2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Level Up

Episode 4224
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

At this point, we’ve given up predicting just how far Porsche can go with the iconic 911. For almost 60-years now, they’ve proved this rear-engine sports car is capable of things few thought possible. And now there’s a new GT3 RS that yet again takes performance to a new level. Time for us to try to figure it all out through the twists and turns of Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway.

When it comes to driving this latest 992 generation of 911, each iteration that has arrived since 2019 has taken things to the next level, and granted driving rewards like never before. But like a video game or phone apps we waste countless hours on, just when you think you’ve reached the final level, there’s yet another quest to undertake. That brings us to this 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.  

It’s easily the most capable street-legal 911 yet, so tackling the 9-turns of Roebling is a challenge we couldn’t wait to take on. While it looks like a straight up race car; at its heart, it still feels like a 911. That basically means it’s way easier to drive than it should be, making you feel like a driving hero, despite your actual skills being far from it.

A big area of development for the RS was in aerodynamics; with active aero for the first time on a 911 GT3, enabling 3 times the amount of downforce of a standard GT3. Plus, a drag reduction system actively adjusting airflow up front and in back with an active multi-level wing.  

Even front suspension parts have been reshaped, and front and rear wheel wells carefully chopped up to maximize airflow. That all means an immense amount of grip transferred to the 335 rear tires, which are mounted on your choice of forged aluminum, lightweight aluminum, or magnesium wheels. These sweet Indigo Blue 20-inch fronts and 21-inch rears are the aluminum lightweights.  

It also means less drag down the long front straight, where we saw speeds well into the 160s at the end of it, while at the same time seeing corner speeds higher than we’ve ever experienced before here at Roebling. Getting on the throttle coming out of the turns is not a scary proposition at all, just immediate drama-free acceleration that has you wishing you would have gotten on the throttle harder and sooner.   

And here in the RS, there are more possible tweaks than most of us know what to do with; typical suspension rebound and compression adjustments, but also rear differential settings, and you don’t even need to break out any tools, just turn the right dials on the steering wheel. That wheel is sensitive to even the most minor inputs, but not hyper feeling; just a willing and able point and shoot partner.

The RS still boasts the GT’s rear-mounted 4.0-liter flat-6, breathing free and unassisted by turbos, spinning up 518-horsepower and 342 lb-ft. of torque on its way to 9,000 rpm. Cooling is aided by a single large central front-mounted radiator instead of the standard GT3’s multi radiator approach. Added roof fins aren’t there for downforce, but for diverting hot air away from air intakes.     

Rear-wheel-drive and PDK only, which makes launching as simple as it can be, repeatable, stress free, no-brain launches are hard with a fair amount of weight transfer, catapulting us to 60 in a scant 2.9-seconds. Shifts are quick and brutal, wasting no time or effort helping us complete the ¼-mile in 11.0-seconds flat at 128 miles-per-hour. And if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, you’re probably not doing it right.

The PDK transmission seems to know the exact right gear to be in at all times, but if you do trigger them, you’ll find the paddle shifters don’t quite feel as purposeful as the rest of the car, though the pro car’s magnesium units are available in the optional Weissach Package.  

Things inside the RS look as serious as the outside; there’s a GT shifter, lots of chassis bracing, and unique well-bolstered full bucket seats. And while it mostly feels like a race car, all the modern tech you need to get you through your daily business is on hand, works well, and looks great.

Doors, hood, front fenders, and roof are all made of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic.  And one final touch we’re fans of, the exterior graphics are a throwback to 1972’s 911 Carrera RS 2.7.  

RS pricing starts steep at $225,250, about $50,000 over a standard GT3.

So, what is it that makes the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS so special? Yes, it’s packed full of unique tech and race-spec. goodies that enable an amazing amount of performance to make it a weapon of mass domination for pro drivers. But, really, it’s the accessibility of all that performance that turns the RS into a hero-maker for the rest of us. That makes it really special indeed.

