) compared with the previous model. Both 911 models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs 3.7 seconds and the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive just 3.6 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case.
911 Carrera S: Fuel consumption combined 8.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 205 g/km;
911 Carrera 4S: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 206 g/km;
911 Carrera S Cabriolet: Fuel consumption combined 9.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 208 g/km;
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 207 g/km
The consumption and CO2 emissions values were calculated using the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this must continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values calculated based on the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.
Further information on the official fuel consumption and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars is available in the “Guidelines on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” [Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen], which are available free of charge from all sales outlets and from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT).
Six weeks after the 911 Coupe’s launch, attention now turns to the 911 Cabriolet. The open-top 911 continues in a decades-long tradition, established when Porsche unveiled the prototype of the first 911 Cabriolet at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1981: customers and fans alike were instantly captivated. The first open-top 911 variant rolled off the production line in 1982, and it has been a constant feature in the model range ever since.
The open-top version of the iconic sports car will be launched in 2019 to almost unprecedented fanfare. It includes all the innovative features of the Coupe, along with Cabriolet-specific advanced features such as new hydraulics which get the roof opened and closed more quickly than ever.
The new model echoes the modern lines of the Coupe, though it remains unmistakably a Porsche 911 in Cabriolet form. The fully-automatic soft top has an integrated glass rear window, while the soft top structure contains magnesium surface elements known as bows, which reliably prevent ballooning of the roof at high speeds. The soft top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 50 km/h. New roof hydraulics reduce opening time to around twelve seconds, while an electrically extendable wind deflector ensures that necks are shielded from wind impact.
The 911 Cabriolet is initially available as a Carrera S* with rear-wheel drive and Carrera 4S* with all-wheel drive. Both rely on a 2,981 cm³ charged six-cylinder boxer engine with 331 kW (450 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm torque between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. The drive efficiency has been increased and emissions reduced by way of an improved injection process; other optimisation measures have also been implemented, such as a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system.
The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Carrera S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.7 seconds) and can reach speeds up to 306 km/h. The Carrera 4S attains a top speed of 304 km/h and achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.6 seconds).
The new engine mounting position makes the Cabriolet even more torsionally rigid than its predecessor. For the first time, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport chassis is available for the 911 Cabriolet. The springs used for this are harder and shorter, the front and rear anti-roll-bars are more rigid, and the chassis overall has been lowered by ten millimetres. These adjustments give the 911 a more neutral feel on the road, with better weight distribution.
An exterior design that draws on earlier generations of the 911
The new 911 Cabriolet looks wider, more self-assured and altogether more muscular than its predecessor. Wider wings arch over the large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel models. The rear axle is 44 mm larger. The front end – generally 45 mm wider – revives a traditional feature from earlier 911 generations: a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen. Both elements lengthen the front of the vehicle and give it a dynamic look.
The rear of all models is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position spoiler and the continuous, seamless and elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.
Redesigned interior with clear lines
The interior is distinctive, with the clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard. As it does in the original 911, the new dashboard covers the entire width between two horizontal wing levels. Alongside the centrally positioned rev counter, two thin, frameless freeform displays deliver information to the driver. Now 10.9 inches in size, the centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be operated quickly and without causing distraction.
Sophisticated assistance systems enhance safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet Mode, which is included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set the car up to focus on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package). The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and initiates a warning or emergency braking procedure if necessary. A park assistant system including reversing camera completes the standard configuration of the Cabriolet. Options for the 911 include Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.
*911 Carrera S Cabriolet: Combined fuel consumption 9.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 208 g/km;
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: Combined fuel consumption 9.0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 207 g/km
The consumption and CO2 emission values were determined in accordance with the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this should continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values determined in accordance with the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.
It’s not everyday that someone takes delivery of one of the three most iconic numbers in the automotive realm, and with that in mind, following its official launch which you can read about here, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) the official importers of the Porsche brand in Malaysia, arranged a very special ‘handover’ ceremony for new owners of the 911 GT3 RS at the Sepang International Circuit! Check out the first video here…
“The new 911 GT3 RS is synonymous with hard core performance, and is hailed as the perfect bridge between the track and the road. At the heart the new 911 GT3 RS is a 383 kW (520 hp), four-litre, high-performance naturally-aspirated engine. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h. Following the launch of the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see SDAP present its second GT road-approved sports car within the same year” – SDAP.
