SPECIAL WISHES: 2016 Porsche GT3 RS Selling With No Reserve

September 22, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens

2022 HOUSTON AUCTION – 2016 PORSCHE GT3 RS – NO RESERVE

A race-bred, limited-production member of the Porsche 911 model range since 1999, the track-focused, yet road-legal 911 GT3 and harder-core GT3 RS continue to serve as the illustrious marque’s most powerful, non-turbocharged 911-series models.

Essentially an FIA-legal GT-class racing car, the 991-generation evolution of the GT3 RS continues to live up to its legendary RS (Renn Sport) moniker with power and performance delivered by a 500 horsepower, 4.0-liter flat-6 engine featuring aluminum block-and-head architecture, direct fuel injection and competition dry-sump oiling. Shared with the slightly less edgy GT3, along with the full-competition GT3RSR and GT3 Cup cars, the flat-6 power plant inside the GT3 RS delivers an unmistakably shrieking exhaust note at full speed, all the way up to a heady 9,000 rpm redline.

This visually captivating “Sonderwunsch” (Special Wishes Program) 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a predictably electrifying performer with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and the quarter-mile dash covered in just 11.1 seconds, en route to a supercar-worthy 193 mph terminal velocity acceleration. While engineered and built for all-out performance, the GT3 RS delivers startlingly good fuel economy for such a no-holds-barred performance car, rated 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway mileage under EPA test cycles.

Bristling with an incredible array of race-derived technical wizardry, the incredible forward urge of the GT3 RS is more than capably harnessed by Porsche’s lightning-quick, 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Despite a significant rearward weight bias, the lightweight GT3 RS is renowned among magazine road testers for its stability and neutral handling characteristics. According to Car and Driver magazine evaluation, “…the otherworldly grip of its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, measuring 265/35-20 front and 325/30-21 rear. Front and rear underpinnings include special springs, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, and electronically controlled dampers. The front suspension is adjustable for camber, caster and ride height – essential for track duty and helping deliver the tenacious 1.08g grip of the GT3 RS on the skidpad, maximized by rear-axle steering and an electronic limited-slip differential.”

In addition to the wind-cheating body design of the basic 911, which channels the spirit of the early 911 generations from the 1960s and 1970s, this GT3 RS features functional aerodynamic aids that include front-fender cooling vents and additional downforce provided by a race-worthy, pedestal-mounted rear wing. Ventilated and cross-drilled four-wheel disc brakes with boldly finished calipers provide amazing stopping power, measured in numerous published road tests as requiring just 140 feet from 70 mph.

While far more could be written of the massive performance and incomparable driving experience delivered by the GT3 RS, this example is even more interesting and rare as the product of Porsche’s bespoke “Sonderwunsch” program. An extremely low-production vehicle and its unforgettable special-order Ultraviolet paint finish, this No Reserve 2016 Porsche GT3 RS with 5,120 actual miles is a thrilling offering at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Houston auction.

According to the accompanying Window Sticker, this GT3 RS left Porsche’s Stuttgart factory equipped with an incredible $37,640 in additional factory options. Among them, the yellow interior stitching and matching door jambs came at the buyer’s insistence rather than gray, which is the typical sole color choice. Yellow-finished brake calipers extend the unique livery of this GT3 RS nicely. Sport Chrono, another highly desirable big-ticket factory option, further elevates this breathtaking GT3 RS. Additional items include an original Window Sticker listing all features and options, a Porsche-issued Letter of Authenticity, service records and two keys. Clear film protects the entire body from the elements.

Simply stunning on every possible level, this one-owner 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a quality example of the spectacular car. Coming to the upcoming October 20-22 Houston Auction, it will certainly provide a thrilling experience on the road, track or Concours lawn! Register to bid today to see this showstopper cross the world-famous auction block.