Ive been looking casually for a 997 RS 3.8 and I'm curious about a couple of things. 1. Is the roll cage a plus or a minus? Not all the cars have them it appears. 2. What are the most important options to look for. Ive noticed that they are all outfitted differently. 3. Most in US seem to be priced at 150K-170K ASK. Ive noticed however that a few at this price have sat for some time unsold. 4. Would also like a rare color combo if possible. Is Aqua Blue metallic one of those rare ones? I realize this is a premium. 5. US or Euro Spec Car? What is difference? I assume euro spec would not be legal in US. Anyways just would like to have some input from some of the experts on this forum. Thanks so much and looking forward to reading some of the your responses and thoughts.
Hi 930FAN/Frank, First off great choice in the 3.8RS. I have had mine for a short time and absolutely LOVE it. Drove it today as a matter of fact and it continues to amaze. I don't consider myself an expert but IMHO a roll cage is a plus if the car is your track toy but a minus if driven on the street. I would not want to be in an accident on the street in a car with a roll bar and no helmet on. I believe all Euro spec cars came standard with roll bars and US cars without. Aqua Blue is not especially rare but less common than Grey, White, etc. If you want rare look for a PTS car. Price really depends on mileage, condition, options, etc. Controversial options are Front Axle Lift and Composite Brakes. My car has neither which I am happy about. As long as I lead with 1 tire over ramps or bumps I never missed axle lift .... and composite brake replacements are spendy, although I do like the idea of no brake dust! Hope that helps and good luck on your search!
Here is a nice one, practically brand new with 502 miles, there are still some opportunities: Porsche 911 GT3 RS | eBay
Tom, speaking of PTS, in the old 356 days, a "Special Paint Finish" would set you back a hefty $26. Image Unavailable, Please Login
4.0 RS as featured in Speigel Motor Test Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Finally had a chance to see this in person last Sunday. Just delicious. Fitted with cup car style exhaust, very loud but not very refined. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
He matched the 4.0 RS dive planes with rear wing end-plates, but then the extended risers adds a new equation to the aero.
PTS yellow 3.8 RS on the Nordschleife Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
A group of 3.6 RS on the Nordschleife Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
An earlier post noted that the Ring is a Mecca for GT3 RS and this is undoubtedly true, 3.8 RS and 3.6 RS en route... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Auto Sport 4.0 RS test Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very true, and this is something most don't ever think about, as evidenced by the fact that you rarely see these safety-padded for road use. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Did not know about the rear wing end-plates difference before, you certainly know your stuff Joe! The extended risers seem to be a popular item here in HK; not sure about the aero, but it improves the rear view a lot according to owners. It certainly kills the look though IMO.
Yes, the 4.0 RS has bigger rear-wing end-plates to balance out the additional down-force created by the front-end dive planes. Its pretty funny to see a road-going RS where he aero has been totally compromised by mounting Cup car wing risers! I guess they are driven slowly, so they will never find out what happens at 175 mph! I am not so much a purist as someone who simply respects what Porsche Ag does and has accomplished. They put millions of dollars of time & development into these machines, and IMVHO they are there to be enjoyed & maintained as the maker intended. I respect their product, (idiosyncrasies and all) and I don't think I can do better than Porsche Ag! It pains me to see these cars jacked-up, molested, and generally subjected to all forms of automotive vandalism. Besides, in many cases there is a real safety issue. All this reminds me of Ferry Porsche's original maxim (below), which in the end has created perhaps some of the greatest road-going sports cars ever made, as symbolized by Porsche's RS line. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The Gelbgrün 3.8 RS spotted gassing up at the Nürburgring appears to be a wrap of a white car, and not a PTS original. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm almost 100% certain I saw that white GT3 RS today, I caught a very quick glimpse of the number plate at night but not enough to see all. In Zandvoort, obviously .
