Driving the legendary WIDOWMAKER in the Swiss Alps! Porsche 997 GT2 RS | Ben Collins | RM Sotheby's

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Which Porsche would you drive on these roads? 👇 See the full auction here: rmsothebys.com/en/home/lots/cc23

[@shoveI]

🤣 there's a yellow '95 RS 3.8 in the lot I'd go in.. big NA power & 3 pedals does it for me

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Ben you put out excellent content for us all the time. You are a incredible racing driver and a legend in your own right. Great car and great video

[@erikthys3911]

A Porsche bike! Alps are not race circuit!!

[@jritechnology]

I might have had a go in that 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, but stock I think those had less than 400HP. More than enough to kill me around those Alps curves, but not quite enough to satisfy the raw driver in me. With that in mind, I'd have to go with the 2016 Porsche 911 R with that manual gearbox and putting out 500 HP.

[@trance9158]

The 930 turbo was nicknamed the Widowmaker. Why are you calling this that?

[@alexblaxell7983]

If The Stig’s helmet was a car this would be it

[@MurderBong]

YOU FORGOT ‘SOME SAY’ . . . 😅

[@helipeek2736]

“Helmet” worrying!

[@andrewdavid6054]

I hope you mean crash helmet 😜

[@sbkpeace.24]

Americans 🙄😂

[@happ0bapp0]

lmao

[@mura0]

This wheel design is arguably the best Porsche wheels ever. Also the tire + wheel + stance on these 997 GT2RS are just perfect.

[@AHamzollari]

The humility and knowledge of a legendary driver! Doesn’t get any better!

[@TrevorDennis100]

There's some irony in that Ben was the ever silent Stig for all those years, but turns out to be as good talking to camera, as he is at driving.

[@curzon394x]

Ben is becoming my favourite driver/auto presenter behind Chris Harris. His feel and knowledge of the car handling is something I could listen to for hours.

[@Eat-MyGoal]

Ben is a driver/presenter; Chris is a presenter/driver...

[@michaelschneider-]

@@Eat-MyGoal .. +1.. Agreed. .. Both Collins & Harris are Tier One driving folk...

[@carloscanizares4699]

@@michaelschneider- No Catchpole in there?

[@AliasHSW]

@@Eat-MyGoal- in case people don’t know, CH is/was a pro racer too.

[@StephenandLisa]

Wish BBC would sign off on them both presenting Top Gear going forward

[@Das_Ginger]

Here we have an amazing driver providing useful and entertaining commentary WHILE correcting a slide with 'a flick of opposite lock' (as Clarkson would've said). It really shows how dialed in Ben is. His instincts are razor sharp, big difference vs most presenters with little to no racing experience. If he's having to react that fast, then it really must be the Widowmaker for mere mortals.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

She's a handful...

[@Das_Ginger]

@@BenCollinsDrives she's AN handful

[@alfamonk]

@@Das_Ginger 🤔

[@jon_eliz99]

@@Das_Ginger Lmao No

[@redline589]

Nice review of an epic car not often seen, thanks Ben.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

My pleasure.

[@FAT8893]

Still my favourite GT2 RS version yet. Totally cannot resist that manual gearbox. 💖💖

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It's sublime. So much power, and you're TOTALLY responsible for all of it. Nothing helping you here!

[@papa_pt]

AND hydraulic power steering. AND the Mezger. This gen GT2 will no doubt become a big collectible

[@TheIrishman007]

What an absolutely perfect example of what a real drivers car is. Love it.

[@Heckie12_art]

It is my favourite Porsche 911 for a reason :) I was growing up with this very model in my childhood, in games like NFS Undercover, Prostreet, hell, even on some posters i've seen it, and now i have it as a diecast too - Truly deserves that "magic touch" of your experience and handling :) Also that Heritage and History thing which is seriously interesting for me - that actually amped up my taste for that model even more :)

[@T3Enno]

man of culture its my favorite porsche period.

[@juan9798]

What a beautifully crafted video! As a Porsche owner myself and active member of PCA, (currently own 2) I really appreciate the time/editing, audio and sound design presented in this video. Porsche is the ULTIMATE desire!!! It's almost impossible or extremely difficult to explain that to anyone who has never owned a Porsche.

[@althejazzman]

For someone who became famous for being silent, you have a way with words that conveys the experience better than many other presenters.

[@sesto194]

Actually hilarious that you are reviewing this now, this has to be a sign! Im bidding on this car, actually so damn nervous, as this is my first time buying something so valuable at an auction!

[@ciaranburke3243]

Fantastic machine do hope you get it 👍

[@BenCollinsDrives]

No way! Good luck with the bidding! It's a great car.

[@sesto194]

​@@ciaranburke3243ill let you know!

[@martiniv8924]

Buy It !! 👌🏻😎

[@MrPTManning]

Oh man, I'm so jealous haha. Hope it becomes yours!

[@milk-it]

I haven't heard such lucid and insightful commentary on a 911, since Tiff Needell reviewed the 997 Carrera GT3 RS 4.0 - which is probably my favourite 911. Kudos Ben.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@justintime33]

This was the best car review I have ever seen anywhere on the internet and I've been around since the internet's Inception

[@MuhammadAziz._.2004]

Men like Ben Collins and Chris Harris make the automotive world a better place for me love for you

[@EXOTIICxSWAGG]

People always love the GT3 RS but the GT2 RS will always be my favorite

[@garyseaton4619]

A man with your skillset is allowed these truly special opportunities. I'm happy to watch what I'll never get to do a long as you're behind the wheel...

[@peterwozniak9575]

Mr Collins, your channel and your videos have come a really long way and look absolutely fab. Not to mention that it's always a pleasure to listen to an experienced pro whos driven pretty much everything with wheels on. Makes it that more interesting and informative. Well done and thank you

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@JoyOfMachine]

It's great to actually hear The Stig talk about the car he is driving instead of just some flamboyant shots of him tharshing it around while listening to some awkward music :D Keep the content coming Ben!

[@ReasonableSwampMonster]

I dunno why but Ben Collins gives off that one “My mate’s dad” vibe and I respect that.

[@alfamonk]

I like Ben's straight-talking no-BS delivery. Feels like the adult in the room compared to most zany presenters.

[@trut52]

Finally someone who knows what they are talking about. It's a hall of fame review for sure!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Boom!

[@ortontom]

For those roads Id chose a Spyder, all the power you need. The 997 GT2 I drove a few years back its hard to tether the power/turbo surge to moderate corners. Great for on gas moments...but a lovely 718/981 spyder would be better on those roads...

[@thephenom9467]

We need more videos like this!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Working on it!

[@Jason911_]

Growing up as a Porsche fan this was definitely one of my halo cars. This is the most powerful manual 911 they've ever made. Definitely going to shoot up in value if they haven't already.

[@neilreid2298]

Love your reviews Ben. By far the best in the industry because you bring legit racing driver perspectives, a deep understanding of automotive history, and clearly a profound love and appreciation for fine cars.

[@jaferkhan4108]

Some say - he's still an amazing driver, but an even better presenter! All we know is, he's not the Stig's cousin, but the real, actual Stig!

[@carsaregood911]

Ben, you should do some slight mods to your 911 Turbo, I reckon it won't be far off from this experience

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

If anyone deserves a huge platform with millions of subscribers it’s this guy. What an incredible story he tells and who better to tell you about a car than the man himself?! Shouldn’t be treated like Shemp even tho he is one part of those 3 stooges.

[@bigshotcelebrity_]

I did not know Ben was so good at commentary. He needs to be hosting TG with Chris Harris!

[@snail415]

But only as the silent Stig. 🙂

[@raphaeldevalle9653]

930 Turbo is the true Widowmaker…… I had one!!!

[@NigeUK007]

Great Video Ben. Porsche was always that brand that always happily came to the sports car party… but never got noticed, quietly sitting at the back sipping a pint, with absolutely nothing to prove. Brilliant cars, made to last, made to be driven, never an ornament.

[@DouglasJWalker]

I remember reading about your impressions of this car in the TG mag. You made me love it then and Im glad you had another go

[@sianwarwick633]

I can't think of too many people who the driving experience and ability tk reallh run through all that this Porsche has to offer. A great review

[@davidjack3]

I just love listening to Ben !so knowledgable of Porsches

[@hakimdridah1711]

The stig was so close to where I live! And on my favorite pass 😍 "Col du marchairuz" Great video thanks!

[@ge385]

The actual 911 "widowmaker" was the 930 turbo, well before the 964 multi-link rear suspension. It had to do with at the sharp point in the torque curve/revs where the boost hits after the turbo lag and the change in mechanics of the car with the weight shift. The title of "widowmaker" traditionally only applies to the 930 turbo. The video is nicely done and very nice car no question - but in this day and age of people reading less and less every opportunity should be taken to educate people. One of the family cars is a1988 911 Carrera with sport package + whale tail - 22,400 miles as of today and original purchase by the family and never left the family (left hand drive, US car).

[@jd-lr7zu]

It was all the 2wd turbos really

[@Zzus321]

Damn straight

[@TucsonDude]

A 930 Turbo was one of the few P-cars that I've ever driven. Not at speed, but it still made an impression. Thanks for sharing!

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Thanks Ben for all your detailed comments on feel and driving experience 🙏

[@diggagt3574]

Phenomenal cars. Watching them flat-out down the 3km long Döttinger Höhe at the 'Ring, you can hear the turbos mashing the air up. Incredibly fast. I only ever drove a non-RS 997 GT2, but still a pretty intimidating power delivery, for a non-racing driver like me.

[@stevefowler2112]

When I bought my new 2019 GT2 RS in late 2019 (the buying frenzy had somewhat died down by then and I actually got mine for MSRP, including weissach and mag wheels and tax and tag for $357K), I had the opportunity to buy a pristine 997 GT2 RS for $397K. I could have swung either and I really wanted the 2011 GT2 RS but the 2018/2019 was just so beautiful and I couldn't say no to the 700 HP. In the end I just love(d) how the Guards Red 991.2 GT2 looked with the gold mags...still the best looking 911 ever made in my opinion. I have no plans to ever part with my Grim Reaper!

[@jrbuch]

What a wonderful car. Sounds like it's not overly dangerous, so long as you know what you're doing and don't make stupid inputs to steering and power.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

As long as you dont drive beyond your limits, the car will look after you. But push it too far and it will bite.

[@deldridg]

What fun to enjoy a few moments vicariously living your charmed life from the other side of the planet! My beloved 964 was sold years ago but I did get to swap with a friend and drove his 997 GT3 up a wonderful stretch of road here in Australia. Porsche DNA is certainly palpable in their cars, at least in the 911, from my experience. Many thanks - another beautifully presented and produced experience! Cheers from Sydney, David

[@andaswewindondowntheroad]

Concise technical 997 review from Ben unlike some others that come with a BS overload. I have a 997.2 S in understated Meteor Grey but can see clearly that the GT2 RS goes well beyond that.

[@superfast30]

Ive had some seat time in a 997 2RS as well as a 991 2RS. Despite the 991 2RS being quicker, the 997 feels more on edge. Truly enjoyed driving it and wish I could afford one!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

The 997 does make you feel like you're in a bit more... danger... 👀

[@NumbchuxSOAD]

Fantastic video. I love this series! Ben, I love your commentary and history on the cars. Thank you and Sotheby's for making this happen!!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you like them!

[@John.Christopher]

What a LOVELY place to drive!

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Didn't the 996 GT2 before it also have the "Widowmaker" moniker ? it did when I owned one in 2003

[@GTAjedi]

I thought the 930 and 993 Turbos were the 'widowmaker'. Or do they just apply that to every 911 now.

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Anyone who can give one of these a go and not die has my respect

[@annipuhn]

The legendary widowmaker? I'm still waiting to see the Porsche 930

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Widowmaker Mk2 then.

[@annipuhn]

@@BenCollinsDrives Nice to see you reply😊 It's always difficult to copy an icon. But with a much more modern suspension, with stability control and ABS and without such an unexpected turbo punch the GT2 RS can't be what the 930 used to be. It's doesn't mean that it isn't a pretty fast car and it doesn't mean that ist is very easy to drive. But imho it is not a (legensary) widowmaker

[@VenomAloisius]

Those roads are 15minutes away from my house, nice

[@malcolmbriggs4281]

Nice to hear someone talk about the car and not have wheel spinning and going sideways.

[@T-Bag13]

I'll bet you were flying the drone as well as driving!? You truly are awesome.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Haha had the team in! They always do a great job.

[@Yarmox]

As much as I love Porsches new builds, this generation will be the coolest most technical one to me

[@BenCollinsDrives]

The 997's are SO DAMN COOL.

[@niosanfrancisco]

EPIC. The car is awesome and Ben is the MAN.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

You da man.

[@JoriDiculous]

Can 't go wrong with classic look Porsche (Carrera). This one is one heck of a beast.

[@duncanbleak3819]

The one and only! It tops my ultimate fantasy list. Nice review!

[@mattdedasc]

Great channel. No bullshit, no innuendo. Quality shoots with great commentary on the facts and figures and impressions from someone who can drive at the peak. subscribed.

[@digggerrjones7345]

I've never heard of anything but the 930 referred to as a "widowmaker".

[@BenCollinsDrives]

This one is known!

