Throughout its history , Porsche has offered special limited edition , high performance cars based on its regular production models . When the Porsche 911 was introduced in 1964 , special higher - performance models were not long in coming . These included the 911 R of 1967 and the Carrera RS of 1973. Among collectors today , the 1973 Carrera RS is one of the most highly prized street - going Porsches ever built . The 1973 Carrera RS offered a choice of standard , racing or touring equipment and formed the basis of the racing Carrera RSR , which in 1973 won the 24 Hours of Daytona , the 12 Hours of Sebring , and both the IMSA Drivers and Manufacturers Championships .

High performance in the most affordable 911

For 1993 , Porsche offers an RS for American customers . The 911 RS America , inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS , is sold exclusively in the United States , and is also the most affordable model of the classic rear - engined Porsches . Its suggested retail price of $ 54,800 is more than $ 10,000 below that of the standard 911 Carrera 2 .

Less weight, more performance

While the 911 Carrera 2 , Carrera 4 , and America Roadster offer a wide palette of options and special - order appointments , the RS America is reduced to the bare essentials of a street legal sports car . The luxurious leather of the highly supportive Recaro bucket seats is replaced by corduroy . Much of the normal sound deadening found in standard cars is deleted . The rear seats , suitable for occasional use in the normal 911 series , are replaced by a flat parcel shelf and a pair of lockable storage bins . The flat inner door panels have no storage pockets , and the door release is by means of a simple nylon strap . The outside . mirrors are adjusted manually . As a result of this trimming , the RS America is lighter than any other 911 model , which yields even higher performance limits . In contrast to other Porsche models , the RS America is available with only five options : a limited slip differential , air conditioning , sunroof , metallic paint and a basic AM / FM cassette system .

Performance-oriented chassis, larger wheels and tires

But the key to the RS America concept is its performance - oriented chassis tuning . Standard equipment includes larger 17 - inch ' Turbo - design " cast alloy wheels , with large openings to help cool the ventilated disk brakes and four - piston calipers . The tires are larger , lower and wider than those normally fitted to other 911s .

Sport suspension is standard

The RS America is also equipped with the M 030 sport suspension package , which is available as an option on the other members of the 911 family . The M 030 package includes coil springs and shock absorbers tuned for even higher handling limits . The rear springs are progressively wound . The M 030 suspension incorporates a larger diameter front stabilizer bar .

Responsive unassisted rack & pinion steering

The RS America has unassisted rack and pinion steering for more feedback and better road feel under extreme conditions . Visually , the RS America is identified by its distinctive badges and large , fixed rear spoiler .

For more:

• 911 Carrera 2
• 911 Carrera 4
• 911 America Roadster