Porsche celebrates 70th anniversary at Sepang International Circuit

Global 70th anniversary theme of Sportscar Together celebrated with customers and sports car enthusiasts 

To celebrate 70 years since the launch of the first Porsche, the Porsche 356 “No. 1” Roadster, Sime Darby Auto Performance launched the new 911 GT2 RS at Sepang International Circuit.

The stripped down, road-going track car has a 700bhp, 750Nm biturbo flat six, 3.8-litre engine capable of going from nought to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 340km/h. The rear wheel drive Coupé weighs just 1470kg with a full tank of petrol, is 80bhp more powerful and produces 50Nm more torque than its predecessor.

The 911 GT2 RS’s engine is based on that in the 911 Turbo S with modifications to increase its performance. These include larger turbo chargers push an increased volume of processed air into the combustion chambers, a new cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the overpressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions. The customised seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new 911 GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. In addition, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium. The use of titanium enabled Porsche’s engineers to reduce the weight by around 7kg compared to the exhaust system in the 911 Turbo. In addition, it features a newly developed, independent exhaust system with titanium rear silencer and the full sound of a high-performance turbo.

The GT2 RS features rear-axle steering, Ultra-High Performance tyres, specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode tailored for optimal driving dynamics along with larger air intakes and a rear wing to improve downforce and stability. In addition, large, wide wheels (265/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear) ensure outstanding braking and cornering power. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard.

The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the 911 GT2 RS as lightweight as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line. Optional Weissach package with 30kg weight saving

Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That is why Porsche’s engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides weight savings of around 30kg. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and titanium. For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. The luggage compartment lid and the carbon-weave finish roof are emblazoned with a central strip in the same colour as the car for a visually distinctive look.

The pared down 911 GT2 RS interior is red Alcantara with black leather and carbon-weave finish as standard with full bucket seats, also with carbon-weave finish. To enable faster and sporty gear changes, the GT2 RS’s sports steering wheel has paddleshifts. Standard in the 911 GT2 RS is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), the control unit for audio, navigation and smart phone connectivity.

The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include performance display, which can be used to display, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital displays. The Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with high level of precision.

To celebrate the debut of the 911 GT2 RS, for the first time ever, Porsche Design is releasing a special-issue watch with its housing made of lightweight titanium. The watch is available exclusively to owners of the new car and comes with a COSC certificate of authenticity. The watch and vehicle are produced individually according to customers’ preferences and will be delivered together.

The retail base price for the new 911 GT2 RS starts from RM2,900,000, which includes a four-­year warranty. The price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.