The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 set the template for contemporary 911 observe automobiles, so to have fun its fiftieth anniversary this 12 months, Porsche gathered World Rally champion Walter Röhrl, 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard, and a collection of traditional 911s to recount the historical past of the Carrera RS 2.7 and its successors.

Unveiled in 1972 as a homologation particular, the Carrera RS 2.7 is immediately recognizable due to its ducktail rear spoiler. It was the primary manufacturing sports activities automobile with spoilers, together with the ducktail and a smaller entrance lip spoiler. The ducktail cancelled out aerodynamic raise, diminished drag, and even improved engine cooling. It additionally turned an iconic styling function that is now making a comeback on the 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Basic.

That acquainted form began out as a easy panel held in place by a bit of wooden. Protruding out from the 911’s sloping rear, wind tunnel testing confirmed it cancelled out raise and produced downforce.

 

This was additionally the primary time Porsche used the Carrera identify for a 911 (it had beforehand been used for a 356 variant in 1955). Porsche introduced the identify, which suggests “race” in Spanish, again to suggest the RS 2.7 was one thing particular. That is a bit ironic contemplating the Carrera identify is now used for base 911 fashions.

Thinner sheetmetal and glass, and an absence of insulation, additionally made the Carrera RS 2.7 lighter than different 911 fashions of the time. It was quicker as effectively, able to 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a prime pace of 149 mph.

Propelling it to that pace was a 2.7-liter flat-6. It generated 210 hp which was despatched to the rear wheels via a 5-speed guide transmission. The RS 2.7 was additionally the primary manufacturing 911 with rear tires wider than its entrance tires, which helped enhance traction. 

Porsche hoped to enter the RS 2.7 within the FIA Group 4 class, which required constructing 500 items for homologation. They bought out in simply three months, so Porsche ended constructing 1,580 copies (together with 200 light-weight variations) in a manufacturing run that stretched into 1973. The Carrera RS 2.7 had a profitable profession in sports activities automobile racing and rallying as effectively, however was quickly changed by the two.8 RS and RSR 3.0 racers, which additionally make transient appearances within the video.

The RS 2.7 was adopted by different hardcore 911 highway automobiles, together with the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, that are additionally featured within the video. Launched in 2011 as a send-off for the 997-generation 911 GT3, it featured a 4.0-liter flat-6 producing 493 hp. Whereas the RS 4.0 does have a small ducktail, it is surrounded by a a lot bigger rear wing—displaying how spoilers have advanced over the many years.

The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS continues the RS custom of low weight and superior aerodynamics. However its elaborate system of ducts and vents, together with an adjustable wing that includes a System 1-style drag discount system (DRS), makes even the GT3 RS 4.0 look quaint. But Porsche considers the GT3 RS to be the Carrera RS’s descendent, even displaying a one-off model within the authentic automobile’s green-and-white livery.