CLASSIC NEVER DIES

RS Lineage: Porsche Rennsport Defines the Best of the Best

Dark photo of two Porsches parked next to one another, one silver and the other red with trees and overcast sky in background — The RS Lineage has continued to evolve since the 60s & it looks like there’s no plans in slowing down!
Source: Porsche

The “RS” lineage, short for “Rennsport” or “Racing Sport,” has long symbolized Porsche’s dedication to high-performance engineering rooted in racing. It first appeared on the 1958 Porsche 718 RSK, a lightweight, mid-engine sports car designed explicitly for competition, which has had it’s own recent success. This early RS model demonstrated Porsche’s intent to fuse advanced engineering with motorsport dominance, setting the stage for the RS badge to become a hallmark of innovation and speed. Over time, the RS label evolved, finding a home in select Porsche models built with cutting-edge technology and tuned for high performance. With each iteration, the RS designation represents an uncompromising pursuit of driving excellence, blending racing expertise with real-world performance capabilities.

black an white photo of a man in a low single seat Porsche 718 RSK with the number 22 on the door with many people in suits standing next to it — The first “RS” was introduced on the Porsche 718 RSK.
Source: Porsche

several Porsche cars lined up next to one another on a strip of road with a solid white line running down it with the first Porsche badged with carrera rs in the corner of the rear wing — Have a favorite “RS”? Maybe the 911 Carrera or do you prefer a modern water cooled 996 GT3 RS?
Source: Porsche

Porsche’s RS lineage includes some of the most legendary models in automotive history, each pushing the boundaries of speed, agility, and driver engagement. The legacy includes iconic platforms such as the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, which elevated the RS concept for the road, and the 964 RS, a more powerful and agile successor. The modern RS era began with the 996 GT3 RS, leading to the celebrated 997 GT3 RS 4.0 in 2011, renowned for its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Recent years have seen the RS badge reach new heights, with the 2018 991 GT2 RS setting production car speed records and the 2022 992 GT3 RS showcasing radical aerodynamics and track-focused enhancements. Each of these RS models continues Porsche’s tradition, standing as benchmarks in both innovation and pure driving performance.