The 2006
Porsche Carrera GT symbolizes the end of an era for
Porsche enthusiasts since the company has decided not to continue with this highly successful model. As of May 6, 2006, the company stopped producing the exclusive Carrera GT. This model represents the perfect blend of street sports car and racing machine, and it has won numerous awards since its brief existence. These include the Best Dream Machine by MotorWeek television in 2005 and Best Dream Car by Road & Track magazine in 2004. More than 1,270 fortunate customers, 204 of them in North America, have purchased this awe inspiring luxury sports car since it was first introduced in 2003.
Engine
The V-10 engine of the Carrera GT is unique and one of its distinguishing features. Every feature of this engine has increased its speed and performance, making it a true racing engine. The size has been increased from 5.5 liters to 5.7 liters, and it’s capable of producing 605 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 435 lb-ft of peak torque. Innovative, lightweight alloys are used in the crankshaft, block and camshafts, bringing the total engine weight to a mere 472 pounds or 214 kilograms. This engine also features a closed-deck configuration, cross flow cooling, 3 front-mounted radiators and very strong engine block. In addition to containing a very low center of gravity, this engine contains 4 valves per each cylinder head and a 68-degree V angle.
Design
In addition to its amazing racing and road handling ability, the
Porsche Carrera GT is also sexier than you could possibly imagine. Cutting edge materials were used to create a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFP) chassis. It contains bonded layers of resin, carbon fiber tissue and most importantly, very strong yet lightweight aluminum and plastic honeycomb materials. The vehicle includes 380mm
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and 19-inch five-spoke forged magnesium wheels which were not previously seen on production cars. These wheels are 25% lighter than traditional wheels made of cast aluminum, and they help bring the total weight of the vehicle to slightly more than 200 pounds or 100 kilograms. Another unique feature is the two removable panels that protect the vehicle from bad weather. The driver can easily store these panels in the front truck when Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
Speed
Although
Porsche enthusiasts love the Carrera GT’s exotic appearance, there is no compromising on speed for drivers who enjoy racing in their sports car. The numerous changes incorporated to decrease the overall weight of the vehicle have resulted in faster driving times. For example, the Carrera GT only requires an astonishing 3.9 seconds to reach 0 to 62 mph or 100 km/h and less than 7 seconds for 99 mph or 160 km/h. If you need to get somewhere fast, this remarkable sports car will have you reaching 124 mph or 200 km/h in less than 10 seconds. Speeds of 205 mph or 330 km/h are possible, so there’s absolutely no excuse to be late if you’re driving this incredible vehicle!
Images were reprinted with permissions from original author Ken Leonard! Content was written by Tracy McCaskill for www.sport-cars.org only and you MAY NOT copy, distribute or use this page's content for any commercial or non-commerical purpose without written permission of this site owner and photos authors!
August 11, 2007, 6:43 am
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