We’re pretty used in seeing every single generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 simply wipe the floor with every new rival that pops out, but this comparison might actually put a dent in its reputation.
Going against it is the latest member of the Audi R8 family, the RWS (Rear Wheel Series). This is essentially a base R8 with its front driveshafts gone and, according to Audi, it’s the purebred version aimed at driving enthusiasts.
While it’s not the proper, hardcore version of the R8 many would hope for, it does get specially adapted chassis and suspension settings for a sharper driving character, as well as 50 kg (110 lbs) off its weight.
Power comes from the howling 5.2-liter V10 that makes 532 HP (540 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint comes in 3.7 seconds (Spyder: 3.8 seconds), while top speed is 198 mph (318 km/h) for the Coupe and 197 mph (316 km/h) for the Spyder.
The latest Porsche 911 GT3 on the other hand is a basically a race car with number plates, with a motorsport-derived chassis setup, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat six that revs up to 9,000rpm and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires fitted straight from the factory.
The only problem is that the track is wet, and that means that both sports cars have to prove their speed on far from ideal conditions. In any case, it is a level playing field, and Auto Express delivers its verdict on the video that follows.