Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body)

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body)

Following the legendary 2.7 RS, Porsche created the even more extreme Carrera RS 3.0 for 1974. Based on the new G-body 911 with its impact-absorbing bumpers, this car was conceived primarily as a homologation special for Group 3 GT racing, with road registration as a secondary consideration.

The engine was the star attraction. Porsche bored the flat-six to 2,994cc and fitted it with mechanical fuel injection, larger valves, revised camshafts, and a more efficient exhaust system. The result was 230 horsepower at 6,200 rpm — a massive increase over the 2.7 RS's 210 hp. Torque was equally impressive at 275 Nm, delivered through a five-speed Type 915 gearbox.

Weight reduction was pursued aggressively. Thinner-gauge steel was used for the body, while the engine lid, front fenders, and the iconic ducktail spoiler were made from fiberglass. Inside, lightweight bucket seats replaced the standard items, soundproofing was removed, and a simplified instrument panel was fitted. The total weight came to approximately 900 kg — extraordinary for a car with such performance.

The suspension was comprehensively upgraded with stiffer springs, Bilstein dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, and wider wheels (215/60 front, 235/60 rear). Brakes were larger ventilated discs with four-piston calipers sourced from the 917 racing program. The RS 3.0 could lap circuits faster than many purpose-built race cars.

Only 109 units were produced, of which 15 were built to RSR specification for professional racing. The Carrera RS 3.0 is now recognized as one of the most significant Porsches ever built — a race car for the road that bridged the gap between the iconic 2.7 RS and the turbocharged 930. Values have soared to reflect this status, with concours examples regularly exceeding one million dollars.