This 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, soon to be auctioned by SOMO, is one of the rarest road-going 911s of all time and represents a pinnacle of Porsche’s engineering excellence. It is the ultimate iteration of the 997-generation 911 lineup, drawing directly from Porsche’s rich GT racing heritage.
Crafted largely by hand, only 600 examples of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 were sold worldwide, making it one of the most revered and exclusive models to emerge from the Zuffenhausen factory. Its 4.0-liter flat-six is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Porsche had ever installed in a road-going 911 at the time of the model’s release. This engine delivers 500 horsepower and produces 339 lb-ft of torque, featuring a high-tech array of components, including titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. Contrary to the earlier text, the top engine speed is an exhilarating 8,500 rpm—not 9,000—and it uses a six-cylinder layout typical of the 911, not a “boxer-four” as previously mentioned. This breathtaking redline underscores its lineage from the legendary, Porsche-defining Mezger-designed engine, the last of its kind to be equipped in a Porsche.
With a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, this car offers an exhilarating driving experience comparable to that of a racing car. The GT3 RS 4.0 also melds raw power with sophisticated mechanics. Its aerodynamic profile and lightweight structure are exemplary, employing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) extensively throughout the bodywork. The front splitter, rear wing, and side skirts are expertly designed to generate significant downforce, enhancing stability and in-corner grip at high speeds. Its race-bred character is further amplified by a finely tuned suspension system. The wheels—20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the rear—are made of forged aluminum and are equipped with lightweight, high-performance racing compound tires.
Presented here is a spectacularly pristine example of the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, meticulously maintained by its original owner in a temperature-controlled environment with just 920 miles on the odometer. Chassis number 005 is one of the earliest production models still held in private ownership, which only adds to its rarity and desirability.