Porsche officials must be fuming over the fact that images of the new 911 GT3 RS have surfaced on the internet ahead of the August 17 reveal. After being fed a diet of spy shots and videos of the hardcore 911 flying around the Nurburgring, Porsche aficionados can finally get a glimpse of the finished product - and we're guessing they won't be disappointed.
While we've already seen Porsche testing the GT3 RS almost entirely sans camouflage, this is the first time we're seeing the finished product. It looks rather fetching in this silver/blue paintwork and red accents. Perhaps the most impressive part of the vehicle - from a design and engineering standpoint - is the incredible rear wing.
More prominent than before, you'll note it is one of two spoilers at the rear of the vehicle. A more subtle fixed item can be seen just above the light bar. The bumper differs from lesser 911s in several ways. You'll note the way in which it tapers away from the bodywork, where you can see the aerodynamic aids.
But the wind-cheating trickery doesn't stop there. CarBuzz recently uncovered a patent filed by Porsche, demonstrating a unique airflow device in the rear bumper. In theory, the active aero should provide startling grip and performance on the track, without impacting on daily driving and gas mileage, for example.
The images have been leaked across multiple social media platforms, with comments noting the 911 GT3 RS will receive carbon ceramic brake discs with a multi-piston setup. This is, of course, yet to be confirmed.
Earlier spy shots suggested the 911 GT3 RS will arrive with bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires never before seen on any vehicle. Traditionally, the high-performance variant has worn Michelin Cup 2 rubber, which seems to be the case in the leaked images which showcase Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. It's entirely possible, however, that Porsche is planning to offer the vehicle with a selection of tire choices as part of a Weissach Package or something similar.
Another detail we noticed was the all-new steering wheel. The test unit in question was fitted with a rather attractive three-spoke tiller, replete with four circular dials. As we mentioned at the time, the regular GT3 has just one of these steering wheel-mounted controls for the drive mode. Based on the images seen here, it was no fluke. The four switches will presumably adjust the various modes, along with suspension, gearbox, and powertrain settings.
Save for the steering wheel, the RS also boasts a chunkier gear selector. While the design mirrors that of a manual gear lever, we don't expect the racier variant to debut with three pedals. Still, it does look better than the minuscule shifter fitted to lesser 911s. Other than that, the cabin is typical Porsche - clean, understated, and classy.
As for the technical details, we're still left in the dark. Zuffenhausen has remained tight-lipped concerning the engine and its power outputs, but the motoring grapevine has speculated the 992 GT3 RS will gain motivation from the same 4.2-liter flat-six found in the recently-revealed GT3 R. If these reports are to be believed, expect as much as 550 horsepower from the newcomer.
We shouldn't have to wait much longer to learn more details, though. As mentioned, the GT3 RS is expected to be revealed later today.