The following video is just a brief walkabout and wrap-up of the days events… as well as a look at some of the more classic 911’s that made the trip to Sepang recently…
What it’s like to drive the Porsche 911 GT3 … in 5-min or less
It’s a teeny bit hard to put into words the overall feeling of taking a 911 GT3 on track for the first time. Yes. it’s a bit intimidating, let’s not forget there’s over 500bhp on tap, with 0-100kmh seen to in 3.2sec… but to be honest, it’s far from the scariest drive you’ll ever have (being a passenger in the Porsche Carrera Cup Car on the other hand will give you a heart-attack for sure).
The 911 GT3 is whatever you want it to be. That’s the best way I can put it. For the five or so laps, I did a combination of driving that its owners would face. The car can be driven leisurely and it will just putter around sedately, comfortably and totally hide the fact that there’s a raving beast with serious anger-management issues sitting just a foot behind you.
To unleash the beast, just press the ‘loud buttons’ on the centre console, floor the accelerator pedal and hold-on. The 911 GT3 will then show you its true colours. The beauty of it all though, is that it doesn’t feel like a Funny Car dragster about to spiral out of control and send you butt-first into the shrubbery, in fact even in full beast-mode, the 911 GT3 feels composed, despite sounding like a MOAB ordinance device has just landed behind you.
Point it where you want it to go, and it goes there, hit the PCCB brakes where you want it to slow down and it will; you hit every apex, everytime. 20-inch lightweight wheels with 265/35 rubbers front, and 21 inch wheels with 325/30 tyres at the rear provide copious amounts of grip and ensure the intended path is always hit dead-on. Active safety systems react instantly to correct any messed-up manoeuvre.
And then once you’re done being a juvenile, turn off the aforementioned loud buttons, and all at once, almost instantly, the GT3 becomes just a sedate 2-door coupe again. It’s a miraculous transformation, one that needs to be experienced to be believed. There’s no such thing as ‘the perfect car’, it’ll never exist, but boy, the Porsche 911 GT3 comes pretty damn close folks. Now just imagine what the 911 GT3 RS would feel like… – Chris Wee.
It’s been around looking largely the same for 50 years. Yes, fifty! Five zero. I guess when something is made right the first time out, there’s little need to improve on perfection is there? Even changing the shape of the headlights for the 996 line brought on the wrath of Porsche purists everywhere, some of whom were prepared to go to war with Porsche AG I’m sure. Ask anyone what’s the epitome of a true driver’s car and 9 times out of 10, the ‘nine eleven’ would be the answer.
It’s every boy-racers dream, it’s been hanging on bedroom walls in poster form for as long as bedroom walls have been around, and it’s likely to be the stuff of dreams to many, for many, many more years to come… and before we get into the nitty-gritty, have a look at our first video introduction to the Porsche 911 Carrera T. Exiting the lobby of the Andaz Hotel in Singapore recently, there she was…
Lovely isn’t it? Thus the saddest five words I’ve heard recently after having sampled the delectable new Porsche 911 Carrera T in Singapore were “it’s not coming to Malaysia”… Yes folks, what you see here will likely only remain here in the digital world for the immediate future because Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importers of this iconic brand in Malaysia, has no plans to bring the 911 Carrera T into the country. However, if for some reason you feel the desperate need to have one (who wouldn’t) you could head over to the Porsche Centres in Glenmarie, Sg.Besi and Penang to inquire; something tells me they could bring one in for you.
Built to celebrate 70 Years of the Porsche brand and 50 years of the iconic 911 itself, the Carrera T – the ‘T’ stands for Touring – is holding steadfast to the ‘Race on Sunday, drive to work on Monday’ credo that’s been the hallmark of the 911 lineage for as long as I can remember. Indeed while its performance figures of 370bhp and 450Nm are not to be trifled with, it’s the way in which the twin-turbocharged ‘flat-six’ engine puts the power down on asphalt through the rear wheels via its 7-speed PDK gearbox, that will bring a grin so wide to anyone who drives this car; a grin so massive that only plastic surgery will be able to remove it. Wanna grin even wider? Get the 7-speed MANUAL transmission Carrera T. Yes, there is one… three pedals yo.
