The Porsche Carrera GT: A Shrine
Originally a concept vehicle when unveiled at the 2000 Paris Auto Show, the Porsche Carrera GT actually went on to become a production supercar debuting at the 2003 Geneva International Motor Show. Its estimated price tag of US$350,000 put the super-fast car in the league of exotic vehicles. Composed of carbon-fiber monocoque chassis running on light magnesium wheels, the V-10 engine hit speeds of 205 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 62 in 3.9 seconds and incredibly from 0 to 124 mph in a mere 9.9 seconds.
Evidently, the concept for the Porsche Carrera GT was conceived at Le Mans, the 24-hour race. With sixteen victories behind them, Porsche engineers wanted to create a race car that could handle high speeds while being extremely lightweight. The result was supposed to be a prototype proving that technologically, the feat was indeed possible and doable. But once the public saw the car, it was overwhelmingly received, and development began on a street-legal model. By the time it went to market, the MSRP was US$440,000.
What made the car so exceptional was that it was conceptualized and built upon Porsche’s strength in racing. It was also a car of its own, not a newer version of something else. Using leading edge engineering and technology, the Carrera GT advanced from the original 5.5 liter rated at 558 hp to the 5.7 liter 612hp engine. Most intriguing about the design was the block which was actually a component of the car’s structure. Two seater, six speed manual transmission, ceramic clutch, stainless steel exhaust, and titanium connecting rods all contributed to the allure of this luxury sportscar.
Cosmetically, the Carrera GT was smart-looking and sleek. It was offered in standard colors Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey, as well as custom hues if requested. Soft leather adorned the interior, multi-functional liquid-crystal instrument display perfected navigation, and all models sported the iconic left hand ignition. In earlier days, the ignition was placed to the left of the steering wheel so that racers could jump into their cars, starting the car with their left hands and using their right hands to shift gears.
The removable roof came in two pieces weighing only about five pounds each. The Carrera was equipped with custom-fitted five-piece luggage set, a sound system, front and side airbags and optional air conditioning. The 2005 model was upgraded slightly to include a glass wind-blocker screen, the ability to adjust the seat height, and the chassis number was placed on a magnesium cover on the center console.
The Carrera GT, deservedly, received many awards and accolades including “Best of What’s New” from Popular Science Magazine 2003; “Engineering Excellence Award” from the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastic Engineers; and “Best Dream Car 2004″ by Road and Track Magazine.
Admittedly, the lifespan of the Porsche Carrera GT was short-lived, but according to Porsche it was still “the world’s best-selling high-performance sports car”. Models shown in 2003 were actually 2004 editions and by May 2006, production had ceased. Interestingly, at the beginning, the company felt that only five hundred cars would be built. By the time the limited run ended, there were close to thirteen hundred (1,270 to be exact) handcrafted units, half of which sold in North America. According to the Porsche fans at Porsche Blog Porshiana, airbag laws had changed in the US and Porsche was denied its request to waive new crash testing recertification. As a result, the company felt the impending expenses were too great.
Rightfully so, the Carrera GT was the ultimate Porsche, and Exotic Car News still ranks it the most hyper-hypercar of all times!
Tags: Exotic Cars, Porsche, Porsche Carrera GT