Porsche Carrera GT: description, specifications, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Porsche Carrera GT is a mid-engined sports car produced by the German company Porsche between 2003 and 2007. A total of 1270 units were manufactured. With its cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance, the model has been named the best sports car of the decade more than once.

History of Creation

The Porsche Carrera GT ancestry traces back to legendary racing cars such as the LMP1-98 and the 911 GT1. Initially, the turbocharged flat-six platform was supposed to be used as a power unit, but the design was later redesigned to accommodate the new V10 engine. The motor was secretly developed back in the 1990s for the Footwork Formula One racing team, but its release was delayed until better times.

A concept car with a 5.5-liter V10 was shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show. The vehicle attracted a lot of interest, which prompted the automaker to decide on the production of a limited edition road version of the sports car.

Production

In 2004, Porsche launched the Carrera GT at its assembly site in Leipzig. The first supercar went on sale on January 31, 2004 in the United States.

The original plan was to produce 1,500 units of the Porsche Carrera GT. In 2005, the decision was revised down as a number of safety regulations changed in the United States (the main market). This would require changes to the well-established technological process. The German automaker found the additional costs inappropriate.

Thus, in the spring of 2006, production was stopped. A total of 1270 cars were sold. Of these, 644 found their owners in the US, 49 went to the UK, 31 were sold in Canada. Several units show off on the roads of Russia.

Design

One look at the photo of the Porsche Carrera GT is enough to understand that this car was born for speed. Smooth, but at the same time predatory body contours, a squat silhouette, twin wide turbines in the rear, like a fighter, numerous air intakes, a dual exhaust system, a curved retractable spoiler. All this testifies to the sporty character of an elite vehicle.

The GT was offered in five body colors: Seal Grey, GT Silver, Bas alt Black, Fayence Yellow and Guards Red. Custom colors were available from the factory.

The interior of the Porsche Carrera GT is finished in soft leather. Bose audio system and navigation system already includedas standard. The dashboard has a futuristic design with a tall gear rack and aluminum or carbon fiber inserts. By the way, the ignition is located to the left of the steering wheel. This tradition dates back to the early Le Mans races, when drivers had to start as quickly as possible. They jumped into their cars and started the engine with their left hand, steering with their right to the best position.

Powerplant

The Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7-litre V10 with 450 kW (603 hp). A real road test in June 2004 showed that the car could accelerate:

• 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds;
• to 160 km/h in 6.8 seconds;
• 200 km/h in 10.1 seconds.

The only available transmission is a 6-speed "mechanics".

Porsche Carrera GT specifications

To cool the powerful motor, the body of the model is equipped with a large number of additional air ducts, the largest of which are located on the sides. Stopping action is handled by 15 (380mm) SGL carbon disc brakes, manufactured using the latest silicon carbide ceramic composite system.

Spatial load-bearing structure is monocoque and made of pure carbon fiber. The subframes are made by the Italian company ATR Composites Group. The GT's radiator is about five times larger than its 911 Turbo sibling. Front and backthe car's suspension includes push-rod sports shock absorbers and shock absorbers with anti-roll bars.

Other features:

1. Body type - two-seater two-door roadster.
2. Engine layout - mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
3. Motor - 5.7L DOHC V10.
4. Power - 603 hp With. (450 kW) at 8000 rpm.
5. Torque (max) - 590 Nm at 5750 rpm.
6. Maximum speed is 330 km/h.
7. Ground clearance - 86 mm.
8. Dimensions: width - 1.92 m, length - 4.61 m, height - 1.16 m.
9. Weight - 1.45 t.
10. Average fuel consumption - 19.7 liters per 100 km.
11. Resistance coefficient - 0.39.

The sports car has an impressive appearance, thanks also to 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Like other Porsche models such as the 911, the GT includes an automated rear wing spoiler that deploys to the stowed position at speeds of 110 km/h and above.