Boasting a top-speed of 291km/h and a century sprint time of 4.2 sec, the Carrera T may be a heritage model, but it is by no means a slouch, and as with every 911, there’s no shortage of active safety systems to keep you on the intended path, despite whatever nefarious intentions you may have. A host of passive safety systems are also at hand to prevent you from becoming a crimson stain on the road. For the full specifications list, click to download this: Porsche 911 Carrera T Specs & Features
Singapore is a curious choice for any carmaker to have a test drive in, what more a Porsche 911. I’ll be honest, my first reaction upon getting this invite and finding out it was taking place in S’pore was somewhere along the lines of “Seriously??” It’s a known fact that supercar owners in Singapore – and there are many of them – often jump the border over to Malaysia if they want to stretch their cars’ legs a bit, the Sepang Circuit being a fave haunt of theirs, but here we were, doing the exact opposite. Let’s put it this way, from a standstill, the 911 Carrera T will get you a speeding ticket in 4 seconds….
Well, thankfully the organisers must have also realised this, because they managed to find a few deserted places (I saw lots of shipping containers go by in a kaleidoscope-ish blur) on which we were able to ‘let loose’ a few of those 370 horses and 450Nm’s of torques, which by the way is available from as low as 1,700rpm. As I mentioned earlier, the Carrera T is quite possibly the most ‘liveable’ 911 to come along in a while. I reckon of all the 911 models available, insofar as a 911 being used as a daily-runner is concerned, the Carrera T is definitely it.
In normal driving conditions like in the video above, it will even return a respectable combined fuel-consumption of 8.5L per 100km, as you cruise along sedately in normal mode, with the ‘enhanced’ exhaust sound turned off. Make no mistake though, once the traffic clears and you find yourself in an area full of shipping containers like we did, just plant your right foot, hold on and watch the unholy transformation unfold before your eyes.
Any gear, any speed, any driving mode, Normal, Sport, Sport+, it doesn’t matter, just hit the accelerator pedal the Carrera T goes from docile to delinquent in a shorter time than it took you to read the last six words of this sentence. This is not an exaggeration, there is zero lag in this car. But as aforementioned, it’s the way the Carrera T puts this power down that really impresses. Sure-footed doesn’t even begin to describe it, as the Carrera T seems to relish whatever you can possibly throw at it. It’s actually quite amazing just how far you can push this car before the active driver assist systems kick in. While the ‘T’ does indeed stand for Touring, never forget it could also stand for turbo, two of them in fact…
Here’s my final-say, wrap-up and 360 walk-about of the Porsche 911 Carrera T, hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did filming and driving this amazing car! – Chris Wee.
Porsche 911 Carrera T Photo Gallery…
This is a video of me at the wheel of the Carrera T in Singapore, unfortunately there’s no audio whatsoever. – CW.
In line with Porsche’s global 70th anniversary theme of “Sportscar Together”, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) launched the new 911 GT2 RS to its customers, sports car enthusiasts and the media on 29 June 2018 at Sepang International Circuit. It was a gala affair and here’s the launch gambit plus pit walkabout video…
“Porsche is celebrating its 70th anniversary with numerous activities around the world; uniting sports car enthusiasts, customers and employees, reminiscing cherished and exciting moments that have been shared with others around the world,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (below). “We are honoured to join Porsche in celebrating its 70th anniversary in conjunction with the launch of the new 911 GT2 RS,” he continued.
“The 911 GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 ever built. It has the performance level of a super sports car and has set a new record for road-approved sports cars on the 20.6-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife at six minutes, 47.3 seconds,” he added.
At the heart of the new 911 GT2 RS is a 515kW (700 hp) biturbo flat six engine. Weighing in at 1,470kg with a full fuel tank, the lightweight two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. The rear-wheel drive Coupé has a top speed of 340 km/h, and with its motorsport derived drive technology, the new 911 GT2 RS trumps its predecessor by 59kW (80 hp) and achieves a torque output of 750 Nm (an increase of 50 Nm).
The 911 GT2 RS builds on the 3.8-litre engine used in the 911 Turbo S. In order to increase its performance, larger turbo chargers push an increased volume of processed air into the combustion chambers. A new cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the over-pressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions.
