We’ve already established that the modern 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS is an absolute monster. It’s only one hundredth of a second slower than the fastest car ever to lap our figure-eight (the $986,000 McLaren Senna) and it’s captured more than a few lap records at racetracks around the country.
But let’s not forget, the generation before the 991, model code 997, had an ass-kicking twin-turbocharged animal of its own. The 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, appropriately nicknamed the “Widowmaker,” makes 612 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo flat-six, and the RS model weighs 154 pounds less than a standard GT2.
But what really separates the last-gen GT2 RS from its successor is its transmission. Porsche offers only the fabulous PDK dual-clutch in the modern GT2 RS but the 997 version was available exclusively with a six-speed manual. That’s right; you could buy a rear-drive Porsche with over 600 horsepower that had three pedals and a stick between the seats.
Sure, the manual doesn’t shift as quickly as Porsche’s dual-clutch and no, it’s not as fast or as powerful as the new one, but come on! There’s a good chance we will never drive a manual transmission 911 this powerful again. Plus, the 997 still exhibited all of those old-school Porsche driving characteristics (light steering, trail-braking corner-entry oversteer, all the good stuff) that makes older 911s so unique to drive.
The 997 GT2 RS is an incredibly special car and the market seems to have taken notice. Choice examples are trading for around $600,000 right now—more than double what they sold for when new—and that price just might be worth it.
Check out the video above to watch our own Jonny Lieberman behind the wheel of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS on the streets of Miami! Also check out the gallery for photos of the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
The post 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Test Drive Video: Revisiting the 612-HP Widowmaker appeared first on MotorTrend.
Source: WORLD NEWS
