The 964 RS was available in 3 main versions: Carrera RS, Carrera RS America, Carrera RS 3.8.
The Carrera RS was a super-lightweight and puristic version of the Carrera 2 offered on the European market only. It was based on Porsche's 911 "Carrera Cup" race car (the successor of the 944 turbo cup car) and harkened back to the 2.7 and 3.0 RS / RSR models.
The RS featured a revised version of the standard engine, the M64/03, providing an increased power output of 260 bhp (191 kW) and better response thanks to a lightweight flywheel. Its powertrain featured a G50/10 transmission offered closer gear ratios, an asymmetrical Limited Slip Differential and steel syncromesh. Further modifications included a 40mm lowered suspension system with stiffer springs, shocks and adjustable stabilizer bars. The interior was stripped out completely by removing power steering, power windows and seats, rear seats, air conditioning, cruise control, sound deadening material and the stereo system. Lightweight bucket racing front seats were fitted instead.
The front bonnet was made of aluminum and the chassis was seam welded, side windows were equipped with thinner and lighter glass.
To round off this radical diet, the Carrera RS was equipped with magnesium 17 inch Cup wheels. These efforts led to a total weight saving of 150 kg (total weight 1220kg / 1150kg with completely removed sound-deadening material) compared to the Carrera 2, transforming the RS into a faster and much more agile and responsive car.
The Carrera RS was also available in a heavier Touring version where some comfort options were put back (power windows and seats, sound-deadening) and undercarriage protection was applied. Porsche also offered a more radical version of the Carrera RS, the so called Carrera RS N/GT, featuring completely factory-stripped and blank interior and a roll cage. 1280 Carrera RS and 290 Carrera RS N/GT were built.
The Carrera RS was not sold on the US market because the American importer considered its concept to be too radical and aggressive for the american clientele. However, some American 911 enthusiasts wanted a RS version of the 964 and Porsche reacted to please them with the introduction of the Carrera RS America. The RS America may be considered as a “considerably softened” version of the European Carrera RS: Deleted to save weight only were power steering, cruise control, powered side mirrors, air-conditioning, sunroof and radio. 17 inch Aluminium Cup I wheels and M030 sports suspension were fitted as standard and the RS America had distinctive “Whale-Tail” spoiler. The engine and gearbox of the Carrera 2 were used. As the America RS was a compromise between the comfortable and “heavy” standard Carrera 2 and the “real” Carrera RS, only 35kg’s were saved and the difference in driving dynamics between these two models was not comparable to the European Carrera RS. Nonetheless 701 Carrera RS America were built.
Later Porsche produced the ultimate version of the RS called the Carrera RS 3.8 featuring the Turbo body and a 3.8 litre version of the M64 motor with an output of 300 bhp @ 6500rpm and 360Nm @ 5250rpm. With performance specifications of 5.2s from 0-100km/h and a top speed of 271km/h this car was faster and even more radical than the Carrera RS. Only 90 units were built.
