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2001 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Race Car (996) (2001 - 2004)
In the 2000 FIA GT Championship, the 996 GT3 R was the dominant racer in the new N-GT class and won every run. In the same year, the factory-supported Phoenix Racing won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. In 2001, the modified version, now called the 996 GT3 RS, was used. The vehicle was not only very successful in its class, it also achieved overall victories. Modelled on the 911 GT3 R, the GT3 RS race cars offered a number of technical improvements, which combine to ensure a racing car with optimal competitiveness. 50 racing cars were produced.
Based on the road-going 996 911 GT3 RS, the GT3 RSR features improvements to its predecessor in all key areas. The vehicle is available in an ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) version for competing in Le Mans and in the American Le Mans Series as well as in a FIA specification. The 911 GT3 RSR features a modified front which improves downforce at the front axle. The 3.6-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine delivers 445 hp at 8,250 revs. Maximum torque is now 405 Nm at 7,200 rpm, with top revs reached at 8,500 (for the FIA specification with two 30.8 mm air restrictors). Race cars never got more exciting than this.
In 2002, the standard Carrera models underwent a facelift. In addition, engine capacity was also increased to 3.6-litres across the range, with power up slightly on the naturally aspirated models. 2002 also marked the start of the production of the 996 based Targa model, with a sliding glass "green house" roof system as introduced on its predecessor. It also features a rear glass hatch which gave the driver access to the storage compartment. The 996 Targa is the rarest bodystyle in the series – only 5,152 were produced (all Mk.2 generation) between 2002 and 2005.
Porsche introduced the turbocharged version of the Type 996 for the 2001 model year (late 2000 in Europe). Like the 996 GT3, the Turbo's engine was derived from the engine used in the 911 GT1. Like its predecessor, the 993 Turbo, it featured twin-turbos but now had a power output of 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp). As of 2002, the X50 package would increase engine output to 444 hp. The 996 Turbo was available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic (Tiptronic), driving power to all four wheels. This is a great great car.
Introducing this new top-of-the-range model, Porsche is once again placing a 911 Turbo Cabriolet right at the top of the family after a break of 14 years: From 1987 - 1989 the Porsche 930, as the first Turbo was code-named within the Company, set the first milestone in the history of these outstanding open-air sports cars. With cylinders still featuring two valves each at the time, the 3.3-litre power unit driving the first Turbo Cabriolet offered maximum output quite unique at the time of 300 bhp or 221 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was in 5.2 seconds and the car had a top speed of 260 km/h or 161 mph.
Towards the end of the 996 production run, Porsche introduced the Turbo S, boasting even more power than the standard 996 Turbo — 450 PS (331 kW) and 620 N·m (457 lb·ftf)— courtesy of the X50 package being standard. The Turbo S was limited to approximately 1,500 units worldwide, of which 598 were coupé (hardtop) and 960 were cabriolet (convertible). It was available with a 6-speed manual or an automatic (Tiptronic S) transmission, driving power to all four wheels. The basic price is EUR 122,500 for the Turbo S Coupé or EUR 131,100 for the Turbo S Convertible. Sprints from zero to 200 km/h in 13.6 seconds.
The 2005 Porsche 996 Turbo S was available as both a coupe and cabriolet – it was basically a standard Turbo model with the X50 Powerkit and carbon-ceramic brakes fitted, alongside a few luxury features for the interior. Approximately 1558 Turbo S models (split between coupe and cabrio) were sold in 2005. Also included are small aluminum appointments to the interior and Turbo S badging. A great all-rounder with the extra power to surprise most. The Turbo S with manual transmission (coupé) sprints from zero to 200 km/h in 13.6 seconds. This is another 0.8 seconds faster than the 911 Turbo. Quite rare, with only a total of 600 units made.
Porsche 911 Turbo X50 (996)
The optional X50 Performance Package gave the base Turbo larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU and a quad-pipe exhaust, raising the engine’s output from 415 to 450 bhp and maximum torque from 415 to 457 ft lbs. With power at 450 bhp @ 6000 rpm and torque of 457 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm, the X50 option is a monsters. Porsche engineers achieved the increase in power and performance through modifications to the Turbo charger, the change air cooler, the control units and exhaust system in particular. The base constructions of the manual and automatic transmissions were also improved.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary car, revered for its timeless design, exceptional performance, and exhilarating driving experience. It also offers a spectrum of driving experiences, from the attainable enthusiast’s dream like the Porsche 996 to the pinnacle of track-focused performance, the 991 GT3 RS. The 996 strikes a balance...
Until now, the classic Porsche 911 still attracts a lot of enthusiasts and admirers. And the gorgeous, classic design definitely inspires the imagination of its more artistically inclined fans. Virtual artist Khyzyl Saleem, or more popularly known as the_kyza, recently posted his interpretation of the first water-cooled Porsche 911. He...
Porsche Of The Day: 2001 Porsche 911 GT2
The Porsche 911 GT2 combines the sporting character of the 996 911 GT3 with the power and straight line performance of the 911 Turbo. The fastest member of the 911 family, the 911 GT2 gets power of 462 bhp @ 5700 rpm and torque of 457 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm. It accelerates to...
2001 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Race Car
The GT3 RS race cars, modeled after the 911 GT3 R, incorporated various technical enhancements to ensure optimal competitiveness on the racetrack. A total of 50 racing cars were manufactured at the Weissach racing division, and the majority of them have already been delivered. Porsche’s Gran Turismo racing sports car...
Featured here is a a supercharged 996-generation 911, built by famed Porsche tuner RUF. The R Kompressor is based on a narrow-bodied 911 Carrera 2. RUF’s own centrifugal belt-driven supercharger was installed on the engine for optimal performance. Additionally, the car is equipped with the X51 Powerkit upgrade, which includes...
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Clubsport Dirk de Jager ©2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
The 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS serves as a homologation model, designed to comply with the new international GT rules and follow the tradition set by models like the Carrera RS 2.7 (1972) and the 911 SC RS (1984). These homologation models not only reflect proud chapters in Porsche’s heritage...
The RGT was designed as a naturally aspirated supercar, combining performance, drivability, and reliability while honoring the legacy of the Porsche RS and RSR. Based on a 996, the build began with the installation of a roll cage, enhancing structural rigidity, safety, and strength. The legendary “Mezger” 3.6L engine was...
The RUF Rturbo, based on the Porsche 996 Turbo, is available in configurations producing 520, 550, or 590 bhp, with the top-tier version delivering an impressive 830 Nm of torque. This remarkable performance is achieved through a combination of enhancements, including upgraded turbochargers, a meticulously engineered exhaust system, and re-mapped...
Kalmar Automotive, enhancer and restorer of bespoke sports cars and special purpose-built adventure vehicles, has revealed its first water-cooled ‘Adventure Range’ 911. The KALMAR RS-6 is its latest rugged all-terrain 911 engineered to challenge perceptions of what a classic sports car can do. After customers fell in love with the...
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Porsche 911 996 in-depth review – Ultimate sports car bargain! Is the Porsche 911 996 the best value used sports car you can buy? A decent one can be had for around £15,000 and in this video I explain the model range and review my very own 996. This is...
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Porsche 911 996 Turbo Review – Worth The Premium Over A C4S? Today I get to drive a car I’ve long lusted after – a 911 Turbo. My only experience of a Turbo so far was in a very heavily modified 993. The 996 has always been my favourite generation...
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To date, 27 different variants make up the current generation of the 911 model line-up. Chatting to its developers at a ‘speed dating’ event made one thing clear above all: each Porsche 911 has its own story. Chaos is the enemy of the engineer. Perhaps that would explain why there...