ATLANTA – December 17, 2009 –Porsche ambassador and test driver Walter Röhrl (62) will contest the Nürburgring 24 hour race May 15-16, 2010. The double world rally champion will pilot a standard Porsche 911 GT3 RS. This marks the first time since 1993 that Röhrl will compete in Germany’s largest automobile race. Since 1993, Röhrl has conducted tests in every standard Porsche vehicle on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. “Right from the word go, the new 911 GT3 RS reminded me of a race vehicle,” says Röhrl. “No other road-going 911 has ever been as close to a race car as this current GT3 RS. That’s why I’m thrilled to be able to prove that this sports car is up to the challenge of the 24 hour race.” 
The new Porsche 911 GT RS is powered by a 450 hp, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine. The high-revving unit reaches a specific output of over 118 hp per liter. Developed in the motorsport department at Weissach, the 911 GT3 RS is fitted with a particularly short transmission ratio for racing purposes as a standard feature. The dynamic engine mounts featured as standard contribute to improved driving dynamics. Depending on the driving situation, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and body when driving under racing conditions. The aerodynamics is consequently designed for downforce – another forte for track racing. “In the last years, Porsche racing vehicles have performed brilliantly at the 24 hour race on the Nürburgring with their speed and extraordinary reliability,” says Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “Four times straight, it was the Porsche GT3 RSR that was the vehicle to dominate the overall classification. I’m very pleased to see one of our Weissach-developed road-going vehicles competing parallel to the thoroughbred racers and proving its suitability for long distance competition.” In the United States, 911 GT3 based race cars have collected 148 GT/GT2 victories between the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and Grand-Am sports car racing series, far more than any other manufacture since the ALMS began in 1999 and Grand-Am in 2000. 
2010 911 GT3 RS Specs: Engine: 3.8 liter horizontally opposed “boxer” 6 cylinder, with aluminum alloy engine block, cylinder heads and titanium connecting rods 450 hp, 317 lb ft torque Dry sump lubrication system with external oil tank and oil cooler Dynamic engine mounting “VarioCam Plus” variable inlet and exhaust valve timing Two stage resonance induction intake manifold Sport exhaust system with 2 titanium center tail pipes Transmission: 6-speed manual with inertia flywheel and transmission oil cooling Limited slip differential with asymmetrical locking action Wheels and Tires: 8.5”x19” pressure cast GT3 center lock wheels, 245/35ZR19 sport tires – Front 12”x19” pressure cast GT3 center lock wheels, 325/30ZR19 sport tires – Rear The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
Source: Porsche Press Release, Photos: Courtesy Porsche Cars, NA
