2006 Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT was first introduced in 2004, and is a sleek, low, lightweight roadster which oozes style and good looks. Indeed, so proud are Porsche of the way the Carrera GT looks, that the model comes with two removable protective panels against foul weather, which can be handily stored in the front trunk.

The model’s unrivalled features include a 5.7 litre, 605 bhp V10 engine, a unibody construction chassis, Porsche-patented design, and the first ceramic composite clutch ever to appear in a production vehicle. The racing pedigree of the sports suspension allows for stability and safety at speeds reaching 205 mph (330 km/h), whilst the Carrera’s lightweight design is complemented by its magnesium wheels and seat frames.

The array of features adds up to an impressive set of statistics, achieving 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in under 7 seconds, and a top speed in track testing of 205 mph.

Racing pedigree

The 5.5 litre V10, built for racing at the Porsche development facility in Weissach, Germany, has been enlarged to a 5.7 litre variant in the Carrera GT. On top of its 605 bhp at 8,000 rpm, torque peaks at 435 lb/ft. The engine has been designed to have a low centre of gravity, featuring four valves-per-cylinder heads. The engine block is part of the load-bearing chassis structure, and is so tough that cylinder bore distortion is inconceivable.

Weighing in at only 472 lb (214 kg), the engine’s camshafts, crankshaft and block are all constructed from lightweight alloys. The crankshaft is capable of operating at up to 8,400 rpm, and is designed to offer optimal torsion and stiffness through minimal mass inertia.

Echoes of the 1998 winner of the Le Mans race, the Porsche GT1, can be found in the Carrera GT’s suspension and chassis – amongst other similarities, both models feature rear track control arms constructed from aerodynamic steel tubes.

Racing pedigree can also be found in the Carrera GT’s pushrod suspension setup, with all four corners featuring double track control arms. The result is refined response and behaviour, with the smooth transmission of forces through the chassis.

Inside the cockpit

High-tech materials dominate the interior, with carbon, leather and magnesium throughout. The instrument panel and console are constructed from composites, covered with galvanised magnesium. The gear lever sits next to the steering wheel, and each model has the chassis number printed on the centre console. The smooth leather seats have three-way adjustment controls, and each is built on a carbon composite shell. The lack of power adjustment motor and lightweight materials means that each seat weighs in at just 10.7 kg (23.6 lbs). In comparison, the Porsche 911 carries seats weighing 20 kg (44.1 lbs).

The Porsche Carrera GT is a powerful performance roadster, yet is surprisingly luxurious and a wide rage of options is available, including satellite navigation and Bose audio system.









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© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Ken Leonard for www.sport-cars.org