[@bradcollins4114]

Apart from a McLaren F1 this is the first car I'd be looking for if I won Lotto. Great review Ben!

[@zagonialpar9208]

Great job by The Ben Collins!

[@Joe_Rebel]

930 turbo is the widowmaker, that snap oversteer has been lessened a lot since then.

[@ruf930porsche]

Correct

[@Andrew-jh5uv]

Ben is a natural one of my favourite reviewers👍

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Ben that car was made for you mate!!! 👍🙂👍

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Fabulous review. It clearly a wonderful car, though I’m not sure that the fun / performance balance is right, seems to be a monster to tame which may not be everyone’s definition of joy.

[@CapnT87]

Quite the jump in performance from the 996 GT2 which I just got to experience…bonkers in its own right.

[@rickintexas1584]

This man has driven more of the world’s top cars than I have even seen. The fact that his daily driver is a 2011 Porsche 911 speaks volumes. I drive a Panamera. It has the DNA of a 911, but I can take my friends out to dinner in style.

[@GunfightersINC]

This is my new favorite youtube channel.. Epic..

[@papajimg9238]

video:...the legendary widowmaker... 930 Turbo: hold my beer...

[@TSERJI]

Tbf many cars in Porsche history have been given the widowmaker moniker… But I think many would agree that the 930 was the OG

[@BiragovDetailing]

This thing is absolutely amazing!!! What a car !!!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

What a car indeed!

[@DTMan13]

Ben, When will be the second video with Bohema track time? Thank you for your videos

[@COMA69BAND]

loving your channel, content is so good, videography is on point. would love to see you with your own show, living the dream and well deserved.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Maybe one day.

[@davegallagher5121]

Great vid! Would like to see you with a camera in the cockpit handling a beast. Thank you. And the Swedish drive on the right???

[@breakupgoogle]

Great road and an amazing car. You really never see them out.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

True. Can't remember the last time I saw a 997 GT2 RS... anywhere.

[@augustortiz]

Imo the best looking 911 ever made.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

You might be right.

[@RogerBergqvist]

I have driven a 1984 Porsche... No bells and whistles. Just a Porsche. This car is much more fun.

[@kennaaye8596]

Thanks for the video Ben!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

No worries! More to come.

[@AleksandrHalas]

Tremendously exciting trip

[@peterwalter3663]

A beauty!!

[@widowmakergarage]

WidowMaker approved💪🔥

[@ruf930porsche]

Hate to have to correct such a nice video. But this is not the 'widow maker'. That title/nickname went to the Porsche 930, due to it being tail happy in the wrong hands: rear wheel drive, no traction control, no ABS.

[@UncleManuel]

That really is a nice Porsh. 😁😜

[@PedroSantos_83]

Beautiful! ❤

[@yves1655]

Actually, not the Swiss Alps, but a very nice road nonetheless: col du Marchairuz in the Swiss Jura mountains. Great review.

[@romulus_]

you could certainly find yourself wrapped around a pole in that car, but the 930 is the one true widowmaker. no computers, and a sudden boost in torque from the old turbos on old tire and suspension technology. asking for trouble if you don't know what you're doing. I don't!

[@DkingE39]

You picked the right spec Porsche plus there rare 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@stevewages]

Sad it only has 6,000 km. Someone needs to drive this!

[@nicholascanjuga6000]

Still funny I was able to point out a future video, thanks again for the content

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Haha yeah nicely done! I did laugh when I saw your comment on the other film.

[@jmsjms296]

And I thought the term "Widowmaker" applies to the 930. Go figure...

[@BenCollinsDrives]

They're both known as that. Call this the Widowmaker Mk 2...

[@firefly8464]

Great video as always, keep ‘em coming!!

[@benoitdeclercq9722]

The choise says a lot!✌

[@earlofsmeg]

A superb car.

[@tonymiddlehurst8438]

I think it was the 996 GT2 that had more of a widowmaker reputation?

[@bors2908]

Roll Cage and Fire Extinguisher are factory from Clubsport spec

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

I thought the 930 was the Widowmaker.

[@brandneu6439]

Yes, and some say the 996 GT2 is it as well but never the gt2RS.

[@lloyddudley5293]

Loving the videos Ben

[@stevenross-watt8640]

Those snap oversteer moments we see you steering into were happening whilst the traction/stability control was working very hard? So without that stability assist it may have had a different outcome? Thx

[@stevefowler2112]

Still the most powerful manual transmission production 911 Porsche has ever built for the road.

[@Phil99330]

I love this road ❤