2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 – The 2011 Porsche 911 remains the quintessential sports car that only gets better with every passing year. The parade of new or returning Porsche 911 models continues for 2011 with the introduction of the new GTS, Turbo S, GT2 RS, GT3 RS and limited-edition GT3 RS 4.0 and Speedster models. Also for 2011, the 911 Carrera, Targa and Turbo models offer Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface as standard.

Despite our adoration for the many shades of Porsche 911, there are, of course, several competitors targeting its myriad models. We can’t exactly argue against a list that includes the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8, Jaguar XK, Lotus Evora, Maserati GranTurismo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Nissan GT-R. But for those seeking purity, simplicity, practicality and, yes, variety, the 911 will always prevail.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Coupe

The 2011 Porsche 911 is available in 19 different variations. The Carrera and Turbo models are available in coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles, while the Targa model is essentially a hatchback coupe with a large sunroof and rear hatch made from glass. All-wheel drive and larger rear fenders are added to the Turbo models and any 911 with “4″ in its name. The bigger rear fenders are also found on the GTS and Speedster. The GT3, GT3 RS, GT3 RS 4.0 and GT2 RS are coupe only, while the 911 Speedster is convertible only.

The Carrera and Targa trims come standard with 18-inch wheels, performance tires, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, a steel sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-reclining front seats (with manual fore-aft and height adjustment), split-folding rear seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Also standard is a touchscreen electronics interface, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker stereo with CD/DVD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Cabriolet includes a power soft top, while the Targa includes a bigger, more complex sunroof and a rear hatch, both made from glass. The S trims add a more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension and a smaller-diameter steering wheel. The GTS gets more power, special wheels and unique design flourishes for the exterior, plus faux-suede trim for the seats, shift lever and steering wheel. The 911 Speedster is essentially a Carrera S Cabriolet with almost all of the available options, plus more power and special exterior and interior trim.

The ultra-high-performance 911 variations delete the rear jump seats. The GT3 gets 19-inch center-lock wheels, a limited-slip differential, enhanced suspension and brakes, a unique body kit, full underbody paneling, manual-adjustable sport seats and faux-suede trim for the seats, steering wheel and shifter. Certain luxury and convenience features like Bluetooth and the iPod/USB audio interface revert back to the options list, while the sound system is a downgraded four-speaker unit. The GT3 RS gets more horsepower, even more aggressive suspension tuning, a plastic rear window (for weight reduction), a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing and unique bodywork flourishes.

The top-of-the-line GT2 RS essentially takes the GT3 RS and adds a more powerful version of the Turbo’s engine — albeit with rear-wheel drive. Also included are carbon-ceramic brakes, a more aggressive aero package, carbon-fiber body panels and styling flourishes. The GT3 RS 4.0 is similar, but gets a bigger engine.

Every 2011 Porsche 911 is powered by a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on most models, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual known as PDK is standard on the Turbo S and Speedster and optional on all but GT3 models. All-wheel drive is included on the Turbo, Turbo S and any model with 4 in its name.

Build quality is exceptional in the 2011 Porsche 911. Even those surfaces not swathed in soft hide are made with material that’s pretty consistent with the cow-sourced stuff. Other material highlights include a standard Alcantara headliner and deep carpet that extends up onto the doors, eliminating the possibility of scuffing any sort of lower door plastic.

While 911s of yore earned a reputation for tricky at-the-limit handling, with the exception of the hard-core GT2 RS, those demons have long been exorcised — especially when you get an AWD model. The 2011 Porsche 911 is all about composure and man-machine communication (that goes double for the phenomenal GT3), and it has a lightweight finesse to it that no bruising Nissan GT-R can match.