First look: Porsche's hard-core GT3 RS racer

PORSCHE will offer a "hybrid" 911 GT3 RS model in Australia next year – hybrid in the sense that it will come prepared for the racetrack as well as the road.

To be priced from $299,900 and available in the second quarter of 2007, the RS will be road-registrable and a fraction quicker than the standard GT3 courtesy of 20kg shaved off its kerb weight (down to 1375kg) via the use of an adjustable carbon-fibre wing, plastic rear lid and plastic rear window, among other things.

As a result, its 305kW 3.6-litre engine can, via a six-speed transmission (with a single-mass flywheel), accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.2 seconds – one tenth of a second earlier than the GT3.

It can reportedly reach 200km/h in 13.3 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 310km/h.

Using a moniker reserved for a select number of Porsche models – including the 1972 Carrera RS 2.7 and the 1991 type 964 911 RS – the latest RS is further distinguished from the standard GT3 with a Carrera 4-derived, 44mm-wider rear-end which conceals a wider track.

A "Club Sport" cabin trim will be offered as standard in Australia, which includes a bolted rollcage, two carbon-fibre racing bucket seats, a six-point harness for the driver, pre-wiring for a battery master switch, and a fire extinguisher.

Porsche Cars Australia anticipates that supply will be limited to around 20 units in 2007.