The customised seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new 911 GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. In addition, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium. The use of titanium enabled Porsche’s engineers to reduce the weight by around 7kg compared to the exhaust system in the 911 Turbo. In addition, it features a newly developed, independent exhaust system with titanium rear silencer and the full sound of a high-performance turbo that delivers an emotional soundtrack that is without precedence.
Racing chassis for outstanding dynamic cornering
Discipline in sport means mastering every single detail, and in the world of super sports cars, cornering speeds are on another level. The 911 GT2 RS reaches these speeds, thanks to its flawless racing chassis with rear-axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres. Like all GT sports cars, the new 911 GT2 RS features a specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode that is tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics. Powerful air intakes and outlets, and the imposing rear wing emphasises the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which also means that everything about the new 911 GT2 RS is functional; it is a car that has truly mastered both form and design.
The large, wide wheels (265/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear) ensure outstanding braking and cornering power. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the 911 GT2 RS as lightweight as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line.
Optional Weissach package with 30kg weight saving
Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That is why Porsche’s engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides weight savings of around 30kg. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and titanium. For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. The luggage compartment lid and the carbon-weave finish roof are emblazoned with a central strip in the same colour as the car for a visually distinctive look.
A truly sporty interior
The passenger compartment of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara, black leather and features carbon-weave finish as standard. The GT2 RS sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles enables quick and sporty gear changes. Drivers and passengers will experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in full bucket seats with carbon-weave finish. As in every 911, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is the central control unit for audio, navigation and communication. The Connect Plus module and Porsche Track Precision app are also included as standard, enabling detailed recording, display and analysis of driving data on a smartphone.
The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include performance display, which can be used to display, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital displays. What is more, the Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with high level of precision.
Exclusive watch for owners: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
For the first time ever, Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of a high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new vehicle and can be ordered at the Porsche Centre. At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years’ work. The calibre 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimised movement bridge and an official COSC certificate of authenticity. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium. The vehicle and watch are produced individually according to customers’ preferences and will be delivered together.
The retail base price for the new 911 GT2 RS starts from RM2,900,000 which includes a four-year warranty. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
911 GT2 RS: combined fuel consumption 11.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 269 g/km
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS set another benchmark for road-approved sports cars at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in Germany: Porsche works race driver Kévin Estre set a lap time in 6:56.4 minutes with the 520hp GT3 RS. The Frenchman’s lap time was a whopping 24 seconds faster than the best time achieved with the previous GT3 RS model.
Porsche development driver Lars Kern was sharing driving duties with Estre. Following the 918 Spyder and the 911 GT2 RS, the new GT3 RS is the third production Porsche sports car with a notarised lap time of less than seven minutes on the world’s most demanding race track, known as the ‘Green Hell’. As is customary for record drives, the time was measured around the 20.6-kilometre lap. Here’s the in-car footage of this feat…
Frank Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars, commented; “No other Porsche model gets as close to racing as the new GT3 RS. Many innovative ideas from top-level motorsport were transferred; for example, from the 911 GT3 R. This is what our philosophy for GT models is about: Highest technology must be fascinating but tangible. In this regard there is no harder test for our ideas than the Nordschleife.”
Here’s a look at the GT3 RS in action from the outside at the Nurburgring Nordschleife recently…
Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line, added; “All four lap times of both drivers were below seven minutes and only tenths of a second apart. This proves not only the outstanding power of the GT3 RS, but also its extraordinary driveability at the limit. A perfectly composed overall system allows for highly dynamic performance even with a relatively modest engine power. For a driver, each of the car’s thousands of parts have to feel like one – that’s an unbeatable strength of the GT3 RS. And what especially delights me is how much fun Lars and Kévin (below) had when driving that car.”
29-year old Estre (below) began the record lap at 11:40 am in ideal conditions, with 14 degree Celsius ambient and 18 degree Celsius track temperature. “This lap was a sensational experience for me”, he revealed afterwards. “Through the fast corners and on the brakes in particular, the GT3 RS is unbelievably close to our racing car GT3 R. This is also thanks to the new generation of tyres for road going sports cars. I like the engine of the GT3 RS a lot. Up to 9,000 revs per minute from a six-cylinder engine just feels fantastic. The sound is a dream and the torque is massive.”
Since 2016 Kévin Estre belongs to the squad of Porsche works drivers. He competes with the Porsche 911 RSR in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) that includes the Le Mans 24-Hours. In the ADAC GT Masters he races the 911 GT3 R.
