Porsche Launches 991 GT2 RS During XBox One X Press Conference

The turbocharged monster that is the GT2 RS made its digital and physical debut on stage at E3 2017.

Porsche launched the most powerful production 911 in the history of the brand today at the E3 video game conference in Los Angeles. The announcement was made in conjunction with the XBox One X and Forza Motorsport 7 launch. While Porsche invited a single journalist from Evo Magazine to ride along in the prototype model of the car last week, we didn’t expect we’d see a production ready version for a few more weeks at least.

This GT2 RS surpasses the current lineup’s horsepower king, the 911 Turbo S which has 580 horsepower from a 3.8 liter flat six. Based on what we’ve already heard, Porsche will use that same base engine, though it will be given more stout internals, breathe through larger intercoolers, spool larger turbochargers, and make use of something they’re calling “water spray” to pump power up to at least 650 horses.   

The bodywork appears to be quite similar to that of the 991 GT3 RS model, though there are certainly some differences. The front fenders, for example, do feature vents, but they are not quite the same shape. The gaping front bumper is also quite different from that of the other RS. Like the 997 GT2 RS, this car makes use of exposed carbon fiber on the front deck lid, as well as a carbon fiber wing element, front fenders, and allegedly the roof will be optional in carbon fiber as well. While prior GT3 RS models have used Lexan for some of the windows to shed pounds, that isn’t strictly legal for sale in the US, so they have opted to use thinner and stronger Gorilla Glass for this model to drop a few.   

This launch is an interesting move on Porsche’s part, and indicates that they’re interested in working more closely with Microsoft. They’re already working together on an online racing league, but could we see more from the collaboration?

The full conference can be seen below, the Forza Motorsport section begins at the 44 minute mark.

[Source: XBox on YouTube]