The ultimate Porsche 911 is back wearing the famed GT3 RS moniker, with our spies nabbing a group of prototypes testing on the snow.

It’s the hardest and most track-focused modern 911 yet, with significant changes over the already hard and fast 468hp (475PS) 991 GT3 starting with a more potent engine producing at least 500hp, which will make it the most powerful (street-legal) naturally-aspirated flat-six produced by Porsche to date.

That’s less than the 911 Turbo S’ 552hp (560PS), but more than the previous-gen 493hp 4.0-litre 911 GT3 RS 4.0. If anything, it will be faster than the current GT3 that runs to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.5 seconds, and of course, more expensive as well (in the U.S., the 911 GT3 starts at $130,400, and in Germany from €137,303).

If you were hoping for the return of a manual gearbox, the news isn’t good, as according to sources, a seven-speed PDK paddle-shift box will be the only transmission on offer, albeit tweaked for the RS

Porsche will refine the GT3’s suspension, steering, brakes and wheels, while also trimming down the weight and improving aerodynamics. Almost every body-panel is new, from the double-bubble roof and the wider and vented front and rear fenders, to the bonnet with a deep center groove, the reworked bumpers and massive rear wing.

In keeping with the street-legal racing theme, the RS will get an appropriately equipped interior with special bucket seats and a different décor.

The new GT3 RS will come into the light next year.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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