LA show: Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport unleashed

PORSCHE has unveiled its ultimate 991-series 911 with the hardcore, track-only GT2 RS Clubsport that will serve as a swansong to the current seventh-generation of sportscar to be succeeded next year.

Making its global debut at this year’s Los Angeles motor show alongside the new eighth-generation 992-series 911, the Clubsport boasts the same fiery 515kW twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat six as its GT2 RS donor car, but is 80kg lighter at 1390kg thanks to an even more rigorous dieting scheme.

The passenger seat has been ditched, making the GT2 RS Clubsport a two-door, rear-drive, single-seat racer, while the carbon steering wheel and colour display have been lifted from the GT3 R track car.

Although torque is yet to be revealed (the GT2 donor car produces 750Nm), it is expected that, with outputs sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, the Clubsport should be able to crack the zero to 100km/h milestone in around 2.8 seconds.

Aiding in weight reduction is the inclusion of a carbon-fibre-reinforced rear wing, bonnet and roof with built-in escape hatch in the event of a crash, while a strengthened fuel cell and fire extinguisher ensure the Clubsport is track ready.

Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters mean drivers can keep their eyes on the road instead of fumbling around the shifter, but if things get out of hand, six-piston brakes clamping on 390mm ventilated rotors up front and four-pot grabbers with 380mm discs at the rear can be used to scrub speed.

Also fitted to the Clubsport is a comprehensive rollcage, fixed-back bucket seat, six-point harness and – surprisingly – air conditioning.

Despite being confined to the racetrack, the GT2 RS Clubsport still features Porsche Stability Management with traction control and anti-lock brakes, which can both be individually adjusted or switched completely off.

While first deliveries of the 200-unit-limited GT2 RS Clubsport will take place in May next year with a pricetag of €405,000 ($A631,335), it is currently unclear if any of the track-focused models will make their way Down Under.

"Australians can submit an expression of interest (EOI) ... all EOIs wordwide will then be assessed – so there is no allocation per country per se," Porsche Cars Australia head of public relations told GoAuto.

For reference, the GT2 RS costs $645,000 before on-roads in Australia.

Porsche vice-president of motorsports and GT cars Frank-Steffen Walliser said the GT2 RS Clubsport will be seen in future at circuits around the world.

“For the upcoming years, our customers will not only race the GT2 RS Clubsport on track days but also at international motor racing events,” he said.

“We are currently holding very productive talks with the race organiser SRO.”

Porsche Cars Australia has sold 470 examples of its 911 to the end of October this year, a 21.4 per cent improvement over the same period last year, despite the model nearing the end of its lifecycle.

As previously reported, Porsche also revealed the new-generation 911 this week, which is expected to land in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2019.