2026 Porsche 911 GT3 RS prototype improves its aerodynamics

The track-focused RS will stick with a naturally aspirated, non-hybrid flat-six engine, but it’s likely to have less torque than before

Prototypes of Porsche’s next-generation 911 GT3 RS have been undergoing some hot development lap testing at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit. Take a closer look, because this may be the last time we see Porsche develop a new RS that’s neither turbo-powered nor hybrid.

Visually, this test car isn’t all that different from the one we saw around the Ring in August. In fact, it’s almost certainly the same car. But since we wrote this, Porsche has unveiled the facelifted 992.2 GT3, which means we have a better idea of ​​when the RS will arrive (probably in early 2025).

RELATED: Facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 RS debuts

Back in August, we wondered whether Porsche might add hybrid power to the GT3 and RS using technology taken from the new 911 GTS. But the 2025 GT3 inherits last year’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, and we now expect the RS to do the same.

Unfortunately, the ’26 car probably won’t be as powerful as the 2025 RS. Porsche’s engineers have been battling emissions regulations, and although they retained the GT3’s 503 hp (510 PS) output and 9,000-rpm limit, torque dropped from 346 lb-ft (470 Nm) to 331 lb-ft (449 Niu rice). To help offset the effects of the drop, the final drive is now shorter.

Assuming Porsche applies the same idea to the 2026 GT3 RS, we expect it to put out the same 518 horsepower (525 PS) as today’s car, but weigh about 15 lb-ft less than the current 342 lb-ft combined ( 20 Nm). But with a shorter final drive, it should be able to match the 2025 model’s 3.0-second zero-to-60-mph (97 km/h) time, but at the expense of its 184 mph (296 km/h) top speed Lost a few mph. Unlike the GT3, the RS will once again only be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The RS should inherit the GT3’s key-activated start system instead of switching to the boring push-button start system currently used in other 911 facelifts. But don’t expect to see the rear-seat option – first introduced in the GT3 in 2025 – appearing on the 2026 RS options sheet. The dashboard will also be fully digital next year.

Exterior visual changes will be minimal, limited to lighting and bumper tweaks, although it’s possible Porsche can extract more downforce from the aerodynamic package because, you know, 1,896 pounds (860 kg) is not enough for some not enough.

Something else isn’t enough: What we’re left with is the GT3 and RS in their current pure form. Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s head of road racing, recently confirmed that tightening emissions regulations mean that the 4.0-litre flat-six engine will have to be modified to adopt hybrid and/or turbocharging technology after 2026.

Image: Baldolf