Porsche GT2 Flachbau RS Brings the 935 Slantnose Back to Life

Porsche has taken one of its most extreme modern 911 models and transformed it into something that looks like it escaped from the company’s racing history. Called the Porsche 911 GT2 Flachbau RS, this one-off creation combines the brutal performance of the 991.2 generation 911 GT2 RS with a modern interpretation of Porsche’s legendary slantnose design.

The car was created through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program for a single customer, and the project took around 3 years to complete. Porsche brought together specialists from Porsche Motorsport, Weissach, Manthey, and its own design and engineering teams. Rather than simply changing a few body panels, the group extensively redesigned the car while keeping it road legal.

The inspiration comes directly from the Porsche 935/78 race car, famously known as “Moby Dick.” That connection is immediately noticeable at the front. The traditional round 911 headlights have disappeared, replaced by 3 extremely thin light emitting diode elements arranged vertically on each side. The redesigned front fenders feature flatter wheel arches and large louvers that release pressure from inside the wheel wells.

A new front bumper incorporates aerodynamic canards developed with Manthey, helping give the car an even more purposeful appearance. Despite all the changes, Porsche managed to preserve the unmistakable shape and character of the 911.

Grand Prix White covers the body, a Porsche color with roots stretching back to 1974. Matte black details and exposed carbon fiber create contrast, while the U-shaped graphic across the hood references the famous Martini-liveried Porsche 935/78.

The transformation goes far beyond appearance. Porsche also put the Flachbau RS on a serious weight reduction program. The finished car is nearly 70 pounds lighter than a GT2 RS equipped with the Weissach Package.

To achieve that, Porsche removed equipment most owners would normally expect in a road car. The Porsche Communication Management system was eliminated and replaced with a simple leather-covered storage compartment. The audio system disappeared as well, along with portions of the sound insulation and floor coverings. The result is a cabin that feels more focused on driving than entertainment.

Aerodynamics received equally serious attention. At the rear sits a completely redesigned wing mounted on distinctive S-shaped supports inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport. The wing sits nearly 2 inches higher than the equivalent unit fitted to a GT2 RS with the Manthey Kit.

Drivers can manually choose between 3 wing positions depending on the desired aerodynamic setup. In its High Downforce configuration at approximately 211 miles per hour, Porsche says the rear axle can generate around 1,221 pounds of downforce. Depending on the wing setting, that represents approximately 2 to 3 percent more rear downforce than a GT2 RS fitted with the Manthey Kit.

Additional Manthey-developed components include a revised front splitter, underbody aerodynamics and rear diffuser. Carbon fiber aerodynamic discs fitted to the rear wheels also help manage airflow and reduce drag.

One area Porsche deliberately left alone was the engine. At the customer’s request, the Flachbau RS retains the factory GT2 RS powertrain. Its twin turbocharged 3.8 liter flat 6 produces 700 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through a 7 speed Porsche dual clutch transmission, while top speed is approximately 211 miles per hour.

Leaving the powertrain untouched also makes sense because the GT2 RS was already one of the most serious road going 911 models Porsche had ever produced. The focus of this project was not chasing a larger horsepower number. Instead, Porsche concentrated on reducing weight, improving aerodynamics and creating a body that could bring the spirit of the 935 into the modern era.

Developing such an unusual road legal Porsche required extensive testing. The Flachbau RS completed approximately 50 laps of the Nürburgring during development. Porsche also subjected the new rear wing to durability testing designed to simulate loads equivalent to roughly 93,200 miles of customer driving.

Porsche has not revealed what the customer paid for the transformation, but a project involving 3 years of development, custom bodywork, extensive aerodynamic engineering and Nürburgring testing almost certainly represents an extraordinary investment.

What makes the Porsche 911 GT2 Flachbau RS even more interesting is that another customer should not expect to simply order an identical example. The philosophy behind Porsche Sonderwunsch one-off projects is to create something genuinely individual rather than reproduce the same design for multiple buyers.

For Porsche enthusiasts, that may be the most fascinating part of this car. Underneath is the already legendary 700 horsepower GT2 RS, but visually and aerodynamically it has become something entirely different. It combines the outrageous personality of the historic 935 with one of the fastest modern 911 platforms, creating a modern slantnose that looks unlike anything else currently wearing a Porsche badge.