Specifications

  • Engine: 4.0L Flat-6
  • Horsepower: 518
  • Torque: 342 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 128 mph
2025 Nissan Kicks 18

2025 Nissan Kicks

More Kicks To Kick Around In

Episode 4436
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Nissan began kicking around the idea of replacing their subcompact Juke with a much more modern crossover ute more than a decade ago. But it wasn’t until 2018 that the Kicks finally stepped onto our shores. Turned out it was a smart move, one that Nissan hopes to build upon with this all-new second generation kicks. So, let’s see if it kicks up more good things for Nissan.

SUVs, “small” utility vehicles in this case, remain the hottest wheels going, with carmakers putting a herculean effort into making them as appealing as possible to as wide of an audience as possible. That brings us to this 2025 Nissan Kicks.

What started out in 2018 as a more mainstream replacement for Nissan’s funky, entry-level ute Juke, has now evolved into a fine-looking SUV with impressive substance. While even the first Kicks looked way better than the Juke ever could, this one doubles down with some upscale Murano flavor, though the wide stance and exaggerated rear fenders do pay homage to the Juke. The unique patterns and textures around the lower body are designed to resemble high-end sneakers or “kicks”. Top SR makes the most of it with available 19-inch wheels, black accents, and full LED lighting.

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This second gen is now bigger in every dimension, just under an inch taller, an inch and a half wider, and almost 3 inches longer; and even ground clearance gets a nice boost to a healthy 8.4 inches. There’s a new engine, too, staying naturally aspirated, but growing from 1.6 liters to 2.0 liters, and gaining 19 horsepower to 141. Torque gains are more impressive from 114 to 140 lb-ft. Bigger news is that all-wheel-drive is now available, as the original was front-drive only. And while we’re talking about that first gen, don’t get confused, as there is also a 2025 Nissan Kicks Play, which is actually a budget carryover of that first-gen Kicks.

Kicking off our track time, there’s a nice hit of initial spirit off the line, but then power delivery settles down and you take a slow CVT crawl down the track. It took us 10.7 seconds to hit 60 mph, a full second slower than the 2018 original. But it does seem to pick up the pace a bit further on, ending the quarter-mile at 18-flat and 78 mph. Engine noise is expectedly elevated, and even though there are simulated shifts happening in the CVT, it doesn’t really help the pace. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow, which comes only with all-wheel drive.

There was substantial grip and good balance, steering was light and it provided a respectable amount of feedback.

Now, it was a completely different experience on our handling course. Here, the Kicks kicked it up a nice notch for its class. There was substantial grip and good balance, steering was light and it provided a respectable amount of feedback. The suspension was firm and willing, with very little body roll and no notable understeer or oversteer. Overall, a quite pleasant cone trip.

All-wheel-drive models come with a suspension upgrade, replacing the rear’s simple twist beam setup with a multi-link arrangement, and adding a thicker stabilizer bar to the independent strut front. It was also quite commendable in braking with consistent, straight stops from 60 of only 106 feet.

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Bigger dimensions allow for a nice upward movement in space inside the Kicks’ five-seat cabin. Plus, a tech upgrade has definitely taken place with all but base S trim getting wireless phone charging and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. Top SR adds a 12.3-inch gauge display; and comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated-leather trimmed seats, and surround-view camera. Nissan spreads the supportive Zero Gravity seats to both rows, so even back seat dwellers get well above average comfort for this price point. AWD hardware and suspension does necessitate a higher cargo floor and a bit less cargo capacity, 23.9 cu.-ft. instead of 29.2; max is 50.1 with seatbacks folded.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings with all-wheel-drive are 27 city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. Our average was right on at 30.4 mpg of regular. While the new Kicks is certainly better to look at, it remains exceptionally affordable, beginning at $23,220; top SR starts at $27,570. All-wheel drive is available with all trims for $1,500.

The original Nissan Kicks existed almost totally as a value leader. And while the value proposition of the 2025 Nissan Kicks remains very high, it has upped its own ante to be a far more interesting and appealing small SUV to see, to drive, and to be driven in. We think Nissan put this one straight through the uprights!

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: NA 2.0-liter I-4
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Horsepower: 141
  • Torque: 140 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 27 City | 34 Highway | 30 Combined
  • 0-60 mph: 10.7 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 18.0 seconds at 78 mph
  • Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 106 feet
  • MW Fuel Economy: 30.4 mpg