Yahoo Autos The 700-HP Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Is a Race Car for Regular People
Not one to let its high-performance models quietly fade out of production, Porsche has revealed a Clubsport version of the 911 GT2 RS, which is based on the 991-generation car-which is now old, because the all-new 992-gen 911 also made its debut at the Los Angeles auto show. More than just a special edition, the Clubsport is a track-only GT2 RS created for customers who want to go racing.
While it hasn't been designed for a specific racing series, the Clubsport is eligible to compete in "clubsport events," which are track days held by the Porsche Club of America, and selected motorsport meets, although Porsche doesn't say what those could be. Frank-Steffen Walliser, vice president of motorsport and GT cars, says that Porsche is working with race organizers to get the Clubsport allowed into international racing events and open track days as well.
The Clubsport's powertrain is nearly identical to that of the standard GT2 RS, meaning a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic. Output is the same, at a robust 700 horsepower, but the Clubsport gets its own central-exit exhaust system. To bring all those horses to a halt, the Clubsport is fitted with racing brakes-steel discs all around with six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers at the front and four-piston calipers. Also standard fitment is a fully adjustable racing suspension setup, a new limited-slip diff, and 18-inch center-lock wheels with Michelin race tires.
Easily distinguishing the Clubsport from a normal GT2 RS is the giant rear wing, modified rear diffuser, vented front hood, and a handful of additional aerodynamic add-ons. Many of the body panels are made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The Clubsport is a single-seater with a stripped-out interior; it retains the 911's basic dashboard shape but with a racing steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats, controls in the center console for things like traction- and stability-control systems, and a roll cage. The Clubsport does, at least, still have air conditioning.
Porsche says that the GT2 RS Clubsport starts at $478,000 (excluding taxes and other fees), with deliveries beginning in May. Only 200 Clubsports will be built, and all will be painted white-ostensibly so owners can create their own liveries as on the Martini-finished Clubsport shown in these photos. Yes, $478,000 might seem like a lot of money-even compared with the almost $300,000 that a regular GT2 RS commanded-but it's a lot cheaper than Porsche's other GT2 RS–based track-only special. The retro 935, unveiled earlier this year, has even crazier bodywork and a likely price of more than $800,000. Oh, and only 77 of those will be built. So for the Porsche aficionado who wants to go racing without actually joining a race team, the GT2 RS Clubsport is a bargain, really.
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