Porsche Driver Mark Webber Talks With Engineers About The New GT3 RS Weissach
Porsche racing driver is thrilled to geek out over Porsche’s latest track day weapon, the GT3 RS Weissach Edition.
There’s no doubt that former Formula 1 driver and Porsche sports car driver Mark Webber is one of the best in the world. He and director of Porsche’s GT models, Andeas Preuninger, had a chat about the new GT3 RS, specifically the Weissach edition, and why it’s one of the most pure driving cars you can still buy.
Preuninger starts off by using the car’s back-to-basics feel as its strongest point. There’s a lot of mechanical noise, especially as he describes from the engine and even the gearbox. That’s due to less sound suppressing material, rather than a fake noise pumped in through the audio system. Preuninger states, “it’s not audio engineering, it’s just an honest car.”
When it comes to that engine, don’t think of it as a refreshed version with just a bit more horsepower. “It’s not so much a refreshed engine, there’s many new components here,” Preuninger states. That’s important in the GT3 RS, as it’s one of Porsche’s most powerful non-Turbo motors.
As we know though, it takes far more than just power to get around a track. Brakes are even more important, and the GT3 RS’s brakes use ducting from the top down, rather than the scoops from the bottom up that Porsche used to use. Preuninger states; “NACA ducting gets very clean, very cold air on the calipers.” More critically, it reduces front end lift.
Porsche’s Weissach package does have some genuine benefits to those looking to get the most out of their 911. Although some components are the same, Weissach GT3s employ a thinner coating on most components, leaving them in exposed carbon fiber. For safety, a titanium cage is used instead of steel. Weight savings don’t come at a cost though, because it is just as safe as a steel cage. And of course, who can ignore those gorgeous magnesium wheels?
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