The latest generation of the GT3 RS has become the third Porsche model to lap the world-renowned Nürburgring in under seven minutes.
Unveiled earlier this year, the racecar-inspired model completed the 12.9-mile circuit in 6:56.4 – with only the 918 Spyder and GT2 RS going faster.
Driven by French endurance driver Kévin Estre, his time was 24 seconds faster than the previous version of the GT3 RS – with Porsche test driver Lars Kern, who also drove the car during the session, only a tenth slower than Estre.
Frank Steffen Walliser, Porsche vice president for motorsport and GT cars, said: “No other Porsche model gets as close to racing as the new GT3 RS. Many innovative ideas from top-level motorsport were transferred; for example, from the 911 GT3 R.
“This is what our philosophy for GT models is about: the highest technology must be fascinating but tangible. In this regard, there is no harder test than the Nordschleife.”
Following his lap, Estre said: “This lap was a sensational experience for me. Through the fast corners and on the brakes in particular, the GT3 RS is unbelievably close to our racing car GT3 R.
“This is also thanks to the new generation of tyres for road-going sports cars. I like the engine of the GT3 RS a lot. Up to 9,000 revs per minute from a six-cylinder engine just feels fantastic, and the sound is a dream.”
Unveiled just before the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the 911 GT3 RS is fitted with a 513bhp, naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre straight-six engine, which can launch the car from 0-60mph in three seconds flat. Top speed is 194mph, and it comes with track-developed fairings and bodywork to make it one of the most aggressive-looking road cars.
Prices for the model start from £141,346.
