Mystery Of The Missing Vent: Why Does the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Get More Air While The Standard GT3 Doesn’t?

We get under the skin of both models to try to decode why the GT3 doesn't feature the side vent and here's what we found

Both the GT3 and the GT3 RS, based on the 992.1 pack race-bred performance

But, do you know why the GT3 RS has a side vent, but the standard GT3 lacks one

There are two main theories for the missing side vent on the GT3

The GT3 RS produces extra power and requires more cooling for the engine under pressure

However, both models pack the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine making 503 and 518 hp respectively

The actual reason for the side vent on the RS is for improved aerodynamics, which come courtesy of the aggressive bodywork

The GT3 RS produces three times the downforce compared to the GT3 and the side vent plays a part

The vent helps create a vacuum and reduce air resistance at the rear of the car.

The GT3 RS sacrifices a slightly higher top speed (184 mph) for better track performance

With lesser downforce, the standard GT3 has a higher top speed at 197 mph

Also, the GT3 uses the Carrera's narrow-body platform

The GT3 RS meanwhile uses the wider body of the Turbo

The wider body of the RS allows for more aerodynamic features besides the side vent.

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