Owning a 991 GT2 RS: Fantasy vs. Reality

So you want to own a Porsche 991 GT2 RS. Who wouldn’t? 710 horsepower packed into a sexy rear-engine coupe that can hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds. It’s the stuff of gearhead fantasies. But fantasies tend to gloss over the realities of actually living with such an extreme machine. Before you sign that $300,000 check and commit to its $30,000 annual upkeep, here’s what owning the widowmaker is really like. Spoiler alert: it’s not all open winding roads and checkered flags.

Overview of the Legendary 991 GT2 RS

The 991 GT2 RS is the stuff of legend. For decades, the GT2 RS has represented the pinnacle of Porsche performance and engineering. Owning one is a dream for many, but what’s it really like living with this icon?

First, the power is intoxicating. The 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six pumps out 700 horses, catapulting you to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The acceleration is savage, the speed relentless. Driving the GT2 RS stirs emotions on a primal level.

Handling is razor sharp. The rear-wheel steering and active suspension keep this widowmaker planted, allowing you to carry speed through corners in a way that defies physics. You’ll experience G-forces few road cars can achieve.

All this performance comes at a cost. The GT2 RS rides rough, the cabin is loud, and the seats are unforgiving. Driving it for long periods leaves you fatigued. Fuel economy is abysmal, as one might expect. Insurance and maintenance are wallet-draining propositions.

The GT2 RS attracts attention wherever it goes. People will follow you, film you, ask questions. Anonymity is not part of the experience. You’ll become accustomed to strangers snapping photos and shouting praise. Some may see you as an eccentric show-off.

For the select few who get to own a 991 GT2 RS, it’s a vehicle like no other. Raw yet sophisticated. Extreme yet polished. The drive of a lifetime, whenever you want it. But as spectacular as it is, the GT2 RS requires deep commitment and real sacrifice. Fantasy, meet reality. Is it worth it? For the true believers, absolutely.

Exterior Design and Aerodynamics of the 991 GT2 RS

When you first lay eyes on the 991 GT2 RS in person, you’ll be stunned by its aggressive yet elegant exterior design. This Porsche means business.

Aerodynamic excellence

The 991 GT2 RS generates up to double the downforce of the standard 911 Turbo S, thanks to aerodynamic enhancements like a massive rear wing, enlarged front splitter, and redesigned side sills that improve airflow and high-speed stability. At 186 mph, the rear wing alone produces over 900 pounds of downforce to push the car into the tarmac.

You’ll also notice wider front fenders to accommodate the wider front track, giving the 991 GT2 RS a muscular stance. Massive air intakes in the front fascia feed air to the radiators and brakes. At the rear, an imposing diffuser and center-mounted twin-tube exhaust system hint at the power that lies beneath.

Lightweight philosophy

In the quest for maximum performance, Porsche employed a “lightweight philosophy” utilizing carbon fiber reinforced plastic, magnesium, and aluminum throughout the build. Features like the carbon fiber hood, roof, front fenders, and bucket seats, magnesium wheels, and aluminum door skins and engine mounts shave weight while maximizing stiffness. The end result is a car tipping the scales at just 3,241 pounds, 176 pounds less than the standard Turbo S.

Owning the 991 GT2 RS means enjoying a modern work of art, wrapped around one of the most impressive powertrains Porsche has ever developed. Its no-nonsense track-focused design and lightweight construction serve a singular purpose – blistering on-road performance. For the lucky few who get to experience its greatness, the 991 GT2 RS is a fantasy fulfilled.

Interior Design and Technology of the 991 GT2 RS

The 991 GT2 RS is all about an immersive driving experience, and its interior design reflects that. Once you slide into the carbon fiber bucket seats, you’ll feel snugly secured for pushing the 3.8 liter flat-six engine to its limits.

Cabin Layout

The cabin layout puts the focus squarely on the driver. A wide center console separates you from the passenger seat, housing critical controls like the Sport Chrono Package timer and suspension settings within easy reach. The GT2 RS comes with a half roll cage for safety, though for weight reduction purposes the rear seats have been removed. This is a two-seater through and through.

