The 997 GT2 RS, number 168 of 500

On a winter weekend we took the GT2 RS out for a drive and were reminded why it is the most significant modern 911 that has been produced.

What makes a GT2 RS

The GT2 has always been the hardest edged version of the 911 Turbo. It takes the twin turbocharged engine, swaps the all wheel drive for rear wheel drive, and loses weight along the way.

Porsche announced the RS to German dealers on May 4, 2010. It weighs 70 kg less than the GT2, and the engine makes 620 PS (612 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. Porsche quoted 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Only 500 were built for the whole world.

The car it grew out of

The RS builds on the 997 GT2, which reached dealers in November 2007 after its launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That car already ran a 3.6 liter flat six with two variable geometry turbochargers, good for 530 PS (523 hp) and a top speed of 204 mph. Porsche test driver Walter Röhrl lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 32 seconds in one.

The GT2 also looked different from the Turbo it was based on, with its own front lip, a new rear wing with small air inlets at each side, and titanium exhaust pipes in a revised rear bumper. The RS carries that look with even less weight.

The last manual GT2

When Porsche brought the GT2 RS back on the 991 in 2017, it made 700 PS from a 3.8 liter engine and came with a seven speed PDK. There was no manual. That makes the 997 GT2 RS the last GT2 you shift yourself, and a big part of why this car means so much to the people who drive it.

Collectors and drivers

Collectors have been flocking to the Porsche brand, sending values on the limited edition Rennsport 911s sky high. Unfortunately, the enthusiast car ends up out of reach for the people who actually want to spend time behind the wheel.

And a tour de force this truly epic 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is. With 620 horsepower to the rear wheels, it is the most powerful production Porsche created with a six speed manual. Unlike many of the 500 produced, this example has seen some road time, with 19,000 miles. That said, the most discerning Porsche enthusiast would struggle to find any evidence.

Protected from day one

Thanks to full paint protection film since day one, there are no rock chips or imperfections in the paint. Recently the original film was removed and new film installed, and the front air dam was replaced. Then a Modesta ceramic coating went on over the top.

That combination is what lets a car like this be driven. The film takes the stone chips on the front end, and the coating keeps the whole car glossy and easier to wash after a winter drive.

Driven as intended

And that is what is great about this car, number 168 of 500. With relatively higher miles, it is off the collectors' radar and in the hands of a driver. A new clutch and an APR exhaust mean it can be driven as it should be. You will quickly realize Porsche went a little overboard with the power. And we love it.

Utah winter roads carry sand and gravel, which is exactly what the film is there for. A car protected like this one can go out on a cold, clear day and come home looking the way it left.