Good point, although, I'm not sure if FIA race regs mandate no rear fender vents, but Ive seen them appear on previous RSR variants some time post-launch.
The view I have heard from others is the simple fact that they don't like the idea of the car sharing what to many is the most prominent or identifiable body feature of the Turbo. Only time will tell whether the next variant retains them or not.
My advice for a late-in-the-year build would be to hold out for PTS. Meanwhile, I uncovered this pic from the late 60s of 2 cars coming to completion in Werk 2 in what looks like Ultraviolet! But look, even the workers appear to have Ultraviolet overalls No Photoshop, this is from Porsche Ag archives. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Parade laps at the Rennsport Reunion @ Laguna Seca, following a 4.0 RS is a rare early 2.7 RS amongst other things, and an RS Spyder Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
4.0 RS # 424/600 is Carrara White with red upholstery detail, racing seats with PCCBs Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I could have answered your question better: I'd say for road use, they are unnecessary, and we have our 991 GT3s which rev to a full 9,000 rpms to prove that.
The PTS Grey Black 4.0 RS referenced a few days ago http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/143953142-post4297.html imaged here in Monte Carlo, LHD but UK-registered. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I posted this pic in the Porsche Picture Thread yesterday as well...except the image is reversed, and the blues are more "blue" than purple. now I'm wondering which is correct... Image Unavailable, Please Login
I think the only thing I don't like about the 991 GT3 RS is the gearstick. Why put one in if you already have the paddle?
Lava Orange is featured prominently in the sales/marketing literature for the RS so I think long term it will be desireable. "launch colors" have staying power, particularly for Porsche (recall Arena Red for the 993) just don't get a haircut like Mr. Hartley The new 911 GT3 RS Limits pushed
^ I thought I read a Preuninger interview that confirmed use of turbo panels was - at least in part - a cost saving measure.
As Andrew Frankel clearly states, this car is all about the Aero package = track car. Wow, he is driving at 180 kph with an under-inflated tire and he describes the brakes as "carbon ceramics" when he is actually driving with steel brakes!
PTS Black (A1) 3.8 RS with black wheels, as featured early in this thread Image Unavailable, Please Login
RHD 996 GT3 RS in the UK described as "542 cars built in left hand drive of a total of 682 copies, so one of just 140 right hand drive cars" Image Unavailable, Please Login
Great story of the Dubai-based 3.6 RS twins revisited: TWO Porsche 997 GT3 RSs. Orange Crush | crankandpiston.com Car lifestyle magazine, Car culture website, Sports car magazine Image Unavailable, Please Login
This is all true, but the launch color by virtue of being popular is often one of the most prolifically produced, so if you are someone who likes something a little different, the launch color may not be very satisfying.