The 911 GT3 RS with motorsport-bred chassis and 383kW (520hp), four-litre, naturally aspirated engine had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March this year. The high-performance sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h.
The Porsche GT3 does not need an introduction, it is probably the epitome of performance in its segment. Engineered to be raw, wild yet tameable, the 911 GT3 promises unparalleled performance to the discerning few. And it is about to get even better for those interested to buy one in Malaysia.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the company behind brand Porsche in Malaysia, introduced three unique GT3’s exclusively for the Malaysian market, and these are – Meissen Blue, Signal Green and Riviera Blue.
These new colours were ordered by SDAP through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a department within Porsche that specialises in bespoke modifications for their owners. And this means that there is a very good chance that whoever ends up buying these cars, will probably be the only person with such a colour in Malaysia, the region, and though there is a lesser chance of it happening, but maybe even the world.
These unique GT3’s don’t only offer a special colour, but according to a press release sent out by SDAP, also offer a mixture of high-quality materials such as leather interior package featuring extended alcantara detailing. And nothing shouts performance than the colour red, and that is exactly the colour adorning the instrument dials, seat belts and the Sport Chrono stop watch, all of which are painted in a colour Porsche calls Guards Red. The cars also feature illuminated carbon door sill guards and body-guard air vents.
Just to recap, the Porsche 911 GT3 offers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.86 kg/hp with an overall weight of 1,430kg. The car transfers all of its 500hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK), and even with a full tank of fuel, the GT3 demolishes the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds, on to a top speed of 318km/h. But if you opt for the manual transmission, the GT3 sees off the 0-100km/h run in 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 320km/h.
And just for your information, the 4.0, flat-six engine is the same engine that powers the 911 GT3 Cup race car.
Full press release: Sime Darby Auto Performance unveils three exclusive and unique 911 GT3
Riviera Blue
Signal Green
Meissen Blue
The Porsche motorsport department is presenting Weissach’s latest treat at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show: The new 911 GT3 RS with motorsport chassis and 383kW (520-hp), 4-litre, high-speed naturally-aspirated engine. The new high-performance sports car is based on the 911 GT3, which has been refined still further to combine the performance-enhanced engine with a running-gear setup that features recalibrated rear axle steering designed for maximum dynamics and precision.
The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h. Following the launch of the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see Porsche present its third GT road-approved sports car within a year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=lTbGdV3NlNk
911 GT3 RS: Aerodynamics and interior based on the race trim
Aerodynamics have determined the design of the wide, weight-optimised body with its classic rigid rear wing. The racing look continues into the interior with full bucket seats made of carbon to provide secure lateral support in response to high-level driving dynamics. Lightweight door panels with storage nets and opening loops, reduced sound absorption and the new lightweight rear lid further emphasise the consistency of the material choices.
911 GT3 RS: The most powerful naturally aspirated engine at 520 hp
The four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from Porsche in the new 911 GT3 RS pushes the sports car to new limits: The flat engine delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more than the engine in the previous model and the 911 GT3. Together with a speed range reaching up to 9,000 rpm, it was the ideal choice as a thoroughbred sports engine. Combined with the specially calibrated seven-speed PDK, the high-performance engine guarantees an outstanding driving performance.
911 GT3 RS: Motorsport-inspired chassis and Clubsport package
Technology straight from motorsport ensures that the chassis offers exceptional driving dynamics. Ball joints on all arms provide even greater precision than conventional elastokinematic bearings. 20-inch lightweight wheels with newly developed 265/35 sports tyres on the front axle enhance agility and steering behaviour, while 21 inch wheels with 325/30 tyres at the rear axle improve traction.
As with all current GT sports cars, the Clubsport package is also available for the 911 GT3 RS at no extra cost. The package includes a roll-over bar, a manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point belt for a sporty driving experience.
911 GT3 RS: Weissach package and magnesium wheels for additional weight savings
For particularly ambitious drivers, the Porsche motorsport department has created an optional Weissach package for a further weight reduction. The package features additional carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior, as well as optional magnesium wheels. In its lightest configuration, this package reduces the weight of the 911 GT3 RS down to 1,430 kilogrammes.
911 GT3 RS Video:
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Photo Gallery…
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