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Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.2): Everything We Know So Far

Here's why the most track-focused 992.2 slated for 2026, could be the last of its kind

by Dimitar Angelov on December 13, 2024, 14:30

One by one, the 992.2 lineup is being rolled out. This generation marks huge changes for Porsche’s iconic sports car as it brought us the first 911 powered by a hybrid powertrain. While the 911 won’t go fully electric anytime soon (if ever), some of the more high-performance 911 variants will not live on without experiencing big changes. When it comes to normally aspirated Porsche 911s, the GT3 RS sits at the top of the food chain as the most track-focused model of the bunch.

The 992.2 GT3 recently debuted and it, sort of, hints at some of the things we can expect from its more radical counterpart. Recently, spy shots of the upcoming Porsche 992.2 GT3 RS emerged and straightaway, we noticed a few changes compared to the current, 992.1 GT3 RS. Even with the camo, we see extensive modifications to the car’s body, which could mean a couple of things and so I wanted to touch upon everything we know so far about Porsche’s upcoming track-bred sports car.

The 992.2 GT3 RS could be the last of its kind

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.2): Everything We Know So Far storyboard - image 198787

Looking at the recently unveiled Porsche 992.2 GT3 gives a plausible insight into what we can expect from the 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Emissions regulations are clamping down hard and engineers are backed against the wall, trying to comply with the latest requirements while squeezing out more performance from the existing platform. For this reason, for the first time, the new 911 GT3 did not see a bump in power, when compared to the 992.1.

The 992.2 GT3 makes 503 horsepower and its peak torque is, actually less at 339 pound-feet versus the 992.1 GT3’s 347 pound-feet – although this is, likely, accompanied by a bump in mid-range torque, which would help reduce CO2 emissions. The fact that they haven’t squeezed more power out of the engine tells me the 4.0-liter flat-six has reached its limit in its current form, not in terms of performance though, but in terms of covering the latest emissions requirements. One thing that will remain constant is the seven-speed PDK automatic. Like on the 992.1 GT3 RS, this will be the only way to get the track-focused 992.2 GT3 RS.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.2): Everything We Know So Far storyboard - image 198790

In a recent interview with Autocar U.K., Porsche GT boss, Andreas Preuninger said that the next-generation 911 GT3 might not cover Euro 7 emissions regulations, without resorting to forced induction or electrification. While there are rumors that the GT3 RS could receive turbocharging even before the next generation, no turbo noises can be heard in the spy videos. These rumors, likely refer to the GT2 RS test mule, disguised as a GT3 RS.

My money is on electrification as it will be the only way for the next-generation GT3 RS to comply with Euro 7 regulations and retain the normally aspirated boxer engine. We have already seen the performance gains in the T-Hybrid-equipped 992.2 GTS and Porsche has been racing hybrids for some time now. Porsche is a co-owner of Bugatti and judging by the Tourbillon’s normally-aspirated V-16 hybrid powerplant, the upcoming GT3 RS could likely, take a similar direction. Power-wise, we could be looking at the same 518 horsepower for the Porsche 992.2 GT3 RS. That said, there will be a GT2 RS, as revealed by spy footage of a GT3 RS-labelled prototype.

Porsche 992.2 GT3 RS will be all about enhanced chassis and aerodynamics

Each GT3 RS has to be measurably better than the last one and it seems most of the 992.2 GT3 RS’s tricks will not be under the skin but on the skin itself. It seems most of the revisions will be at the rear, where the prototype is camouflaged the most. We see new marker lights on the front bumper, but those could be for the North American market. That said, this is the first-ever 992.2 GT3 RS prototype spotted, so we are likely not looking at the final version of the sports car.

The carbon-fiber rear diffuser has been redesigned and now spans almost the entire width of the rear. The edges of the rear bumper also seem more pronounced, hinting that larger air extractors could be hiding under the camo. The taillights also seem to have a clear section extending further towards the center of the rear. The new iteration of the track-focused Porsche could use some tricks, borrowed from Porsche partner, Manthey Racing. who already offers a radical kit for the current 992.1 GT3 RS.

Downforce is the name of the game and the GT3 RS and the 992.1 produces 1,895 pounds at 177 mph. Manthey Racing’s kit improves that figure to 2,204 pounds. Perhaps, the 992.2 GT3 RS could be somewhere in between. We will get a better idea once the development of the 992.2 GT3 RS is in its later stages. Watch this space.

Dimitar Angelov

Dimitar Angelov

Dim has been an automotive journalist since 2014. Although he is interested in all things automotive, his main interests revolve around, Asian, classic, and sports cars. He is particularly fond of Porsche sports cars as well as JDM classics from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and others. Dim operates mainly from Bulgaria, but can, occasionally, be seen attending Europe's most reputable Auto shows, and events. Read full bio