The Best Porsches for Track Days

Why It's On The List

When it broke cover, this 911 GT2 RS was the most powerful production 911 ever made, with its turbocharged engine cranking out 700 hp. The RS in its name stands for 'Renn Sport.' It is an indication of the car's track-oriented setup, a fact further reinforced by the car's heavily vented bodywork and massive rear wing for added downforce.

The 911 GT2 RS sheds weight through extensive use of carbon fibre and other lightweight materials. This translates to rocket-like acceleration and sharp handling, aided by its powerful engine, lightning-quick PDK transmission and a near-perfect chassis setup.

A timed lap of 6m 47.3s at the infamous Nurburgring, an incredible 10 seconds faster than the 918 Spyder - is a testament to the capabilities of the 911 GT2 RS around a race track. The best part? It is still a fully road-legal supercar with a generous load out of modern-day 'nice-to-haves' like Apple CarPlay, an infotainment screen and an optional front axle-lift system to protect the lip from scraping on obstacles.

Why It's On The List

The 2019 Porsche 935 is a track-only beast. While that may seem like a disadvantage, what it means is that Porsche engineers were able to really stretch the capabilities of the 911 GT2 RS (991.2) Clubsport racecar platform, the car on which the 935 is based.

You can also think of the 935 as an extremely dialled-up version of the already formidable 911 GT2 RS.

The car is immediately recognizable with its elongated profile. The stretched bodywork is a nod to the original 935. The design also helps with the car's aerodynamics while it's being pushed to the limits at the race tracks.

Other highlights of the 935 include spoiler end plates from the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, wing mirrors from the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR and a massive wing that stretches almost 2 metres across the width of the car.

The interior has also been adapted for life on the circuit, with add-ons like a full FIA roll cage, bucket racing seats, six-point racing harness and an escape hatch.

Why It's On The List

Freed from regulations, the sports car is a blend of an aggressive design and technical benefits gleaned from not having to follow standard competition rules.

Its hood and roof are shared with the regular GT3 R racecar. However, every other body panel, together with air intakes and ground effects, are specific to the GT3 R Rennsport. The distinctive wing, based on the Brumos Porsche 935/77, generates so much downforce it needs additional supports to help hold it up.

At its heart is a raucous naturally aspirated powerplant that revs to an ear-splitting 9,000 rpm, generating over 600 hp in the process. The interior is all business. There's only one seat, with most of the remaining space taken up by a roll cage.

The GT3 R Rennsport was designed for the most hardcore Porsche enthusiasts - the kind that would not hesitate to shell out a seven-figure sum for their ultimate track toy.

Why It's On The List

The RS version of the 718 Cayman sports car was unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. The highlight was its power plant, a naturally aspirated unit taken from the 911 GT3. It's enough to make the 718 Cayman GT4 RS the most powerful mid-engined Porsche production vehicle.

Weight reduction was a priority for the 718 GT4 RS, with carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic for components such as the hood and front fenders.

The rear window is made of lightweight glass, while textile door opening loops and nets for the storage compartments are further examples of the extreme weight-saving measures on the car. The overall result is an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.6 lb/hp.

It is the most hardcore Porsche Cayman ever made. Its potent engine, weight, supremely balanced chassis and an otherworldly soundtrack combine for an exhilarating experience out on the track.

Why It's On The List

The 992.1-gen 911 GT3 RS is a platform that showcases the best of Porsche's engineering brilliance and cutting-edge innovation. It is arguably the biggest single step in the RS lineage since the 996-gen GT3 RS debuted back in 2004.

It was first presented in August 2022 for the 2023 model year, and it did not take long before the positive reviews started flowing in.

Porsche describes the car as 'the most extreme street-legal Porsche GT car ever.' There are a lot of facts that lend credence to that statement. The 911 GT3 RS boasts insane amounts of grip and balance, aided by the chassis setup and an aerodynamics package that heavily incorporates technology from Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsports.

Prioritizing downforce has slightly compromised top speed, but the 911 GT3 RS still delivers explosive acceleration from a standstill. It can rocket to 60 mph in 3 seconds and continue to a top speed in excess of 184 mph (296 km/h) top speed.

Why It's On The List

The Porsche 911 Turbo S lacks the rawness and uncompromising track focus of siblings like the GT3 RS. However, there is still plenty on offer justifying its status as a capable track-day weapon.

At the heart of its performance is a twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a thumping 640 horses. Porsche's GT3 models may be quicker around corners on the circuit, but the Turbo S can reel in most rivals on the straights.

The 911 Turbo S accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 2.2 seconds and is one of the fastest Porsches ever made.

Yes, speed is its strength, but the 911 Turbo S is no one-trick pony. It can also handle bendy corners on a race track with ease, thanks to its responsive steering and precise overall handling.

Away from the track, the Turbo S seamlessly transforms into a comfortable road-going vehicle with comfortable seating and well laid-out interior. It is not the kind of car you ship away from track-day events in a trailer.