Automotive

ThomasM
[PuristS]
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Porsche GT3 RS: Superlative

It's always interesting to read articles that in one way or another refer to the Porsche GT3 RS - in specialist publications with articles about "driver's cars" and cars that drive really well (as opposed to "super - hyper - superlative adjective of the moment leading ego cars" that have ne plus ultra specs in one area or another but seldom "put it all together" into a total driving experience) -

when the copy inevitably gets around to it, the reference usually opens with "legendary" "incredible" "awesome" "unbeatable" or some other class leading superlative. The GT3 RS is indeed in a class by itself, with qualities that are nearly impossible to share or convey outside of actual seat time.

Even someone who is not normally into stiff, tight and planted track ready street cars ("ewww, it's so bumpy and jittery!") commented that "wow! this is really stable!" And this comes in the context of Dinanized and track prepped BMW's and Mini R53's.  Her usual preferences are cushy big Merc's and quiet, smooth twin turbos.

What sets Porsches apart, and the GT3 RS in particular, is that, despite performance figures that are competitive with anything out there on the road or track, it is dependable and reliable enough to drive on city streets, make grocery runs, or even drive the 200 miles to the track, put in a full day on the track, and drive home afterwards.

During a recent gathering of Italian exotics, the WanderingPurist, ever playful and game for a sacred cow roast, showed up in this teutonic wonder. What was amazing, and a complete surprise to the WanderingPurist, was that the gathering of Italian exotic car fans not only were welcoming of the GT3 RS, but actually expressed admiration and respect, enough that the WanderingPurist was able to later crack a joke, "ok, I'll take up the rear, but am I expected to pull over to help when one of the horsey cars or bulls is stranded by the side of the road?" and get away with it.

Having shared seat time with the WanderingPurist recently, I've come to understand a little more of the substance behind the Porsche mystique.

Though not exactly comfortable on less than glass smooth roads, it is one of those rare cars where the seats aren't adjustable (at all!  only forward and back for reach, on seat guide tracks; no tilt, no seat back recline, no raising or lowering, no adjustable bolsters); the suspension is stiff; the drive train sensitive and tight and noisy and instantly responsive; the transmission requires the touch of a surgeon to shift smoothly; and yet, after hundreds, even thousands, of miles, during one trip, the driver doesn't feel exhausted.

This is a car that just begs to be driven, and the harder it's driven, the more responsive it gets. It is one of the few cars in this increasingly homologized, homogenized world, increasingly rife with stupidity and incompetence nannies masquerading as social safety nets that can't be switched off, or which make the unskilled and inexperienced look like certified racers; this is one of the few cars extant where skill, experience, and talent are amply rewarded.

I agree with unotaz that a McLaren won't make Joe Driver competitive with Alonso, but it sure does, unnaturally and imho unfairly, close the gap significantly.  Let me put it this way - there is a difference between taking the SAT and scoring 2400

a. without training or practice

b. with preparation and training

c. having someone take it for you

That's my problem with electronic nannies and I'm sticking with that! (yeah, yeah, I understand that evolutions in suspension geometry and design have almost tamed the inherent 911 rear engined tail-happiness...)

But besides all the talk about handling and engine responsiveness and brakes that are out of this world, the pureness of the driving experience... I quote a fellow who came up to us at the gas station - "I'm sorry, but I just have to tell you - that is one good looking car. I've always liked Porsches, and that's one of the best looking; The 911's... they're so ...timeless. Oh, hell, that thing's just damned sexy!"

And you know what? I have to agree; look back at the first picture, how the side mirror captures the sensuous, powerful bulge of the rear fender - that, to me, is as sexy as J Lo's booty...

Or as another Cars and Coffee visitor told us as we pulled up, towards the end of the gathering, "I was leaving, but when I saw you driving up, I just had to wait, hoping you would pull over. Thanks for stopping; this is my dream car." All this in the presence of some pretty awesome petrol burning iron...

The Porsche GT3 RS does one thing as well or better than just about any other car out there - It makes you want to get in and just drive, hopefully to the nearest track.  I can't think of a better compliment to a driver's car than that.

That it looks good even parked in the dusty parking lot of an 1800's stagecoach stop just seals the deal.

Porsche GT3 RS - Just get in and drive!