To be consistently at the top, there is one thing you must have: strict discipline.

If you want to be an achiever, then you must have dedication, precision and accuracy. Especially on the racetrack, where top performance is put to the test. Whether you are driving a sportscar or building one, one thing is definite: if you want get into the top discipline, you must be ready to give everything. The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0.

The challenge: the 911 GT3 RS. The level: extremely high. Reaching it: enormously difficult. So, to surpass it called for everything we knew as an automotive manufacturer: ideas, passion and dedication. The reward: 4.0-litre displacement, less weight, more power. The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings all of this directly onto the racetrack. The proof: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than the 911 GT3 RS. From 0 to 200 km/h takes just 11.9 seconds – so the clock stops 0.3 seconds sooner.

The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is synonymous with power, and certainly exudes it. The ingenious aerodynamic design is especially reflected in the large front and rear spoilers and the air outlet at the front. This creates aerodynamic downforce on the front and rear axles, thus increasing performance.

To further increase downforce on the front axle, for the first time on a road legal Porsche GT model, the front has an aerodynamic dive plane on each side. Proven on the racetrack, in the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 they enable improved road-holding.

To ensure an aerodynamic balance at the rear, the new side plates on the rear wing have been adapted to the new flow ratios. The rear spoiler can also be adjusted for use on the racetrack.

The athletic body is wide at both the front and rear, with wider integrated wings at the front. The wheel housings contain white 19-inch GT3 wheels with central locking device.

Also being seen for the first time on a road legal Porsche GT model are another two motorsport inspired features: new decorative centre stripes in GT Silver Metallic with Guards Red edging – a strong contrast with the exterior in Carrara White – and the Porsche logo on the rear wing. The central titanium twin tailpipe is another striking feature.

In summary: excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of only 0.34, great road holding and a distinctive motorsport design.

If you want more power, you first have to lose ballast. The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 builds on the lightweight construction concept of the 911 GT3 RS. Its weight has been reduced by another 10 kg thanks to more lightweight components. For example, the front lid and front wing are made from carbon. It has therefore gained another 37 kW (50 hp) of power output at the same time to give a power-to-weight ratio of only 3.7 kg/kW. A ratio for which we had to work hard. The reward: outstanding performance.

This extremely high power to low weight ratio is possible thanks to the use of lightweight materials that are typical of motorsport. The front lid, front wing, fixed rear spoiler and air filter housing are made from carbon, as are the lightweight bucket seats and the door sills with the ‘RS 4.0’ logo. The engine cover and rear middle section are made from plastic, the rear window and now also the front side windows from polycarbonate.

The doors, fixed calipers on the front and rear axles and the rear spoiler mounts are made from aluminium. The lightweight door panels feature door pulls to save further weight. A lightweight 60-Ah battery also contributes towards weight reduction, and an even lighter lithium-ion battery is available as an option.

If you wish, you can eliminate the CDR-30 audio system or the air conditioning or opt for lightweight headlamps, to achieve a more impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is equipped with a variable intake manifold. To ensure high levels of torque and power over a wide range of engine speeds, in addition to a conventional distributor pipe, it also has two resonance pipes with switching resonance valves. At low engine speeds, both resonance valves are closed. At medium rpm the first, smaller valve opens. If the engine speed continues to rise, this closes and the second, larger valve opens. At high rpm, both resonance valves open. In addition to this, a completely new carbon air filter ensures better flow ratios and therefore less drag.

The noticeable result is an impressive torque characteristic, high maximum torque and high power over a wide range of engine speeds.

The six-speed gearbox in the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 therefore has an extremely short gear lever throw. The gear ratios are perfectly matched to the 4.0-litre engine and the best possible driving performance.

Gear changes are fast and precise, even in the top power range. The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 has a single mass flywheel. Its low weight improves engine dynamics and the engine can rev more freely in the upper speed ranges.

The standard locking rear differential’s lock factors of 28 % (when cornering under power) and 40 % (when cornering on the overrun) are optimally matched to the engine’s power and torque characteristics. These result in greater traction, better acceleration and improved handling. The greatest virtue on the racetrack is always to gain time.