Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Introduction

Strip out some weight, add a high-revving race-derived 3.8-litre flat-six engine and tweak the aerodynamics, interior, suspension and you get the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

What are its rivals?

The 911 GT3 RS is something of an oddball in the car world. It exists to satisfy homologation rules that stipulate that Porsche must make a certain number of road cars to allow it to go racing. So the GT3 RS is a technicality, a glorious one admittedly, but one that's there to satisfy motorsport's rule-makers.

Its quoted performance - 193mph maximum and 0-62mph in four seconds - puts it into the league of the very fastest supercars. However, it's relatively modest 911 basis means Porsche doesn't ask too much money for it. At just over £107,000 it's certainly not cheap, but compare it to cars its performance is an equal or better of and it looks like good value for money.

How does it drive?

Given the RS's focus - this being a car you can choose to remove the air conditioning and radio from to save weight - it's remarkably useable. The ride is supple on the move, though around town its low nose means expensive sounding scrapes on big speed bumps and small ramps. That aside it retains the 911's roundedness. The race-derived 3.8-litre engine proves remarkably docile in traffic, while the gearshift is pleasingly mechanical and precise in its action. Up the pace and the GT3 RS is in the otherworldly league, with speed and poise to match just about anything on the market. It's sensationally quick, the 3.8-litre flat six not just providing massive power, but a soundtrack that'll leave you tingling well after you turn it off.

It's all about sensations with the GT3 RS. The feedback it gives you is so clear, its response to your input so instantaneous and accurate it's a car that you can really exploit. The steering is beautifully weighted, the brakes strong and the engine free-revving and supremely responsive. Add in that surprisingly supple suspension and the GT3 RS is about as fast a road car as you could ever hope to enjoy.

What's impressive?

It might be fast, but the GT3 RS can still be enjoyed at any speed. It's that feedback, that connectedness that separates it from mere ordinary sports cars - and even its 911 relatives. Every drive is an experience. The GT3 RS's reserve of ability is so deep it's unlikely anyone could ever tire of driving it. It's noisy, intense, busy and demanding, but that all only adds to its phenomenal performance and massive appeal.

What's not?

Anything this focused is going to come with compromises. The GT3 RS has no rear seats; instead there's a roll cage. The ride is a bit knobbly around town and it's a bit anti-social starting it early in the morning - it'll definitely wake up the neighbours. That low nose is a pain on our speed bump and steep parking/forecourt-ramp world too. And if we're being picky we'd lose the stickers, too.

Should I buy one?

If you want a pure hit of automotive adrenalin then do. Nothing comes close to the GT3 RS for providing epic performance, sensational feel and usability in a single package. Sure, there are more intoxicating, high-speed lightweight cars, but the 911 GT3 RS is the most complete. In a world where performance cars are increasingly faster but sanitised the GT3 RS is a refreshingly demanding and involving car, which rewards quite unlike any other. If we had £107,000 to spend on a car we know where we'd be putting it.

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