We’ve known for a little while now that a new version of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, regarded by most as the maddest, baddest Neunelfer ever made, is on its way, and now we finally have some specs.
Speaking to Australian site CarAdvice this month, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that the GT2 - affectionately known as the Widowmaker, and for good reason - will return to Porsche’s lineup.
As we reported last year, the new GT2 will retain the same twin-turbocharged setup as its forebears, and although Porsche is remaining schtum on exact power figures, it’s expected to put out between 620-700bhp.
Blume said: “For the GT2 it’s very typical to have big power combined with the turbo engine. Today we can’t talk about the power, but when we launch the car I think you will see at which level we can get to with the car. And we’re still working at it.”
For context, the previous 911 to wear the GT2 RS badging produced 611bhp, while Porsche’s current range-topper, the Turbo S, makes 572bhp from a similar twin-turbo setup.
However, while the 911 Turbo S uses four-wheel drive, the GT2 version will remain strictly rear-wheel drive only, while it will also come exclusively with Porsche’s PDK automatic gearbox.
“That’s another philosophy – because there you’re talking about a turbo engine, and the manual we are putting more in the GT3. It will be PDK driven,” Blume said.
The previous GT2 RS came with a six-speed manual, but given all the extra raw horsepower this newest version will be having to manage, it’s unlikely that there’ll be too many complaints.
In any case, Porsche has now finally brought the manual back to the GT3 after demand from enthusiasts, so you can still have your manual 911 cake and eat it too.
There’s still no word on when the 911 GT2 RS will break cover, but given that test mules have been spotted at the Nürburgring for quite some time now, a debut at this year’s Frankfurt show in September seems like a good bet.
