The Best Porsche 911 'RS' Models

Why It's On The List

The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was first conceived as a homologation special to satisfy the demands of motor racing organizations to have road-legal versions of the race cars they approved for competition.

To achieve its racing pedigree, Porsche stripped the 911 down to its bare essentials. Lightweight materials such as fibreglass and aluminum were extensively used to keep the weight down. The result was a car that weighed significantly less than its standard counterparts, enhancing its performance and handling.

Under the hood, the Carrera RS 2.7 boasted a 2.7-litre flat-six engine that produced 210 horsepower. This potent engine, combined with the car's low weight, allowed for exhilarating acceleration and a top speed of over 150 mph. It was one of the fastest production cars at the time. The car's precise steering, responsive brakes, and sticky tires also contributed to an overall top-notch driving experience.

Why It's On The List

Porsche pulled no punches with the 911 GT2 RS, first unveiled to the public at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

With 700 hp on tap, it was the most powerful production 911 ever, courtesy of its potent twin-turbocharged flat-six powerplant.

That power output, harnessed by Porsche's famous PDK transmission and fed to the rear wheels, could propel the 911 GT2 RS to 60 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds. Its 211 mph top speed also meant few rivals could match its pace in an all-out straight-line run.

The 911 GT2 RS boasts performance underscored by an advanced chassis setup, exceptional handling and braking performance. It's a total package that makes it a formidable force on both the track and public roads.

The 2018 GT2 RS has set a very high bar for the next-gen GT2 RS model, which is expected to launch sometime in 2026.

Why It's On The List

Somehow, the 911 (Type 991.2) GT3 RS was a significant improvement over the Type 991.1 GT3 RS, which was already considered an excellent performance machine.

The major plus points that make the Type 991.2 GT3 RS an incredible sports car include its ultra-precise handling, superb balance and, of course, its high-revving engine.

The car was built with extreme track use in mind. What it lacks in top speed, it more than makes up for with an aerodynamics package that generates downforce that's twice as much as the regular GT3 at 125 mph (200 km/h).

At the heart of the 911 GT3 RS is a howling naturally aspirated flat-six unit that revs all the way to 9,000 rpm. Porsche's 7-speed PDK transmission helps the driver feel connected to the engine output at all times, delivering the kind of visceral driving experience that continuously demands a repeat performance.

Why It's On The List

There was nothing subtle about this hardcore performance sports car. It shared its block, long-stroke crank, and titanium rods with the 911 GT3 R and RSR race cars of that period.

Its 4.0-litre flat-six engine, the last of Porsche Motorsport's famous Mezger units, was the largest and most powerful naturally aspirated engine produced for a street-legal 911.

As with other RS cars, weight saving was a priority for the 911 (Type 997) GT3 RS. The massive rear wing, front fenders and hood were made from carbon fibre. Aluminum was used for the doors, while lightweight Perspex replaced the traditional glass for the rear side windows. The car was also stripped of its stereo and air-conditioning, though, they could be added back as no-cost options if the customer wanted.

The 911 (Type 997) GT3 RS was street-legal, but there was no doubt it was built for extreme performance. Porsche even offered a roll-cage and ceramic brakes as options.

Why It's On The List

The car is built around a naturally aspirated flat-six engine taken from the Porsche 911 GT3. The power output is just shy of 500 hp, enough to make the GT4 RS the most powerful Cayman model ever.

While the 718 Cayman GT4 RS boasts impressive acceleration, able to hit 60 mph in about 3 seconds, its true brilliance lies elsewhere. Razor-sharp steering, an exhilarating soundtrack, and a firm connection to the road elevate the driving experience to a truly special level.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is about 77 lbs (35 kg) lighter than the standard Cayman GT4. That's partly down to the use of weight-saving materials like fibreglass-reinforced plastic for the hood and fenders and lighter carpeting. Even the traditional door handles have been replaced by pull straps.

Porsche has announced that an all-new electric variant will replace the 718 Cayman. It makes the 718 Cayman GT4 RS the last of its kind, a fitting end to one of the world's greatest sports cars.

Why It's On The List

The 992-gen GT3 RS, launched in 2022 for the 2023 model year, sets a new benchmark for technology and performance within Porsche's GT3 RS lineage. Building upon the legacy of the 991.2 GT3 RS, this latest iteration incorporates numerous motorsport-derived innovations, underscoring its position as the most sophisticated GT3 RS ever created.

One of the main design highlights is the massive swan-neck rear wing fitted with a hydraulic DRS-style element, similar in concept to the one used in Formula One cars. It is part of an aggressive aerodynamic package that also includes moveable flaps in the front spoiler.

At the heart of the car is a naturally aspirated flat-six that revs to 9,000 rpm and a 7-speed PDK transmission with a shorter final drive ratio than the standard GT3. What Porsche has done with the latest GT3 RS is a masterclass in aero and chassis dynamics - focusing less on power output but more on the way it's delivered, ultimately allowing a uniquely engaging driving experience.