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A Porsche that not only changed the perception of a supercar, but also gained the reputation of ‘Widowmaker’
by Amreetam Basu on May 10, 2023, 12:30The automotive world has seen its fair share of legends, but few can hold a candle to the illustrious Porsche Carrera GT. Born from the ashes of Porsche’s aspirations at Le Mans, the Carrera GT became Stuttgart’s answer to Maranello and Sant’Agata Bolognese.
After two consecutive wins at the 1996 and 1997 Le Mans races, Porsche wanted to participate in the 2000 season and modified an old F1-developed V10 to power the LMP2000 with a boosted capacity of over 5.0 liters and placed a conventional valvetrain into the engine. However, owing to some regulatory changes, the winds of fate shifted, and Porsche decided to halt their Le Mans ambitions. As a consequence, a compelling question arose: What would become of that powerful V10 engine already under development?
To the delight of automotive enthusiasts, the answer came in the form of the Porsche Carrera GT. First introduced as a concept car in the year 2000, it was immediately apparent that Porsche hadn’t simply created a supercar; it had birthed an icon. The concept car gained healthy popularity, which was when Porsche decided to turn the concept into a production supercar. In its production form, the Carrera GT debuted in 2003 at the Geneva International Motor Show.
At its heart, the Carrera GT boasts a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Delivering a pulse-raising 603 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, this engine epitomizes raw power and unparalleled precision. Naught to 60 mph? A mere 3.5 seconds. And its song, an orchestral cacophony of mechanical perfection, will send shivers down the spine of anyone fortunate enough to hear it.
But the Carrera GT isn’t just about raw power. Its design is where engineering prowess meets art. With aerodynamic curves, aggressive lines, and a purposeful stance, every inch of its design screams speed, yet it is a genuine Porsche, even from a design standpoint. Step inside, and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. While many supercars of its era were focused purely on performance, often at the expense of comfort, the Carrera GT managed to intertwine luxury with its racing DNA.
Here we are, more than two decades since its debut, and the Porsche Carrera GT remains not just a relic of the past but still an icon that is shooting up in value. Of course, since its debut, the Carrera GT has faced countless criticisms for its untamable nature, and who could forget the tragic accident of the late actor Paul Walker? However, these unfortunate incidents merely decreased the craze and reputation of the Carrera GT, and even now, with a handful of examples remaining, the supercar remains a gem in the automotive world. Since its inception, the Carrera GT has competed with the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and the Lamborghini Murcielago, but does it still hold its supremacy after two decades? Let’s find out in this detailed overview.
Exterior
At first glance, the Porsche Carrera GT unmistakably looks like a Porsche, albeit one that has been lowered and has come from the future. The Carrera GT was a completely new supercar and doesn’t trace back to its illustrious predecessor, the Porsche 959. And while it carries forward the soul, the Carrera GT elevates the Porsche design language to a whole new level.
Diving into the front end, the Carrera GT’s headlight design is a nuanced homage to the revered 911 but with a modern flair, exuding a sense of aggression. The units have DRLs and projectors, just like its competitors. Back in the early 2000s, the Carrera GT was considered to be a supercar from the future, and its timeless design still makes heads turn. Much like the 911, the placement of the intake vents is quite low. A pair of brake-cooling vents flank the center intake vents, and compared to the 959, they are much more pronounced. Porsche wanted to up its game in both engine and brake cooling as well as aerodynamic efficiency.
Flowing towards the sides, the sleek lines gracefully merge form and function. Now, those wheels? They measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear and are made from forged magnesium to keep the weight as low as possible. The center-locking wheels have two different color-coated nuts: red on the driver’s side and blue on the other. The removable roof, a feature that sets the Carrera GT apart, lets one transition from a coupe’s intimacy to an open-air concert of the V10’s symphony. And that vented engine cover? It’s uniquely Porsche, with no resemblance to any other V10-powered supercar, for that matter.
The rear, ah, the pièce de résistance! The LED taillights look similar to the 997 GT3 models from 2010, which is unusual. Also, there is an electronically operated rear wing that goes to its optimal position once you cross 70 mph. The rear bumper is not as aggressive as you would think and does come with dual exhaust tips along with a not-very-aggressive rear diffuser and the electronic adjustable rear wing. The overall design of the Carrera GT remains distinctive to the first Porsche supercar, the 959, and even the whole 911 range. However, Porsche still managed to install some of the core design elements associated with the brand, which made the Carrera GT an unmistakably Porsche.
As for the exterior dimensions, the Carrera GT measures 181.6 inches in length, which puts it into the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 territory. Compared to the 959, its predecessor, the Carrera GT measures almost 14 inches more in its overall length. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you that the Carrera GT’s wheelbase measures 107.5 inches, which is 18 inches longer than the 959. Wow! As a thoroughbred supercar, the Carrera GT sits quite low to the ground. As a r result, its height is 45.9 inches, down from 50.4 inches of the 959.
| Exterior Dimension | 2004 Porsche Carrera GT | 2003 Ferrari Enzo | 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.6 inches | 185.1 inches | 180.3 inches |
| Width | 75.6 inches | 80.1 inches | 80.5 inches |
| Height | 45.9 inches | 45.2 inches | 44.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 inches | 104.3 inches | 104.9 inches |
Interior
Much like the exterior, the Carrera GT brings an all-new design philosophy that was never seen in a Porsche. When you slide into the cockpit of the Carrera GT, it’s immediately evident that the designers at Stuttgart took a transformative leap from their iconic predecessor, the Porsche 959. Let’s dissect this evolution, piece by piece.
