The Porsche 911 GT2 RS now holds the production car lap record for the two longest permanent racing circuits in the world, the Nürburgring and The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
The Bend Motorsport Park is situated in the small town of Tailem Bend in South Australia, nestled against the River Murray and roughly one hour’s drive from the city of Adelaide. Nearly R1 billion (AUD$100million) has been invested in the facility, with economic benefits already being seen throughout the Coorong region.
Situated an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Bend measures in at 7.7kms making it the second-longest permanent circuit in the world, behind only the 20.8km ‘Green Hell’ of course. And it was decided that the GT2 RS would be the perfect car to unleash on the new track.
Australian racing driver Warren Luff was selected as the driver of the ‘Widow Maker", where he proceeded to set a lap time of 3:24.079, around the 35-corner track. While the GT2 RS was the first car to run at the Bend, there really is no reference point. But judging how quick the GT2 RS is as other tracks – including Willow Springs International Raceway and the Sachsenring where it also holds lap records – it’s fair to assume that Luff’s lap will stand for quite a while.
Luff, a former runner-up in the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship, saw the opportunity of setting the first production car lap record at The Bend as an honour. “It’s certainly been a highlight in my career – something that I’ll remember for a very long time. It was a privilege to do it in such a special car.”
As a refresher, the GT2 RS is equipped with a 515kw twin-turbo 3.8-litre flat-six engine paired with a 7-speed PDK transmission. With power being sent exclusively to the rear wheels, the 1,470kg 911 is capable of rocketing from 0-100kph in just 2.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 340kph. The lightweight super car is also fitted with ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering and ultra-high-performance tyres, and can be made an additional 30kgs lighter if you select the optional Weissach package.
Porsche South Africa has priced its most potent 911 from around R5.5-million, which includes a three-year Drive Plan.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Porsche 911 GT2 RS cost in South Africa?
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS carries a hefty price tag of around R4,500,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive 911 variants you can buy locally.
Q: How fast is the Porsche 911 GT2 RS?
The GT2 RS rockets from 0-100kph in just 2.8 seconds thanks to its 515kW twin-turbo 3.8-litre flat-six engine, with a top speed of 340kph that'll leave your hair permanently rearranged.
Q: Is the Porsche 911 GT2 RS worth buying?
If you've got R4.5 million burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate track weapon that doubles as a road car, absolutely, but be warned that this "Widow Maker" demands serious driving skills and deep pockets for maintenance.
Q: What makes the GT2 RS different from other 911 models?
The GT2 RS is the most hardcore 911 you can buy, featuring rear-wheel drive only, aggressive aerodynamics, track-focused suspension, and enough power to hold lap records at circuits like the Nürburgring and The Bend Motorsport Park.
Q: Should I buy a GT2 RS or a GT3 RS?
Choose the GT2 RS if you want maximum bragging rights and can handle 515kW of rear-wheel-drive madness, but the GT3 RS at around R3 million offers 90% of the thrills with better daily usability and naturally aspirated engine purity.
Should You Buy It?
The best track-focused supercar under R5 million in SA is undoubtedly the Porsche 911 GT2 RS at R4,500,000, but here's the thing, you absolutely should buy it only if you're serious about track days and have the skills to match. This isn't just another fast car, it's a proper weapon that holds lap records around the world and will embarrass supercars costing twice as much. However, if you're looking for something slightly more civilised for weekend drives to the coast, save yourself R1.5 million and grab the GT3 RS instead. The GT2 RS demands respect, deep pockets for running costs, and nerves of steel, but rewards you with an driving experience that's simply unmatched in the 911 range.
