2007 PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS (6)

We wouldn’t blame you for being a bit mystified by the various codes applied to 911 generations. They are numerous, they’re not in a numerical sequence, and the codes for Boxsters and Caymans have now crept in to Porsche parlance to further confuse things. What’s more, mid-life updates within recent 911 production cycles mean that each 911 generation is effectively split in two.
This car is an early 997-series GT3 RS, a model that first reached us in 2007, nearly two years after the debut of the regular 997 Carrera. It’s a rare car in NZ but not quite as rare as the uprated 997.2 GT3 RS (from 2010) whose sales were kept in check by post-GFC gloom. (In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a manual Carrera S from 2009 to 2011.)
We had to consult a few Porschephiles to understand what makes the later, 2010 GT3 RS not just superior to ours but possibly more coveted than the bigger 991-series car that was to replace it.
With such a huge performance envelope and the on-limit sensitivity of the cars to engineering tweaks, you really need a track to experience many of the improvements. And in terms of looks, there are enough meaningful refinements to the exterior design to sharpen its overall appearance as well as improving airflow management. One constant, we concluded, is the civilised nature of the beast. You can drive any GT3 RS day-in, day-out if you’re agile enough to slip in and out of the deep low-set bucket and vault the broad sill.

Owned one? Driven one? Share your 911 experience: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz