The Porsche Carrera GT (Project Code 980) is a super sports car that was manufactured by Porsche in Leipzig, Germany, between 2004 and 2006. The Carrera GT goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and is capable of outperforming its rivals such as the Maserati MC12 and the Ford GT.

Predecessors

The 911 GT1 and LMP1-98 race cars, due in part to changes in the laws in 1998 by the FIA ​​and ACO, both projects were cancelled. At the time, Porsche had planned a new prototype for the 1999 Le Mans race. The car was initially intended to use a 6-cylinder boxer engine, but was later redesigned to use a new V10 engine, bringing the project to its planned completion in 2000.

V10 engine

The V10 engine was secretly planned by Porsche for the Arrows Formula One team (known as Footwork) in 1992, but was later shelved. The engine was resurfaced for the Le Mans prototype and increased in size to 5.7 litres. Unfortunately the project was cancelled after two days of testing with the first test prototype in mid-1999, largely due to Porsche deciding to design the Cayenne SUV with the involvement of Volkswagen and Audi, thus requiring specialist engineers from the sports car division. It has also been speculated that VW-Audi chairman Ferdinand Piëch wanted Audi’s Le Mans prototype, the Audi R8, not to be designated to compete with Porsche in 2004.

Production of the Carrera GT

Porsche began production of the Carrera GT in 2004, importing units with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $440,000 and a negotiable invoice of approximately $414,800. In addition, the delivery charge could be upwards of $5,000. The first Carrera GT was sold in the United States on January 31, 2004.

Production was discontinued due to changes in airbag regulations in the United States. As of May 2006, over 1,270 Carrera GTs had been sold, with 604 sold in North America.

The Carrera GT

The model’s remarkable technology includes a pure carbon fiber monocoque and subframe, with dry lubrication and internal suspension. The carbon fiber monocoque and subframe were manufactured and assembled by the ATR Group in Italy. The Carrera GT’s spoiler lifts when the car reaches 110 km/h and always deflects the wind flow, which causes less drag. The Carrera GT’s radiator has five times the volume of the 911 Turbo’s radiator. The front and rear suspension consists of OHV’s activated by shock absorbers and shock absorbers with anti-roll bars front and rear.

The car does not have a radio, as the manufacturer claims that the best sound comes from the engine. However, if the owner wants a sound system, he or she just needs to let the factory know so that it can be installed. The Carrera GT’s engine has a typical high-pitched sound, which has become the car’s trademark.

The only transmission option was manual. According to the engineers, nothing can replace the speed and excitement of a driver changing gears manually.