Porsche considers a turbo for next 911 GT3 RS

New flagship 911 GT3 RS could receive a turbocharged flat-six engine for improved performance and reliability

The previous Porsche 911 GT3 RS used a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre engine that produced 444bhp

Porsche is considering a break in tradition by adopting a turbocharged engine for the next 911 GT3 RS.

The 911 GT3 on which the more potent 991-generation GT3 RS would be based has had widely publicised fire problems with its highly tuned, naturally aspirated 468bhp 3.8-litre flat six engine.

Porsche engineers are understood to be concerned at the prospect of trying to reliably extract enough extra power from the naturally aspirated engine to warrant an RS badge.

As such, a turbocharged engine is instead being considered. This would comfortably deliver the extra power needed without compromising reliability. It would also fit in with the current turbocharging ethos in the supercar segment. 

Meanwhile, the 911 GT3’s rear-wheel steer system is understood to be under consideration for the Cayman for later in the model’s life cycle.

The Cayman will be the first Porsche sports car to get the firm’s upcoming four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which is believed to run an output of about 400bhp.