The Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT (Project Code 980) is a mid-engined sports car that was manufactured by Porsche between 2004–2007 in Leipzig, Germany. Sports Car International named the Carrera GT number one on its list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s, and number eight on Top Sports Cars of All Time list.

he Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 hp (450 kW),[5] whereas the original concept car featured a 5.5 litre version rated at 558 hp (416 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), although road tests indicated that in reality the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.5 secondsand 0-100 mph (160 km/h) in 6.8 seconds. The Carrera GT has a basic five colour paint scheme which includes Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey. Custom colours were also available from the factory. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is the only available transmission. Attached to this gearbox is a beechwood gearknob which pays homage to the wooden gearknob used in the Porsche 917 Le Mans racers. In its second year of production, a limited edition carbon fibre knob was also made available.

The Carrera GT has large side inlets and air dams that help cool the large V10 engine framed by the carbon fibre rear bonnet. Fitted with Porsche's latest Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite brake system, the 15-inch (380 mm) SGL Carbon disc brakes make an impressive appearance underneath the 19 inch front and 20 inch rear wheels. Similar to other Porsche models, such as the 911, the GT includes an automated rear wing spoiler which deploys above 70 mph (110 km/h).

The interior is fitted with soft leather. Bose audio system and navigation systems are available as options. In typical Porsche fashion, the ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. This placement dates back to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers were required to make a running start, hop into their cars, start them and begin the race. The placement of the ignition enabled the driver to start the car with his left hand and put it in gear with his right.

Performance

Max speed         334 kph (207.08 mph)

0 - 100 kph          3.5 s

0 - 180 kph          7.6 s

0 - 200 kph          9.9 s

0 - 250 kph          17.2 s

0 - 300 kph          34.2 s

0 - 100 mph         6.5 s

1000 m  19.4 s @ 266 kph

1/4 mile                11.0 s

0 - 100 - 0 mph   11.3 s

Engine

Drivetrain layout              : Mid-engine RWD

Engine type                     : 68° V10, aluminium block and heads

Valve gear                       : DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (40 valves total), variable valve timing on                intake camshafts, sodium-cooled exhaust valves

Bore x stroke: 3.86 in (98.04 mm) x 2.99 in (75.95 mm), Nikasil coated bores, forged titanium connecting rods, forged pistons

Displacement, ci/cc         : 349.8/5733

Compression ratio           : 12.0:1

Max SAE net                  : 612 hp (456 kW)[7] at 8,000 rpm

horsepower

Max SAE net torque,       : 435 lb·ft (590 N·m) at 5,750 rpm

Specific output, hp/liter: 105.5

Weight to power, lb/hp: 5.4

Transmission: 6-speed manual, two plate ceramic dry clutch (PCCC-Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch)

Redline                                 : 8,400 rpm

Power                                  : 450 kw (604 bhp / 612 ps) @ 8000 rpm

Torque                                 : 590 Nm (437 lb-ft)

Displacement                        : 5.7 liters (348 ci)

Bore and stroke                    : 98 mm (3.9 in) x 76 mm (3 in)

Compression                         : 12 to 1

Engine type                           : V10, 40v

Engine                                   : location middle

General data

Gearbox                              : 6

Drive                                   : rear wheel drive

Fuel capacity                       : 92 l

Year of introduction             : 2003

Home country                      : Germany

Dimensions

Curb weight                          : 1380 kg (3036 lbs) +

Size                                : 4.61 m (181 in) long, 1.92 m (76 in) wide and 1.16 m (46 in) high

Wheelbase                           : 2.73 m (107.5 in)

Track width                         : 1.61 m (63.5 in) front, 1.5 m (58.9 in) rear

Calculations

Power to Weight ratio   : 437 bhp/tonne

Power per liter              : 106 bhp/liter

1/8 mile (est)     7.3 s @ 107 mph

1/2 mile (est)     17.6 s @ 152 mph

1 mile (est)         28.7 s @ 174 mph