Porsche 911 GT2 RS poised for searing 750bhp comeback
Screaming flat six receives a hybrid boost as hottest 911 chases Nürburgring supremacy
Open gallery
Close
Porsche is gearing up to launch what insiders at its Zuffenhausen headquarters in Germany describe as the most extreme and technically advanced 911 yet: the fifth-generation GT2 RS.
Set to go on sale in the UK in 2026, the new range-topping 911 is being developed to stretch the limits of what's possible in a road-legal Porsche, with a heavily re-engineered, twin-turbocharged version of the company's signature flat-six petrol engine paired with an electric motor in a hybrid system derived from the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid.
One important goal of the hottest 911 is to restore Porsche's supremacy at the Nürburgring, where prototypes are now lapping in anger as a full unveiling approaches.
New spy shots confirm the forthcoming 911 GT2 RS will be as visually aggressive as it is technically ambitious. Except for the doors, every body panel is unique to the car.
Up front, a new bumper and clamshell-style bonnet incorporate additional air ducts to improve cooling for the front-mounted radiators and reduce turbulence within the front wheel arches. Those wheel arches are significantly wider than on other 911s, housing broader tracks front and rear and lightweight centre-lock wheels. At the back, a massive fixed wing dominates but a largely hidden exhaust system is also visible.
Patent filings suggest Porsche has developed a new exhaust set-up for performance versions of the 911 that doubles as an aerodynamic device, combining the rear silencer and diffuser into a single integrated unit. Whether it makes it into the production on the 911 GT2 remains to be seen.
Inside, the new 911 GT2 is expected to adopt a fully digital instrument panel for the first time while still offering a high degree of personalisation for track-focused buyers. Lightweight materials, limited sound insulation, minimalist trim and an optional roll cage will keep the focus on performance.
According to Autocar sources, early prototype versions of the 911 GT2 RS's engine achieved four-figure outputs on the test bench – albeit in development trim.
The strongest indication of Porsche's hybrid direction comes from the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid, which combines a 3.6-litre flat six with a single electric turbocharger and a gearbox-mounted electric motor for a total of 534bhp. That car effectively previews the hybrid technology that will be deployed across the facelifted 992-series 911 line-up, including the upcoming 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S. The 911 GT2 and even more extreme 911 GT2 RS will use a similar formula, but with an even greater output.
The exact capacity of the 911 GT2 RS's engine remains under wraps, though it is claimed to be paired with a hybrid system incorporating two electric turbochargers and a higher-output electric motor than that used by the 911 GTS T-Hybrid. Power output is expected to reach at least 750bhp, potentially more, depending on weight, cooling and thermal efficiency. Torque, meanwhile, looks set to exceed the 590lb ft of the latest 911 Turbo S.
For comparison, the previous-generation 991-series 911 GT2 RS developed 690bhp and 553lb ft from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine.
The switch to petrol-electric hybrid power promises to increase weight beyond the previous 911 GT2 RS's 1470kg. The 911 GTS T-Hybrid adds around 60kg and the new 911 GT2 RS is likely to carry more still, despite forgoing plug-in charging hardware.
As with its predecessor, though, buyers are expected to be offered a Weissach performance package with Perspex windows, reduced sound insulation and other lightweight measures.
As tradition dictates, production will be limited, and Porsche has already confirmed that 'low-volume, high-emotion derivatives' will continue to play a central role in the 911 line-up. Pricing is expected to exceed that of the outgoing model – which started at around £200,000 – with optional performance features such as the Weissach package pushing it even higher.
No 911 GT2 RS launch would be complete without Nürburgring ambitions. The previous generation, fettled by Manthey Racing, posted an official 6min 43sec lap time. The current Nürburgring production car record, however, is held by the Mercedes-AMG One with a time of 6min 23sec.
Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.
Next
Prev
In partnership with
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
13 minutes ago
- Reuters
Car maker Lotus says it has no plans to close English factory
LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) - British-based sportscar company Lotus said it has no plans to close a factory in eastern England, following a report in the Financial Times which said manufacturing there could end with the loss of 1,300 jobs. "Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory," Lotus said in an emailed statement on Saturday. "We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market." Lotus is owned by China's Geely ( and Malaysia's Etika Automotive and the brand produces cars in Britain and China. Any closure of the factory in Hethel, Norfolk, would have been a blow for Britain's auto industry which is suffering as a result of tariffs imposed by the United States. Britain's vehicle production dropped 32.8% from a year ago industry data showed on Friday. The Financial Times said the government had intervened to signal it would offer Lotus support after news emerged that the factory could shut, but the Department for Business and Trade did not confirm that. "The government does not comment on speculation or the commercial affairs of private companies," a spokesperson for the department said on Saturday. While Britain has negotiated a trade deal with the U.S. which will reduce the tariffs for a quota of exported vehicles, it does not come into force until the end of June. Meanwhile, car makers have reported lower output and exports to both the U.S. and the European Union, according to economic data.
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
Jonathan Reynolds intervenes to halt closure of Lotus car factory
The Chinese owners of Lotus have slammed the breaks on plans to close its British factory following an intervention by the government. Jonathan Reynolds will hold emergency talks on Sunday with owner Geely to stave off the shutting Lotus's works in Hethel, Norfolk, according to sources familiar with the situation. Department officials are understood to have contacted bosses at Lotus after it emerged on Friday that the British sports car maker was preparing to close its factory. But Whitehall sources stressed that the future of the factory was a commercial decision for the company. Lotus initially declined to comment on reports of the prospective closure, before insisting on Saturday morning that it had 'no plans to close the factory'. 'We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market,' a spokesman said. 'The UK is the heart of the Lotus brand — home to our sports car manufacturing, global design centre, motorsport operations, and Lotus Engineering. It is also our largest commercial market in Europe. 'We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK, over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage.' The comments will provide at least temporary relief for the 1,300 people that work for Lotus in Norfolk. Late on Friday it appeared that Lotus was set to fall victim to Donald Trump's trade tariffs with plans to end British production and move it to the US. Reports suggested that production at Hethel as early as next year. Executives said that Trump's import taxes have 'led us not to be able to export many vehicles to the US market'. Sources cautioned that no final decision had been taken about the Hethel works, which employs 1,300 people. • The closure would have marked a major blow to the UK's carmaking sector, which the government has made a priority during trade negotiations with the White House. The US-UK trade deal announced on May 8 reduced import tariffs from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent. Qingfeng Feng, Lotus's chief executive, told investors on Wednesday: 'In the future, we are trying to leverage our US strategy to catch up the losses due to the tariff hike. At this moment, we are discussing localisation plans with our strategic partners in the US in order to avoid the influence of US tariffs. 'With our strategic partners, we had an in-depth discussion around the US landscape, and we believe that localisation is a feasible plan.' Lotus was founded in 1948 and began production at Hethel in 1966. Founded by engineer Colin Chapman, it has had a number of owners over the years as it battled against financial instability. It was first bought by America's General Motors in 1986, then sold to the Malaysian car manufacturer Proton in 1996, before Geely acquired a majority stake in 2017. Geely invested £3 billion in the Hethel factory and technology, but switched much of its focus towards a new plant in Wuhan. Lotus was listed in the US last year as Geely's billionaire founder, Li Shufu, sought to offload assets. Geely also owns Volvo and Polestar, the Swedish producer of electric vehicles. The US float has been difficult, however, with Lotus shares shedding more than 80 per cent of their value. The carmaker announced 270 job cuts in the UK in April, and on Wednesday, it revealed that sales volumes in the first three months of 2025 had fallen 42 per cent to 1,274. The company racked up a net loss of $183 million (£134 million) between January and March. Qingfeng insisted that Lotus had made a 'steady recovery in our margin profile', adding: 'We remain closely attuned to evolving dynamics in key markets such as the US, and are actively evaluating strategic pathways.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Major DIY retailer offering free car air con checks as temperatures set to reach 34C
A MAJOR DIY retailer is offering motorists free car air con checks as temperatures are set to reach 34C. Halfords customers can get gas and refrigerant levels on their vehicle air conditioning units checked to make sure they're in working order. 1 It comes as temperatures are expected to reach as high as 34C in parts of the UK by Monday. Halfords lets shoppers book their free air con check on its website via You enter your postcode and vehicle registration and it tells you the nearest branch you can get it done. However, you may be charged based on where you live and the type of vehicle. The retailer hasn't said if the free appointments are available all the time, but we checked based on a North-East London location and there were slots until as far away as July 6. Halfords says if the check reveals you need to top up your car air conditioning unit's gas or refrigerant levels, you can buy the products to do this yourself in its stores. However, the RAC says this is usually a job for the specialists. You can also book in for an air con recharge service at Halfords from £65. Checkatrade says having this service done normally costs between £65 and £130, so Halfords is at the cheaper end of the scale. Halfords is not the only place you can have a free air con check carried out though - Kwik Fit also offers a free checking service. Urgent warning over easy nighttime driving mistake that could see you fined £5,000 - but the fix is free You can find out more via However, the cost of getting your air con unit recharged at Kwik Fit is £72.95 or more - more expensive than Halfords. Hot weather car mistakes that can cost you £1,000s Driving in the wrong footwear Swapping trainers for flip flops while driving during bouts of hot weather might seem practical, but it can land you with a big fine. Any shoes which could limit your ability to put pressure on the pedals breaks the Highway Code. If you are found to be ' driving without due care and attention ', you face a £100 fine and three points added to your licence. If the matter escalates to court, you could face fines of up to £5,000. Drinking water while driving If you get distracted and are not considered to be in proper control of your car while drinking water, you could face a fine. If you're involved in an accident as a result of a lapse in concentration, it could see you slapped with a £2,500 bill. The same rules apply to eating behind the wheel, so think again if you're considering diving into an ice cream while driving. Keeping your windows closed and A/C off It might be tempting to save some pennies by closing windows and keeping the AC off during hotter weather. But this can breach Highway Code rule 237, which states that a car must be kept 'well ventilated' in hot weather to reduce drowsiness. Not doing this and being caught could result in a £5,000 fine. How to save money on summer essentials SUNNIER days and warmer weather will leave many of us wanting to kit out gardens and outdoor areas. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a great deal on summer essentials… It pays to know how to bag big savings on the likes of hot tubs paddling pools, egg chairs and outside bars. Many retailers have flash sales across entire ranges – often this ties into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends. Sign up to the mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items such as beach gear and paddling pools. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. Always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.
