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Porsche Carrera GT Races On
Originally designed to follow on the heels of the 911 GT1, the Carrera GT was destined to be Porsche's next prototype racer. But then, the company decided to reduce its commitment to racing. Racing's loss is about 1,500 lucky customers' gain.
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For the street version, the chassis remains essentially unchanged from original Le Mans specification and, apart from a mild engine detuning, the car is essentially faithful to its original intent of going as fast as possible for 24 hours. The chassis is made of carbon-fiber, reinforced plastic, and power is transmitted through a compact ceramic composite clutch. The GT features a high-revving 5.7-liter, 68-degree V10 with 605 horsepower. Its maximum torque of 435 pound-feet arrives at a heady 5,900 rpm, so the GT borders on manageable below 5,000. Above that, things get blurry in a hurry, with the GT accelerating almost as hard as a modern superbike (and sounding like one, too).
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In the lower gears, the engine picks up revs like you have accidentally knocked the shifter into neutral. The V12 shrieks, and the GT rockets ahead. Porsche claims the Carrera GT can get from a stop to 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is listed at 205 mph. And when you're not bragging about its speed, you can regale onlookers with details of its authentic racing pedigree. Such as, the fact that the engine has no less than 10 oil pumps, eight of which do nothing more than scavenge oil from the recesses of the engine when it's being sloshed about under high cornering loads. Or, the fact that the engine is a stressed member of the frame, meaning it acts as part of the chassis.
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Overall, the GT's suspension is pure racing technology. All of the four wheels' independent suspension bits are rocker actuated. Though the front mechanisms are hidden, you can display the entire rear system in all its glory with the trunk lid up. Of course, the real reason for using this intricate system is to improve suspension actuation and reduce unsprung weight, so the Carrera GT will handle better. This ultimate Carrera is a targa-topped roadster, but it has no disappearing roof, hard or otherwise. Instead, two top panels are stored in the GT's front trunk, which also serves as the only luggage compartment. Inside, the GT is all business, stylish and functional. The cockpit (as well as the body panels) has real
carbon fiber throughout.
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The Carrera GT is about as practical as a superbike in a traffic jam. However, just like an overpowered sport bike, once the road opens up, all that impracticality is quickly forgotten. nGP
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Body styles, trim levels and options: The Carrera GT comes in one trim level. Generous standard equipment includes a Bose stereo, supple leather seating and a navigation system. A special luggage set, tailored to make maximum use of the limited storage space, is optional.
Powertrains and performance: A 5.7-liter V10 powers the GT, with the cylinders set at a 68-degree angle, and a sizzling 8,400-rpm redline. Horsepower is rated at 605 at 8,000 rpm, and torque at 435 pound-feet at a lofty 5,900 rpm. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is mated to this beast, routing the power through a carbon-ceramic clutch. It runs to 60 mph in around 3.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile sprint is just over 11 seconds at more than 130 mph.
Safety: Ceramic composite brakes with ABS haul down the speed in a hurry. A full complement of airbags and stability control are included on the GT.
Interior design and special features: If you're out for a summer weekend jaunt, you have a choice: You can either take the roof in case it rains or luggage in case you stay over, but not both. There are also some hidden compartments in each door for smaller items, along with a nook in the center console. Hidden on the underside of the console, the CD player is almost impossible to access without reaching over into the passenger side and then snaking your arm up under the dash. Otherwise, the GT's cockpit is just as stylish as its exterior, and replete with just as much real carbon fiber.
Driving impressions: Like most multiplate, carbon-fiber racing clutches, the GT's is a tricky affair, with just millimeters of foot movement separating disengaged and fully engaged. Smooth launches are difficult. Try to keep the revs down, and you risk stalling the beast. Rev it while simply trying to navigate into a parking spot, and you look like an amateur. Once underway, though, the GT becomes much more of a pussycat, at least if you keep the revs down. Unlike the Mercedes SLR McLaren, which instantaneously overwhelms you with supercharged torque right above idle, the Carrera needs revs to make serious power. The revs build fast, though, and suddenly everything becomes a blur. The car remains remarkably stable at outrageous speeds, thanks to fantastic suspension tuning. The ceramic composite brakes are equally impressive, with an ability to bring things to a halt in a hurry.
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