Digital Displays

The 991 GT2 RS comes equipped with Porsche’s latest PCM infotainment system displayed on a large touchscreen. You can control features like navigation, radio, Bluetooth, and more. However, the real showstopper are the analog gages behind the steering wheel, providing a classic sports car feel. A large tachometer dominates the center, letting you keep an eye on the engine as it screams up to 8,000 RPM. On either side are displays for road speed, gear position, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.

Materials and Amenities

In line with its laser focus on performance, the 991 GT2 RS eschews luxury for lightweight, performance-oriented materials. Alcantara, carbon fiber, and soft-touch plastics feature throughout the minimalistic cabin. Seats are manually adjustable. While not the plushest Porsche, the GT2 RS surrounds you in materials befitting the brand’s racing heritage. For a no-frills, driver-centric supercar, the 991 GT2 RS has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Owning a vehicle as potent as the 991 GT2 RS means sacrificing some creature comforts for the ultimate driving experience. However, its bespoke cabin and advanced systems provide all the essential technology you need while keeping excess weight to a minimum. For die-hard Porschephiles seeking one of the brand’s most focused sports cars, the GT2 RS interior perfectly complements its staggering performance.

Performance and Handling of the 991 GT2 RS

The 991 GT2 RS is designed to dominate on the track, but how does all that power and performance translate to the road? Quite simply, it’s an experience like no other.

Acceleration and Power

The 3.8L twin-turbo flat six engine puts out an astounding 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. When you press the accelerator, the GT2 RS leaps forward with a force that presses you into your seat. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes just 2.7 seconds, and it tops out at 211 mph. The power is instantaneous and intoxicating. Driving a vehicle with this level of power and acceleration stirs emotions you never knew you had.

Handling and Cornering

The GT2 RS features rear-wheel steering, dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus to maximize handling and cornering ability. It sticks to the road like glue, attacking winding roads and track corners with precision. The steering is perfectly weighted, giving you a connected feel with the road. You’ll find yourself seeking out the twistiest, most challenging roads just to experience how it flawlessly navigates each bend.

The Drive Experience

Driving the 991 GT2 RS is a visceral experience that ignites all your senses. You hear the roar of the engine, feel the vibration through the steering wheel and seats, and sense the perfect balance of the vehicle as you fly around corners. Your heart races when you step on the gas. It’s a thrill ride for the true enthusiast.

Owning a vehicle as high performance as the 991 GT2 RS does come with some compromises for daily driving, but for many owners, the experience behind the wheel makes it all worthwhile. It represents the pinnacle of engineering and technology for the Porsche brand, and driving one is a dream come true for die-hard fans. The fantasy can indeed become reality, if you’re willing to pay the price of admission.

Engine and Transmission of the 991 GT2 RS

The heart of the 991 GT2 RS is its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine. This powerhouse produces an astonishing 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful 911s Porsche has ever built. All that power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Acceleration and Speed

With so much power on tap, the 991 GT2 RS can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.7 seconds. The quarter mile passes in 10.5 seconds at 134 mph. The top speed is a blistering 211 mph. These supercar levels of performance are intoxicating but require your full attention. The speed and acceleration are life-altering.

Sound

The engine emits an primal scream as the revs climb. The wail of the flat-six combined with the whoosh of the turbochargers will send shivers down your spine. While some luxury vehicles cocoon you from the outside world, the 991 GT2 RS amplifies and channels every sound to your ears. It is a symphony of mechanical music that redefines your concept of power and performance.

Handling

With its rear-wheel drive and active suspension, the 991 GT2 RS handles like a race car. Massive carbon ceramic brakes, rear-wheel steering, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) give you confidence in the twisties and when braking from high speeds. The steering is ultra-precise, and the grip seems endless. But make no mistake, this much power requires the utmost care and concentration from the driver. It is not for the faint of heart.

Owning the 991 GT2 RS is the fulfillment of fantasies for serious Porschephiles and performance enthusiasts. But with its uncompromising performance comes equally uncompromising demands on the driver. Keeping this beast under control requires skill, focus and respect at all times. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, the rewards of taming the 991 GT2 RS are life-changing. But it is not an easy beast to master.

