2007 PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS (2)

The RS badge first appeared on the most iconic of 911s, the 1973 Carrera 2.7 that Porsche built to homologate racing 911s. The GT3 RS models are built by Porsche’s Motorsport department. It exists as a separate entity and production facility and has a long history of turning out some of the very best track weapons to double as road warriors. So this Keeper has genuine race car credentials. And authenticity: no GT model is made without a race programme.

With an RS model, you’re guaranteed a race-proven engine and a workmanlike cabin. Our engine is a version of the renowned 3.8-litre ‘Mezger’ unit named after engineer Hans Mezger, who was responsible for the engines in some of Porsche’s most successful racing machines. Its bulletproof reputation saw it developed over and over again to deliver not just endurance and speed but also a thrilling soundtrack to boot. Track users will tell you it’s best served between 5000 and 8000rpm.

The engine achieves a higher output than a ‘regular’ GT3 motor due to better induction and a higher compression ratio. To give you the full RS picture for the 997-series, Porsche went further still with the 997.2 RS of 2010 (330kW) and capped things off with the special-edition GT3 RS 4.0 of 2011. Its 367kW engine came straight out of the RSR racing car, and just 400 were made.

Got one? Driven one? Share your GT3 experience: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz