Recently revealed Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 hits the track [Video update]

It was only yesterday that Porsche released the first official images and specs of the new GT# RS 4.0, but now we have video to boot.

It's no secret that Porsche does not shy away from releasing many variations of its vehicles with relatively minor changes, but the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is truly a special breed of sports car, deserved of the anticipation it has garnered since rumors of its existence first surfaced in March.

The 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 marks the final and very limited edition of the GT3 RS based on the current generation Carrera, and comes with the largest engine ever fitted into a 911 at 4.0-liter of flat-six displacement.

Video update:


The engine's crankshaft comes directly from the 911 GT3 RSR race car, unchanged, and gains forged pistons with connecting rods made of titanium. The end result is 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, and 340 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm. This beast of an engine comes mated only to a six-speed sports transmission, which is good for a zero-to-62 mile per hour sprint in just 3.9 seconds, and can lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in seven minutes and 27 seconds.

Of course, Porsche didn't just toy with the engine, they also worked on the suspension and vehicle weight as well to improve overall driving dynamics, and make the GT3 RS 4.0 perform as close to a true race car as a road going car could hope. This is most obvious when peaking inside the interior, filled with light weight bucket seats, backed by a serious roll cage, and finished off with light weight carpet and plastic rear windows.

Outside, Porsche used carbon fiber to create the hood and front wings, and of course a unique design and paint scheme that includes a white paint job as standard, with red accents to elude to the racing performance. Of course, if the red paint doesn't give it away as a special racer, the particularly low ride height, wider stance, massive rear aero wing and the lateral front air deflection vanes, also known as flics, which are appearing on a production Porsche for the first time ever.

All of the tweaks to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, as well as the down force-creating additions add up to generate 419 lbs of down force at top speed.

Look for the GT3 RS 4.0 to first go on sale in Germany in July with a base price of 178,596 euros, including a 19 percent value added tax. U.S. pricing will start at $185,000.