Features and Options of the 991 GT2 RS

The 991 GT2 RS is Porsche’s flagship supercar, a no-compromise performance monster. For those considering taking the plunge, here’s what to expect in terms of features and options.

Power and Performance

With 700 horsepower and a top speed of 211 mph, the GT2 RS can hit 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. Its rear-mounted flat-six engine provides an intoxicating roar that will give you goosebumps. The seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers lightning-fast shifts.

Handling and Braking

The GT2 RS handles like a race car for the road. Rear-wheel steering provides razor-sharp precision, while standard carbon ceramic brakes scrub off speed with brutal effectiveness. Adaptive dampers allow you to adjust the suspension between comfort and track modes.

Interior and Technology

Don’t expect luxury – the GT2 RS interior is spartan, with alcantara trim and carbon fiber panels. Standard features include navigation, Bluetooth, and Porsche’s Track Precision app which provides performance data. A variety of interior carbon packages and deviated stitching options are available to further reduce weight and customize the space.

Exterior Styling

Aggressive aerodynamics dominate the GT2 RS’s form. A large fixed rear wing, front splitter, and side skirts provide downforce, while vents and scoops channel air. Standard LED headlights and taillights illuminate the road. Exterior color options include Viper Green, Guards Red, and Chalk which highlight the car’s dramatic lines.

Cost

With a starting MSRP around $300,000, the GT2 RS is not cheap. Options like a lithium-ion battery, front axle lift system, and various carbon packages can push the price well north of $350,000. But for the ultimate expression of Porsche performance, it’s a small price to pay for a legend.

The GT2 RS is the stuff of fantasies. For those lucky enough to experience its reality, life will never be the same.

Owning and Maintaining a 991 GT2 RS

Owning a high-performance vehicle like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a dream for many, but the reality of ownership often comes as a surprise. Before you take the plunge, here are some things to consider about living with this beast of a vehicle.

Cost of Ownership

The GT2 RS has a starting MSRP of over $300,000, but that’s just the beginning. Expect to pay higher insurance premiums to properly insure a vehicle of this caliber. Fuel costs will also be significantly higher, as the twin-turbo 3.8L engine only manages around 15 mpg combined. Factor in higher maintenance and repair costs—an oil change alone is $500. Not to mention depreciation, which while lower than other models, still amounts to tens of thousands per year.

Ride Quality

With 700+ horsepower and rear-wheel drive, the GT2 RS is a handful to drive and not exactly a Cadillac. The sport suspension delivers an ultra-firm, teeth-chattering ride that will wear you out on long drives or rough roads. The race-inspired seats also aren’t meant for comfort on extended trips. If you want both performance and plushness, you’ll need another vehicle for daily driving.

Attention

Driving the GT2 RS is guaranteed to attract attention wherever you go, from fellow enthusiasts to police officers. Those wide rear haunches and loud exhaust announce your arrival before you’ve even parked. Be prepared to answer questions, pose for photos, and potentially get pulled over to satisfy an officer’s curiosity about this rocket on wheels. Anonymity is not part of the experience.

Owning a Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the stuff of fantasies, but going in with realistic expectations about the costs, comforts, and spotlight that come with it will ensure your dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare. If you’re prepared for the realities of its demanding personality and temperament, the rewards of unleashing this beast on a back road or track are well worth it.

Cost of Buying and Owning a 991 GT2 RS

Owning a Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the stuff of fantasies for many sports car enthusiasts. However, the reality of purchasing and maintaining one of these vehicles is sobering. Before you start browsing the classifieds, here are some hard truths you need to consider about the cost of buying and owning a 991 GT2 RS.

The Purchase Price

A new 991 GT2 RS had an MSRP of $293,200. Used models currently start around $350,000 and climb up to $500,000 or more for low-mileage, pristine examples. At this price point, you’re paying a premium for the Porsche name, performance stats, and exclusivity. Only 1,000 991 GT2 RS models were produced, so they are rare and coveted.

