The Carrera GT follows the 959 and GT1 as only the third supercar built by Porsche and has undiluted qualities of a genuine race car. Its design is centred around the Porsche race program and there is a lot of track technology, like for example the under-tray. This works with the diffusers and controls airflow channels under the car to provide a ‘suction’ ground effect.
It is said that the idea of the Carrera GT came after the companies 16th victory at Le Mans, in-fact its chassis and suspension are based on the same principles used on the Porsche GT1, the car that won Le Mans in 1998. The company further developed and adapted technology until early 2000 when their masterpiece made its debut as a prototype in the Louvre, Paris. The final production version was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva show.
It is formed with a monocoque chassis and powered by a 5.7-litre V10 engine that produces more than 600 horsepower. This unit has a low centre of gravity and four valves-per-cylinder. Its aerodynamic and race-bred suspension provides a safe and stable drive at speeds of up to 205 mph.
The Carrera GT looks extremely dramatic from any angle. At its side you can see its sleek air intakes which are part of a highly functional aerodynamic airflow that enhances both the Carrera GT’s athletic abilities and its aesthetic appeal. Another contemporary piece of art is the engine which can be seen through the cross-drilled stainless-steel cover reinforcing the car’s dramatic design.
There is a six-speed manual gearbox that has compact dimensions and a low centre of gravity, it is connected to a Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch, the first for a road car.
The development of the Carrera GT can be traced back to one of Porsche’s most successful racing cars, the 911 GT1. Its timeless good looks and Porsche race program technology can ensure that this will be one of the most desirable modern classics in the same bracket as the Enzo.
