A New Benchmark in Performance
When it comes to high-performance cars, the line between street-legal and race-ready has never been blurrier. The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the 911 GT3 Cup are two of the most extreme examples of this trend. But what happens when you pit them against each other on a real track? That’s exactly what we did at Road America, a legendary 4.048-mile road course in Wisconsin. The goal wasn’t just to see which car was faster—it was to understand how close a production car can get to a true race machine.
Why This Test Matters
The idea for this test came from a simple question: How do you measure the performance of a car like the GT3 RS? Traditional metrics like 0-60 mph or braking distances don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is how well a car handles high-speed corners and how much grip it can generate. That’s where the GT3 RS shines. It’s not just fast—it’s engineered to be a beast on the track, even with street tires.
Porsche GT division boss Andy Preuninger once said that the GT3 RS is quicker than a 911 Cup race car in some high-speed corners. That might sound surprising, but it’s a testament to the engineering behind the RS. And that’s exactly why we wanted to put it to the test.
The Cars in Question
The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the most track-capable production model Porsche has ever built. It features a 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 518 hp, along with advanced aerodynamics like a movable rear wing that reduces drag on straightaways while increasing downforce through corners. The car also comes with sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 R tires and a lightweight build, making it capable of handling high-speed corners with ease.
On the other side, the 911 GT3 Cup is a purebred race car designed for competition. It has a similar 4.0-liter flat-six engine but produces slightly less power (510 hp) and weighs significantly less (around 2,778 pounds). It also uses slick tires and lacks many of the comforts found in the RS, such as climate control and a full interior.
The Setup
To make this test as fair as possible, we brought both cars to Road America with the help of two passionate Porsche enthusiasts: Steve Dimakos, who owns the GT3 RS used in the test, and Jeff Majkrzak, who owns the GT3 Cup. Both cars were prepped by Goldcrest Motorsports, a Porsche specialist known for its expertise in track preparation.
For driving, we had two experienced drivers: Andy Pilgrim, a veteran GT driver with decades of experience, and Dimitri Dimakos, Steve’s son and a professional Carrera Cup driver. Their combined knowledge helped us gather accurate data and insights during the test.
The Data
The results were nothing short of impressive. The GT3 RS set a new lap record at Road America with a time of 2 minutes, 13.81 seconds—just 3.67 seconds behind the GT3 Cup’s time of 2:10.14. That’s incredible considering the RS is a street-legal car, weighing about 500 pounds more than the Cup and running on street tires.
Looking at specific corners, the GT3 RS consistently held its own. In Turn 1, for example, the RS carried a slower minimum speed but still managed to keep up with the Cup in terms of average lateral acceleration. In Turn 5, the RS actually pulled more deceleration g’s than the Cup, which was a big surprise.
The Surprises
One of the biggest surprises was how well the GT3 RS handled the Carousel, one of the most challenging sections of the track. The RS not only matched the Cup in terms of average g’s but also outperformed it in some areas. The car felt incredibly stable and forgiving, even when pushed to its limits.
Another unexpected result was the effectiveness of the GT3 RS’ DRS (Drag Reduction System). On the long straights, the RS was able to close the gap with the Cup by reducing drag, showing that even on street tires, it could keep up with a race car.
The Verdict
In the end, the GT3 RS proved that it’s not just a street car—it’s a serious contender on the track. While the GT3 Cup still holds an edge in outright speed, the RS came incredibly close, especially considering its weight and tire choice. For a production car, this is nothing short of extraordinary.
This test not only validated Porsche’s claims about the GT3 RS but also showed that the gap between street and race cars is shrinking. If you’re looking for a car that can handle the track as well as it does the street, the GT3 RS is a strong candidate.
