Porsche 997 GT2 RS

If the “standard” 911 GT2 was not enough, Porsche turned the volume up to 11 with the GT2 RS. It was a fitting finale for the Type 997 generation. Porsche trimmed the GT2’s 3,175-pound curb weight by a further 154 pounds by further utilizing additional carbon fiber body panels and trim throughout. A new version of the twin-turbo, four-cam six-cylinder developed for the GT1 Le Mans race car was fitted with new four-valve heads, Variocam-Plus, and variable-turbine technology, and produced an eye-watering 620 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

With further attention given to the GT2’s aerodynamics, highlighted by its imposing bi-plane rear spoiler, performance was nothing short of astounding. Sixty mph could be achieved from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds according to Porsche, but many reviewers believed that time was a very conservative estimate. One-hundred mph could be reached in less than seven seconds, leading toward a top speed of 209 mph. The performance was reined in through Porsche’s PCCB ceramic-brake system, the PASM adaptive suspension, and stability control. Perhaps the car’s most impressive performance figure was its lap time around the Nürburgring Nordschleife: 7 minutes and 18 seconds, faster even than Porsche’s Carrera GT, the Ferrari 488 GTB, Maserati MC12, Bugatti Veyron 16.4, and Lexus LFA Nürburgring.

The 376nd example of just 500 built and one of 142 sent to the United States, this GT2 RS was finished in Porsche’s iconic Carrera White over a black interior. Extensively optioned, the Porsche is fashioned with Alcantara seat inserts with yellow contrast stitching and is fitted with an additional interior carbon-fiber package, steering-column casing in leather, and storage bin lid in Alcantara. The options list also includes the Sound Package Plus, Sport Chrono Package Plus, automatic dimming mirrors with rain sensor, Porsche Communication Management and clear tail lamps. By far the most expensive of these extras, carbon-fiber front fenders added an additional $6,840 to the suggested retail price.