Porsche introduced its new lighter 911 GT3 RS with the Weissach Package with a 0-to-60 time of under 3 seconds. Photo credit: AutoBlog.com
Perhaps no automaker better takes an iconic vehicle and tweaks it everso slightly to the squealing delight of a dedicated fan base than Porsche and its 911. For 2019, Porsche is adding the Weissach Package to the 911 GT3 RS model.
Based on the 911 GT3 RS just unveiled in Geneva, the optional Weissach Package is available for the first time on a 911 GT3 RS model and complements the most powerful naturally aspirated road-going 911 ever with additional lightweight components, Porsche notes.
Naturally, there’s a price for such subtle visual changes: $18,000 for the Weissach Package, which helps the 4.0-liter 520 horsepower flat six push the car from 0-to-60 mph in less than three seconds.
The package’s focus is speed through less weight, starting with the carbon fiber roof, which saves about 1.1 pounds of weight compared to the standard magnesium panel and almost 3 pounds compared to an aluminum roof. More significantly, this reduces weight in one of the most important areas of the car.
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With the weight savings engineers achieve with this package, designs must have felt that if it performs like a race car, it might as well resemble one too. The standard carbon fiber hood and carbon fiber rear wing of the 911 GT3 RS are painted in body color, they feature visible carbon fiber when the vehicle is ordered with the Weissach Package.
Additionally, the rear wing is equipped with a large “Porsche” logo. The Weissach Package also includes stabilizer bars and suspension coupling rods made of carbon fiber, which save 11.9 pounds. Finally, carbon fiber shift paddles on the steering wheel as well as carbon fiber steering wheel trim contribute to roughly 0.5 pounds of weight savings, while lightweight carpeting saves another 0.5 pounds.
Like on the 2018 911 GT3, the front and rear fascia are made of lightweight polyurethane. Additionally, the front trunk lid and fenders on the 911 GT3 RS are made of carbon fiber and the roof consists of magnesium.
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The front fascia features a spoiler lip that is larger than on the previous model, increasing downforce in conjunction with the larger side skirts. At the rear, the large wing mounted on the carbon fiber deck lid works in combination with a rear underbody diffusor. The result: The 2019 911 GT3 RS produces more than twice as much downforce as the regular 911 GT3 at 124 mph.
If that isn’t quite enough, the package can be paired with a set of forged magnesium wheels that are 25 pounds lighter than the standard wheels, significantly reducing unsprung and rotational mass, further improving handling and suspension fidelity, the company notes.
The price for the magnesium wheels in conjunction with the Weissach Package is $13,000, but won’t be available until later in the year. When equipped with these options, the weight of the 911 GT3 RS drops to 3,153 pounds. Rounding out the Weissach Package are headrests of the standard Full Bucket Seats embroidered with a Weissach Package logo as well as a Weissach Package badge located above the glove compartment.
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The new 2019 911 GT3 RS is available to order now and is expected to reach U.S. dealers this fall at a price of $187,500, not including available options or the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee.