The Porsche 996 GT3 RS Is the Only *Truly* Special 996 - One Take

Click amzn.to/3pf7vnI and enter code smokingt15 at checkout for 15% off your total purchase! Thank you Slick Gaiter for sponsoring today's video!
In Part 1 of a special 5-Part series featuring the greatest hits of the Porsche GT range, we take a very rare 996 GT3 RS right out of the Porsche Museum and on to the race track at the PEC LA. With an underrated 380HP Mezger engine, numerous lightweighting options, and cup car seats, it signaled the return of the RS brand to the modern water-cooled era. And as this model was never sold in America, this will be the first time I ever get to drive one.
Porsche Cars of North America provided the vehicle, race track time, and a sandwich for this review.
Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to www.offtherecor...

[@scottwickwire-brock4736]

"these are valuable museum cars" Almost hits a cone

[@HoratioHoodoo]

Nah he hit it

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@HoratioHoodoo What? You have to brush up on your visual perception... ;)

[@slicktop2jz855]

996 is the only porsche ive ever driven or worked on. No regrets

[@tyleredwards6016]

I used to work with Shawn in 2015 and 2016 at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, GA. He is a genuine person that loves helping people improve and he's great at what he does. I was happy to see him get the opportunity to leave Atlanta and move out to LA to be the Assistant Chief Instructor at the LA facility when it was built. Shawn brought me out to help coach when it first opened and it's an awesome facility.

[@Eggsplanepls]

cool story bro

[@c.b.4916]

@@Eggsplanepls lmao😂

[@c.b.4916]

Thank you for the Tyler life history lesson. Thank you.

[@scotturich]

I love my 996, it’s a little blend of old school and new school Porsche

[@wmhhealth2018]

Me too, a 996 Carrera Cabriolet

[@johnp9445]

true, they are very underappreciated because people dont understand these cars.

[@LoLsaladz]

can never forget the sound of the NA metzger engines. Fking phenominal.

[@black350Z]

I have a 2005 997. Recently, I talked a friend into going for a ride because he wasn't a 911 fan. "They're just boring looking." After I got him in the car, he wouldn't shut up about the sound. "This sounds incredible. OMG, that sound!" :) He's now looking at getting one.

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@black350Z Yep. There's 'boring applicance', but can any appliance REALLY by called 'boring', when screaming around at triple-digit speeds? ;)

[@thegrandpumbaa]

I loved my 996 RS - collected it from the factory in Nov 2003, epic trip. The engine freed up with miles - first dyno day 381HP - second one 6K miles and a frantic trip down to Le Mans 418HP - same dyno, other cars that were there on the first day still were putting down the same on the second. Should never have sold it.....

[@04dram04]

The 996 stlye is really starting to grow on me. I like its smaller size. Makes it more toss-able

[@stefangrubesic2708]

Imagine one day 996 being the water cooled 911 to have, 991 is too heavy, 992 too techy (and heavy) and 997 is a bit bigger than 996 (though it has much better interior)

[@adriangale]

I love mine

[@ericjohnson3332]

I think its looks are aging incredibly well

[@FruitoftheLoops]

I just noticed, 1M subscribers, congrats Matt!

[@iyzyz]

That engine sings!

[@drakezv]

I’ve driven most of the modern 911 iterations but never any GT cars, can’t wait to experience one for myself one day!

[@bignateliving4056]

Start with the gt4 cause it’s basically the pinnacle of perfection. I was blown away by it.

[@drakezv]

@@bignateliving4056 if I have a choice I’ll definitely try and drive that one first.

[@user-hc5si5tw5p]

996 gt2 and 997 gt2 rs and gt3 rs. Rest won't be as raw

[@feelsgoodman245]

Non-GT are great driver's cars while striking a good compromise for everyday usability. But the GT cars are leagues above in driving experience

[@touringteg]

Drove a 997.1 GT3 and it was simply awesome. Fantastic weekend and track warrior car.

[@chadschober6843]

Congratulations 👏 on 1 million

[@racerboy5827]

8:18 spot-on representation of the 911’s handling characteristics. Great review.

[@maxscarblog]

Love this video Matt! As a 996 owner, I think even the base C2 has a lot of the same driving characteristics as you describe, but just toned down a bit.

[@user-mc4yy3qy1b]

Top-notch commentary while making the lap look smooth; pro level presenting

[@jerrydavis5749]

My 996 GT2 is a ridiculous ride and my favorite track toy in my collection. I love my turbo boost pinning my ears back

[@JaredR1996]

The fact that it’s a manual makes me smile 👍

[@CPMUNSEY]

Farrah always amazes me how he can drive like that at 7-8/10ths and still be able to calmly have a conversation while doing so.

[@rumblebunz8081]

this is my favorite! so glad you got to review this for us!

[@RamosDominicano]

Can we appreciate the fact that Matt can continue talking about this car while in a lead/follow lap. And not babying it.

[@JerainJezza]

You're one lucky guy making this series! GT3's aren't the fastest cars around but so special to drive!

[@Mike_M_Smith]

JerainJezza because they are non turbos.

[@astronmr20]

But they are some of the only cars that can do laps and laps of track abuse, right off the showroom floor.

[@Mike_M_Smith]

@@astronmr20 my insurance carrier wouldn’t like that.

[@nostopping]

Just bought a 996 GT3 and am absolutely blown away. At the moment it's too much car for me, but I'm sure with time (on track) I'll adjust. The experience is amazingly unique, it is mind blowingly fun.

[@anjanchakravarti6149]

Got mine delivered over the weekend...

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Nurburgring time is very similar to a C5 Corvette Z06 of the same era...sub 8 minutes was considered remarkable at the time.

[@Rockit181]

Put modern tires on and it'll cut another big chunk of time off

[@thereignofdando]

I saw Cammisa had commented on his Insta that the 911R and the 4.0 GT3 were the ones he thought were most special, but I totally agree, this 996 is the one, engine note wise. Sounds absolutely amazing!

[@tom72545]

In every MF review of a 996 he's in LOVE with the car... but when asked about the 996 in general he always says he doesn't like it. Matt, Listen to yourself (behind the wheel)!!!!!!!!!

[@IamTheOppressor]

That's how he stops himself from buying one, classic move

[@AruaBakayaro]

I love the GT3 but my special 996 will always be the GT2. Happy belated Birthday!!

[@MrCarGuy]

The standard 996 GT3 is also special to me.

[@touringteg]

Up here in my small city in BC a local has a silver 996 GT3, duct tape on the euro buckets, track marks on the bumpers, extra fuel Jerry cans in the back. A pure track rat. Just love it.

[@awsom82]

Matt, grats with 1M subs!!! Congratulations!

[@basithph8958]

The GT3 and Turbo is my favorite 996

[@dragospahontu]

I like the narrow body

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

And GT2

[@basithph8958]

@@MoskusMoskiferus1611 oh yes ofc how could I forget??

[@willh.2510]

Matt, wth??? I cand belive how well you articulated your run without a stutter!!! GREAT VID!!!

[@bradnaylor]

Happy birthday Matt! 🎂🎊🎉🎁🎈

[@michaelmiller99]

That Porsche is wicked, also I just bought 2 slick gaiters and got a third for free plus $5 off with the coupon code. You the man Matt! Much appreciated

[@SmashGhost]

The 996.1 GT3 Clubsport is also special

[@gar24407]

I remember driving dads GT3 on 2009 and it was a wild ride. You could not keep the rear from sliding. Last week on new P-zeros, the grip was endless and tje rear stay put. You can actually drive it hard without fear of dying.

[@smacdiesel]

Mezger engined anything is very special. Great video!

[@jp_0118]

I know I'll never own one of these RS's or even a standard 996 GT3 (look at the price trends), but for me the 996 generation as a whole is just the perfect blend of old and modern Porsche. Hopefully I'm able to buy one in a few years to complement the Giulia. But yeah these 996 GT3s are my hero cars, nothing else comes close for me.

[@Mr_Hustles]

Someone in my middle class suburban neighborhood dailies his. I see it at the grocery store, filthy as can be on a regular basis. I knew the car was special being a GT series Porsche but didn't realize just how much. Calgary, AB, Canada is where I'm at.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

damn he must have quite the spine and balls to daily one of these

[@rfouR_4]

I'd be curious to see what it would run on the ring with modern rubber. If it had Cup 2s like a current RS. Road car tire tech has advanced soooo much in those 17 years.

[@SwapBlogRU]

This car would've made for a very good "just the sound" video.

[@962RACER]

"It ran 7:43 at the ring" Bare in mind this is with tires that were from the era as well. With modern tires of equivalent spec that should come down at the least 10-15 seconds, which is still really impressive.

[@alasdairkerr258]

Some of my favourite ever cars. Must have been quite the day. Can’t wait for the others.

[@hoperdepop]

Dare I say, this is a good looking 996

[@Worrun]

Congrats on 1 million man and happy belated!

[@lpstylez]

It’s an amazing experience to drive or be a passenger in them. I had a go in one recently and I absolutely loved it, the engine noise is amazing as well

[@noobasdfjkl]

Just drive a 996 GT3 Cup car for the first time and it was amazing.

[@willduff858]

I am so jealous that Matt got to drive all my absolute dream cars in one day... so cool. Nice vid.

[@DopetheWind]

The only criticism of these cars is the headlights. And I can get over that VERY quickly.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

for me its the interiors

[@snail415]

I think most people overlook the difficulty in properly driving a super-rare car, on camera, and conducting a raw monologue that’s of any value to those afar. Matt deserved that opportunity, and will likely call that a ‘good’ birthday.

[@caylanhuang106]

Happy late birthday Matt!! Always love your words on the cars you test

[@michaelbyers955]

Dont think people realize how difficult that is to do. To talk perfectly and explain the vehicle while on track at speed. Wonderful video

[@imb2gs684]

I love the smoking tire and everything but as for the add at the beginning I HIGHLY recommend Blackstrap gaiters. It's marino wool which is like the best new thing in clothing because it never smells and is super comfy. Back to the video, there was a white and blue 996 at a range rover dealer while I was in highschool and man I drooled over that car every time I passed it.

[@qikqbn77]

Oh yeah, this GT3 series is going to be awesome!! Matt is one fortunate guy! I am going to the Porsche center in February and do the GT3 experience Matt did for my bday. Can't wait!

[@maaackel]

That open lower dash is so much better than the mess all other 996s have.

[@gt3pdl884]

So cool of Porsche to let you drive these cars and film these videos. Also shows their trust and confidence in you. Nice job!

[@nw3622]

Fantastic thing the 996gt3RS. Won’t be as fast as the subsequent models, but quite probably the most rewarding to drive.

[@wesd991]

Those neck gaiter's are awesome. Just ordered it a couple days ago. Couldn't use your link because Canada but thankfully they have a vendor here

[@carsaregood911]

Driving these 5 icons in one day at someone else's expense, life doesn't get much better folks

[@richharr]

My favorite 911 is the 996.2 and as the years go by its safer to say. Im also one of the few people who like narrow body 911’s more.

[@gdscheiwe01]

I was going to wait for all five videos, can’t do it. Great series Matt. ✌🏻

[@maybach6536]

What an amazing thing to get to do on your birthday! That car absolutely sings!

[@connorsmith6546]

Love this car! Can’t wait!

[@jerryc6497]

Great video Matt!! Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@mattjonesgt3538]

Happy birthday! And what classic RS to celebrate with. Awesome

[@fortgreeneprojects1]

Happy Birthday Champ and I hope you enjoyed it. Peace and Love from East Harlem NYC...

[@Thedude897]

Emelia sent me congrats on a mil

[@astronmr20]

This makes me want a 996.

[@markg9563]

Two comments: very nice smooth driving style Matt and; you have a real talent to be able drive and provide clear and coherent analysis at the same time . 👏

[@darkblueturbo]

Oh my. Long time Porsche lover, hope to be a GT3 owner of some vintage one day. Literally drooling watching this

[@ericsade5961]

Congrats on 1m!!!

[@andybob1001]

Great review and great looking car. The sing of that flax 6 never gets old.

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

Congrats on 1mil subscribers

[@bbpleg]

It would be interesting to set new Nurburgring lap times on modern tires. I bet you’d see some real improvements:)

[@RealBearFace]

I know you said in a podcast that some of the cars were to fast for the porache track, but damn. You guys got me nervous going fast in that tight track

[@RevSolution4U]

What a hell of a day! I am very jealous at the same time also appreciative for the video. Congratulations!

[@padbender2972]

The evolution of these vehicles is fascinating. Always ahead of their time but somehow always advancing.

[@sergh8605]

Thank you for the awesome content, can’t wait for the next vids

[@eriksiddons4730]

10/10 vid, congrats on 1 mil

[@davide8641]

masterful driving very very smooth

[@ryanconstable5912]

No water-cooled RS car is even remotely as special as the 996. It is the last FIA homologated 911 in which the motorsports parts are predominately featured on the roadcar. This can be seen in the engine modifications as well as the highly modified subframes over the standard 996 (a part that is shared amongst all 996 models otherwise). It also featured bespoke magnesium wheel carriers which had modified caliper mounting positions specifically for the road car brakes. Truly in a class of its own.

[@m0thaphucka638]

All in all, this is easily a top 5 one take. Fun fact about this certain generation of gt3 is that this model only came in white and the only option you had for color is for the wheels and decals. Also the thumbnail might be the best showcase of how a 996 should look. Cheers.

[@702TifosiGambler]

997 4.0RS & 2RS are holy grail for me

[@johnnyboy1586]

My favorite gt3 especially in this spec👍

[@weallfollowmanutd]

Cool to know one of my heroes has the same birthday as me!

[@gunsandcommissions]

Happy birthday big fella

[@jimmyhoffmann4950]

My dream car

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Makes sense; drive a 996 GT3 a long time ago; was so underwhelmed that I kept the 930!

[@theraggededgeonboardfastes8461]

Basically anything w a mezger engine is collectible. This one's more desirable than the 997 to me based on the simplicity of the interior ergonomics, outward vision, seating position, steering wheel and shifter. Crucially these are lighter than the 997 as well and have a narrower canoe stance with a less severe tire stagger which allowed them to behave like scalpels unlike the 997 which you'll notice how many more curbs he hit compared to the 996. Plus the gutteral exhaust from the non-direct injected flat six lends credence to the argument that port-injected engines are also the best sounding ie.....LFA, Scuderia over the speciale, c6 zr1 over c7(all day long), gt350 over the 2018 gt I could go on.....

[@trishennaidoo1309]

The 996 gt2 is also crazy

[@iantownsend500]

I’ve seen a few 996 gt3 RS but I’ve never seen a blue decal one in person

[@JMartinni]

3:15 Thought the Carrera GT was the last road-going Porsche without TC or stability control?

[@constantinehassiotis]

The 996 production finished roughly a year or two before the final year of the Carrera GT. Probably the 997 was just debuting when the last Carrera GTs were coming out of the factory.

[@plaxic]

@@constantinehassiotis So you're saying he's right...

[@constantinehassiotis]

@@plaxic Yup 😂 I don’t think Matt had the CGT in mind when he mentioned that. Unless he meant one of the last. (Or the last 911 without TC...)

[@kaybellum]

cgt has traction control

[@ssllhh100]

forget the car for a minute, man that track looks fun

[@eaglewi]

Especially on a motorbike

[@dnice362]

Cannot wait to see and watch the gen 1 GT2rs

[@UPHOTO75]

What a birthday gift! Would love to have a NA Mezger engined car

[@joeezra5460]

I went from a 03 996 to a 06 997 S and regretted it within 3 months...the 996 is over 100kg lighter and felt more natural and alive! 996’s are underrated gems the new cars are way too numb/boring.

[@gpb3762]

Andreas is such a legend!

[@bernardthefourth]

Pretty much put good coilovers, sway bars, tires, and alignment and you've got a runner 996.

[@ishmaelmohammad4306]

happy birthday Matt! happy 1M subs!

[@ossumopossum]

7:39 limiter of fuel cut? Either way, that's a great sound

[@tiborpandza8530]

Rev limiter

[@vclue846]

Can you not hear?

[@ossumopossum]

@@vclue846 I have a car that uses fuel cut... It sounds like a limiter, but I know it's fuel cut. 8300 to 8350 over and over again sounds alot like that

[@robert7984]

One of my favorite things

[@taforth]

The engine sounded great, especially on downshifts 👌!