Porsche announce 493bhp GT3 RS 4.0

Excuse our inner cynic for a minute, but Porsche has just released another limited edition 911 that screams run-out special.

Joining the ranks of 911 GTS, 911 Speedster, 911 Sport Classic and 911 GT2 RS is the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 – the largest ever 911 engine, bolted into the lightest and most hardcore 911. Only 600 will be available worldwide from July (with about 40 destined for the UK), which is just in time for the release of the all-new 911 in September.

Still, it’s difficult to stay cynical with Porsche for too long. The 4.0-litre GT3 RS will be the closest a road-going Porsche gets to the iconic racing Porsches, thanks to race-bred tech like the crankshaft from the GT3 RSR, and titanium conn rods.

Look carefully at the pictures and you’ll see the little flic winglets on the front bumper. This is the first time a road-going Porsche has got these aero tweaks, which helps total downforce reach 190kg at top speed.

More pictures of the Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 

Peak power is 493bhp and max torque is 339lb ft – throw in the 1,360kg kerbweight, and 0-62mph should be possible in 3.9 seconds. Maximum speed is 193mph.

A few 911 comparisons for you – get your numbers head on. The turbo’d GT2 RS does 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, the 911 GT3 RS 3.8 weighs 1370kg with 444bhp, and does 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds. As ever, Porsche’s talent for squeezing new models into the teeniest gaps never fails to impress.

Nor, we’ve no doubt, will this £128,466 car fail to impress when we eventually get to drive it. It might be nearing the end of its life, but the 997 911 is still one of the finest sports cars on sale. The GT3 RS 4.0 will be no different.