In the Porsche 911 hierarchy, the GT2 nomenclature is reserved for its most ferocious models. Sports car racing once known as GT2 has changed considerably since the automaker first homologated its 993-generation 911 in the early 1990s. Back then, the GT2 used a 424-hp version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six plucked from the 993 Turbo. Composite bolt-on fender flares wrapped around its wide wheels and a massive, fixed spoiler with integrated air scoops gave it a menacing look.

By the time Porsche moved from air-cooled powertrains to liquid-cooled, the automaker left GT2 racing to concentrate on naturally aspirated GT3 competition. Still, the GT2 name survived as the maximum version of the 996 with a 476-hp twin-turbocharged engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission. That model set the stage for water-cooled 911 GT2s to come. The revived 997 GT2 looked the part once again with its oval headlamps and it benefitted from a big upgrade in its engine compartment. Now, the engine pumped out 523 hp, allowing it to top 200 mph on a closed course.

Porsche had more on its mind than just the GT2, however. The Nissan GT-R bested the GT2 at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe, which might as well have been Porsche’s home turf. Porsche responded with the GT2 RS, which weighed about 150 lbs. less than the standard model and had 612 hp, to boot.

The GT2 RS was the new standard, Porsche said, when it unveiled the highest-performance version of its 911 yet in 2017. The 991-body GT2 RS made its debut virtually at the Microsoft Xbox E3 briefing in 2017 before showing up in the flesh at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that summer ready for a blistering sprint up Lord March’s famous driveway.

The GT2 RS is anything but subtle. Massive intakes carved into its front bumper, a deep chin spoiler, and a functional wing give it gravitas unmatched by any road-going Porsche before. The GT2 RS’ twin-turbo, twin-intercooled 3.8-liter six-cylinder makes use of the automaker’s VarioCam Plus system that imperceptibly adjusts the intake camshafts and switches the lift of the intake valves to make for effortless acceleration.

For the first time, the GT2 RS did not come with a manual transmission. A human driver’s shifting abilities pale in comparison to the rapid, split-second shifts fired off by the advanced Porsche Doppelkupplung seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It is that transmission that makes the GT2 RS capable of sprinting to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, going on to 124 mph in a mere 8.3 seconds before hitting an otherworldly 210 mph top speed.

The GT2 RS quickly proved to be more than just a solid straight-line performer. Porsche made use of ball joints for its chassis joints for a more direct connection with the road. Adjustable suspension height, wheel camber, track, and stabilizer bars mean that the GT2 RS can be custom-tailored to a road course after just a few minutes of tweaking.

Porsche encouraged buyers eager for more capability to select the $31,000 Weissach option package. Cribbing its name from a package with a similar light-weighting philosophy that was offered on the 918 Spyder hypercar, the 991 GT2 RS package shed more than 65 lbs. while adding track-ready features.

The Weissach Package included the first carbon fiber stabilizer bars ever fitted to a production automobile. Carbon weave was used for its front hood and for its roof, too. Magnesium wheels shed around 6 lbs. per corner. Porsche even made use of titanium for the GT2 RS Weissach’s integrated roll cage on European models, which weighs about 25 lbs. less than the steel unit fitted to models with the Club Sport Package. The roll cage was omitted from American-market models due to compliance issues. In the U.S., the GT2 RS also included an infotainment screen and backup camera as well as air conditioning. Porsche 911 GT2 RS sports cars with the Weissach package are exceedingly rare. They represent the pinnacle of performance for Porsche’s 991, a level of technology not likely to be approached by the new 992 until near the end of the new model’s production run.

The 911 GT2 RS offered here features the wanted and expensive Weissach Package. It is finished in Porsche’s distinctive, race-inspired GT Silver Metallic over a black leather and Alcantata interior with Platinum Grey stitching. Additional optional equipment includes the front axle lift system, light design package, Bose surround sound system, voice control, chrono package with lap trigger, carbon fiber window triangle trim and illuminated carbon fiber door sills, and a 23.8-gallon extended range fuel tank. The 911 GT2 Weissach Package balances luxury and performance. Its sports seats are covered in leather and Alcantara, with ‘Weissach RS’ stitched into the fixed headrests. Carbon fiber trim dominates the Porsche’s dashboard. A Weissach RS badge is attached to the panel covering its cupholders on the passenger’s side of the dashboard. Showing just 55 miles, the GT2 RS is as near to new as anyone is likely to find. It was built in July 2018 and delivered originally to New Mexico through Porsche Plano near Dallas.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrap its 20- and 21-in. Satin Black magnesium center-lock wheels. Included is also the spare set of aluminum wheels with tires that the car was delivered with when production shortages called for post-delivery installation of the factory lightweight magnesium wheels. Yellow calipers for its carbon ceramic brakes are easy to see between its narrow wheel spokes. Carbon fiber ducts on its front fenders both give the 911 GT2 RS its unique look and help to cool the brakes during serious driving. Like other Weissach Package 911 GT2 RSes, the carbon fiber hood and roof panel are partially unpainted. The rear spoiler displays a distinctive Porsche script.

As the ultimate 991-generation Porsche 911, the GT2 RS with the Weissach Package follows in the tire marks of the automaker’s other showcase cars such as the 959, 996 GT1, and the 918. The eager 911 GT2 RS Weissach raised the bar for Porsche’s definitive sports car and is bound to remain a sound investment.