2017 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gets Bigger 4.2L Flat Six, May Get A Manual Too

After seeing Porsche testing the 991/2 GT3 last month, we knew it was only a matter of time before its wilder 911 GT3 RS sibling would come out to play with the brand’s developers.

The headline news about the updated RS will be the use of a larger displacement, 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated flat six, which will add around 25hp over the current model’s 500PS (493hp) 4.0L boxer for a total of 525PS (518hp).

As with the plain GT3, there’s a very strong likelihood of Porsche adding a manual gearbox option in the facelift model, after discarding it on the 991 GT3 RS that comes exclusively with a dual clutch transmission.

Some fine tuning of the chassis is also to be expected.

What you’re looking at these pictures, though, isn’t the final product, as evidenced by the pre-facelift 911 door handles and tail lamps, but the tester is fitted with a cleaner looking front bumper featuring enlarged air ducts and slimmer LED indicators, and a prototype rear bumper on which the exhaust tips have been relocated from the center to the corners.

Either way, when it comes out next year, like the 991.2 GT3, the RS will have subtly refreshed front and rear ends, together with some minor revisions inside, including a new steering wheel and updated infotainment system with improved connectivity and a touchscreen display.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops