Porsche Becomes First OEM to Use Magnesium Body Panel

Porsche has broken new ground as the first vehicle manufacturer to use a magnesium outer body panel with the roof of its 911 GT3 RS that debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

by Staff

April 15, 2015

Porsche Becomes First OEM to Use Magnesium Body Panel — *Photo of 911 GT3 RS courtesy of Porsche.*

1 min to read

*Photo of 911 GT3 RS courtesy of Porsche.*

Porsche has broken new ground as the first vehicle manufacturer to use a magnesium outer body panel with the roof of its 911 GT3 RS that debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The vehicle will include a magnesium roof and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic hood. Porsche has incorporated carbon fiber in the engine and luggage compartment lids. As a result, the RS model is 22 pounds lighter than the 911 GT3.

The 911 GT3 RS is a performance-oriented sports car powered by a 4.0L six-cylinder engine that makes 500 hp and 338 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine has the largest displacement and most power of any naturally aspirated engine with direct fuel injection in the 911 family. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and record 11.2 seconds in the quarter mile on a track.

The 911 GT3 RS will launch in the U.S. in early July. It will retail for $175,900 plus a $995 destination charge.

Topics:Body Shops Sports Cars Porsche Lightweighting Operations Maintenance

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