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New 911 GT3 RS is the closest thing you can get to a racing version of the 911 while remaining street legal and it is set to make its first public appearance at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the recently introduced 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 facelift, the latest generation RS model benefits from increased engine power, lower weight, shorter transmission ratios and an optimized chassis.


Designed to be the ultimate rear-wheel drive sports car, the RS features a modified version of the GT3's 3.8-liter boxer engine. Peak output climbs to 450 hp, which is 15 hp more than the standard GT3. Backed up by a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, the new 911 GT3 RS should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in four seconds, before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph).


The RS also features wider front and rear tracks as well as additional wheel arch covers that increase the span across the nose. The pronounced wheel arches house 19-inch alloys shod with 245/35 ZR 19 sports tyres up front and 325/30 ZR 19 at the rear.


Other performance tweaks include a wider front and rear track, a revised suspension management system, active engine mounts (which adjust their stiffness to reduce drivetrain shuffle), and an optional lithium-ion battery (it weighs 10 kg/22 lbs less than a conventional lead battery).


The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is expected to go on sale in most European countries at the end of the year, In the U.S. the 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
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