The Superleggera is a discontinued pre-facelift Gallardo that didn't get universal praise. The LP550-2 VBE is a more direct rival - and in which case I agree that it's a fabulous alternative. Of course, all 200 are sold already supposedly. The Scuderia is no doubt breathtaking too - but at what cost? Down here they're worth double that of a GT3 RS when new... If I'm not mistaken production of the Scuderia is soon to cease when the 458 Italia comes on stream. And it too, will be positioned at a slightly more exclusive level than the GT3 RS as befitting the technological masterpiece its expected to be. Very, very difficult to objectively compare the 458 Italia to this, track-oriented, 911 GT3 RS. If you've got a lot of dosh, it's kinda like you really need to have both for a rather complete performance car garage. Hmm... I still need to consider that concept further...
The VBE is just an RWD version of the standard AWD flavoured LP560 and does not have the stripped and track purpose of the GT-RS and Scuderia. Given that the car was just facelifted, the face lifted Superleggera or what ever they will call it, is likely to hit the market late next year which will be exactly 3 years after VAG introduced the Superleggera. This segment is borderline saturated and if you live in Monaco or London F430s, Gallardo's and what ever are not a rare sight by any means. Pricing of the Scuderia is outrageous but people are well willing to pay for the extra performance, but most importantly exclusivity. We're talking about VAG here and we know how they are when it comes to special editions. They enjoy milking the cow.
That's a bit of a common misconception: The VBE may not have the racing pedigree of the Scuderia (i.e. Manettino, F1-shift etc), nor its stripped out, track-orientated cabin but it very much is the essential, lightweight, driver-focused version of the Gallardo range. The Superleggera's leggera was not all that super. So VBE it is against Scuderia for now. Will they do another Superleggera? I'd think they'd give that name a miss given the mixed reaction to it. LP550-2 SuperVeloce? Why not - after all it capitalises on all the accolades earned by, surely, the most lauded V12 Lamborghini ever. With a limited run of 250 units, I quite agree with you that Lambo will be looking to get more mileage out of this 2WD set up. So, further specials are to be expected. If the 458 Italia is out in time, I suspect that this year's EVOCotY will feature a battle royale between the Ferrari, GT3 and LP550-2. Porsche will save giving them the GT3 RS for next year, when they've a better chance of winning like they've done in the past. That said, the SuperVeloce is also a sure fire bet for the title... Can't wait!
What an increadable machine No turbo shit just a pure motorsport engine in a road car. This is how a car should be. Bmw can learn something from them. Turbo route. What a laugh. 450hp from a 3.8 6cil screamer. Jesus holy mother of god i am checking bank account.
^^ Yeah, and BMW will go from 1 million + cars to 50.000 cars a year. The 'turbo route' is perfectly understandable from every point of view, but both Porsche and Ferrari show that's it's completely possible to make sick NA cars that comply with all EU emmision regulations. The GT3 RS has 118 hp per liter NA, and the 458 Italia around 127 hp per liter NA. BMW should follow, the old M3 CSL was good, but now we want cutting edge new age stuff! Prise wise, I don't think this mark II GT3 RS has any competition at the moment. Martin and Centurion described things quite accurately. If money however is not much of a problem, the 458 Italia will crush this GT3 RS in every possible way.
awesome vid. Seems Porsche has also jumped onto the LED DRL bandwagon. I feel gcf needs to add a LED smiley
My guess is that BMW car sales would not drop by 950,000 units because they decide to build a GT3 competitior.
^ I was talking about the Turbo route BMW is talking (for normal road cars). If they didn't do that, every car would become some NA monster, and nobody would buy one anymore. I didn't say they couldn't make some sort of M model with NA engine. Sales would only go north if they did so imo.
PRESS RELEASE: Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009. The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use. The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed. Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use. Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track. To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork. The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires. The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system. The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