Insurance

Insuring a vehicle of this caliber and value is not cheap. You can expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000 per year or more for comprehensive and collision coverage. And that’s if you have a clean driving record and history of insuring high-performance vehicles. Lack of experience driving powerful sports cars may be seen as higher risk by insurance companies, resulting in significantly higher premiums.

Maintenance and Repairs

Routine service for a 991 GT2 RS, including oil changes, tune-ups, and other scheduled maintenance can cost $3,000-$5,000 per year. Unscheduled repairs for things like new tires, brakes, or other components can easily exceed $10,000. As with any performance vehicle, the harder and more frequently you drive it, the higher your maintenance costs will be. Parts and labor fees are also typically higher for luxury and sports car brands.

Storage and Security

If you don’t have a secure garage, you’ll need to factor in the cost to store and protect your GT2 RS. A storage unit specifically for vehicles can cost $200-$500 per month. You’ll also want to invest in additional security like a GPS tracking system, security cameras, and possibly hiring a professional service to handle alarms and monitoring. The total cost will depend on the level of security and monitoring you want, but plan on at least $500-$1,000 per year.

Owning a dream car like the Porsche 991 GT2 RS requires deep pockets. Go in with realistic expectations about the ongoing costs, not just the sales price. If you can’t afford to properly care for this vehicle for the long run, you may need to keep dreaming for now. But for those who are prepared, the rewards of ownership can make the fantasy a reality.

FAQ – Answering Common Questions About the 991 GT2 RS

Owning a high-performance vehicle like the 991 GT2 RS is a dream for many, but how does the fantasy compare to the reality? Here are some common questions potential owners have about life with this beast of a car.

How much does it really cost to own?

The MSRP will seem expensive enough, around $300,000, but the true cost of ownership is far more. Between insurance, fuel, maintenance, and depreciation, you can expect to pay $50,000 per year or more to keep this car on the road. Performance tires alone can cost $2,000-$3,000 per set and only last 10,000-15,000 miles. Be prepared for everything from brakes to oil changes to cost two to three times as much as for a normal vehicle.

How practical is it for daily driving?

In short, it’s not. The stiff suspension and tight cabin make for an uncomfortable ride over broken pavement or long distances. The rear seats are nearly useless, and storage space is minimal. The thirsty turbocharged engine means frequent stops at the gas station to fill the small 16.9-gallon tank. While exhilarating in short bursts, the GT2 RS is exhausting to drive for extended periods in traffic. Save it for the weekends and track days.

How scary is it to drive?

With 700 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time under 3 seconds, the GT2 RS demands respect and attention every time you get behind the wheel. The rear-engine layout and massive tires mean oversteer is always just a blip of the throttle away. Traction and stability control can only do so much to tame the beast. This is not a vehicle for inexperienced drivers – you need to know how to properly handle a high-powered sports car to avoid ending up in a ditch. That said, for skilled drivers, dancing on the limits of control is where the true thrill lies.

Is it difficult to live with day to day?

For a high-strung supercar, the GT2 RS can make a decent daily driver – if you don’t mind some compromises. Entering and exiting requires grace and flexibility. Ride height is low, so avoid steep driveways. The manual transmission means sitting in traffic requires constant shifting. And you’ll never go unnoticed – be prepared for stares, questions, and people wanting to take photos with your car! But for a certain owner, these quirks just add to the appeal and experience of living with such an incredible vehicle.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the reality of living with a 991 GT2 RS. While the fantasy of ripping down back roads and tearing up tracks in Porsche’s most hardcore 911 is intensely alluring, the day-to-day experience of ownership requires patience, planning, and a healthy budget. If you go in with realistic expectations about operating costs, maintenance, and the sacrifices required to properly care for such an extreme vehicle, the rewards of ownership can be life-changing. But don’t say you weren’t warned – the GT2 RS is not for the faint of heart or wallet. If you have the means and determination, though, it just might be the ultimate dream car in your garage and adventures waiting to happen. The choice is yours; are you ready to make the fantasy a reality?