Firstly, while the 959 was revolutionary for its time, the Carrera GT showcases an evolution befitting the new millennium. The former, being a product of the ’80s, has a more functional layout, simpler lines, and fewer frills. The Carrera GT, meanwhile, embraces a blend of modern luxury and ergonomic efficiency.
The Carrera GT’s three-spoke steering wheel, devoid of any modern-day multifunction buttons, looks stunning but is identical to the one found inside the first Cayenne. The GT’s dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with the instrument dials and gauges now sitting closer to each other and offering better clarity – a significant step forward from the busier dashboard of the 959.
Perhaps one of the most defining features of the Carrera GT’s interior is its center console. It houses the unmistakable wooden-topped gear knob, an homage to the legendary Porsche 917 race car, and its placement is quite ergonomic. This tactile interface to the gearbox allows for a driving experience that’s both nostalgic and visceral. Adjacent to the gearbox are control switches for the climate control, powered windows, traction control, and the spoiler, laid out intuitively. In comparison, the 959, with its traditional layout, lacks the flair and ergonomic flow of the GT.
The color palette and material choice inside the Carrera GT makes it a rather luxurious car. Rich leather juxtaposed with brushed aluminum elements creates an aura of sophistication. It feels like a tangible upgrade from the 959, which, while luxurious for its era, seems a touch reserved when placed side by side with the GT. When it was on sale, Porsche offered customers to choose between three interior leather colors: Ascot Brown, Terracotta, and Dark Gray. Among all three, I personally love the Ascot Brown because the Terracotta feels like too much red, and the Gray, well, it seems more like black to me (I’m not colorblind).
The Carrera GT’s carbon fiber seats are not as extreme as you would think. Yes, they may not be as comfortable as the conventional buckets, but they have enough bolstering to keep you in place should you choose to be playful with the supercar, although you need to be really careful while doing so. The cushioning on the seats is far better than what you would find in modern-day supercars.
Stacked against the Ferrari Enzo’s interior, the Carrera GT comes across as more driver-centric and intuitive. The Enzo, while undeniably plush, could feel more racecar-like. The Lamborghini Murcielago, especially its first generation, has a flair for drama with its share of luxury and bold layout. I would pick the Carrera GT, especially because of its interior layout, premium touches, and that gorgeous-looking shifter.
Performance
The Porsche Carrera GT is the embodiment of engineering brilliance. At its core lies a heart that’s as mighty as it is melodious – an F1-developed V10 engine. However, the concept car, which debuted in 2000, had a slightly smaller and less powerful 5.5-liter V10. The production version sports an uprated 5.7-liter fire-breathing V10 that pumps out 603 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque and is significantly more powerful than its predecessor, the 959. In comparison, the Porsche 959 came equipped with a smaller 444-horsepower 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. While impressive for its era, the Carrera GT surpasses its predecessor with a noticeable aplomb.
The Carrera GT employs a six-speed manual transmission, which routes all the power to the rear wheels, an ode to pure, analog driving. This absolutely bonkers supercar is not just about numbers, and while it is pretty easy to drive, similar to most Porsches, you need to know a few things before you hop into the driver’s seat. The drivetrain consists of a unique carbon composite multi-plate clutch and no flywheel. The clutch is quite heavy to modulate, and that is identical to some of the manual-operated supercars from that era. However, the absence of a flywheel means that the engine is immensely responsive, but on the other hand, the revs drop the moment you lift your right foot off the gas pedal. So, if you are familiar with cars with race clutches and lightweight flywheels, there is a possibility that you will stall the engine. But don’t be afraid to dump the clutch if you are brave enough because Porsche has tested it by launching the Carrera GT 16,000 times!
Accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, the Carrera GT showcases how quick it is despite being a rear-wheel drive car. Like modern supercars, there is no launch control system. So, it is tricky to launch the GT without doing a burnout. It also breaks the 205 mph top speed mark. The CGT’s arch rival, the Enzo, does naught to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, but get this: the Enzo, unlike the Carrera GT, comes with an automated manual gearbox, so the reason behind it being a few ticks quicker is just because of its faster and effortless gear shifts. As for the V12 Murcielago, while it took slightly longer to get to 60 mph, it matched the Carrera GT’s top speed of 205 mph.
Take a look at the figures below to see how the Carrera GT performs with its competition:
| Specification | Porsche Carrera GT | Ferrari Enzo | Lamborghini Murcielago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L V10 | 6.0L V12 | 6.2L V12 |
| Gearbox | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed F1-style AMT | 6-speed Manual/E-gear |
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| Horsepower | 603 hp | 651 hp | 580 hp |
| Torque | 435 lb-ft | 485 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 sec | 3.3 sec | 3.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 205 mph | 221 mph | 205 mph |
Conclusion
The Porsche Carrera GT stands as an epitome of automotive ingenuity; a supercar that proves that it’s not just the Italians who are good at developing high-performance, low-slung supercars. When launched, its asking price hovered around $448,000, an investment that only 1,270 lucky customers took a leap of faith in. Today, reflecting on its rarity, the Carrera GT’s value has catapulted in the collectors’ market, with pristine conditions demanding well over two million dollars in listings.
However, like any legend, the Carrera GT isn’t without its controversies. Its lack of electronic stability control became a bone of contention among many enthusiasts and critics alike. The Carrera GT is widely considered the last ‘analog’ supercar. Its raw, unfiltered nature, while delivering a driving experience unparalleled in its purity, also demanded the utmost skill from its driver. This uncompromising approach led to tragic accidents in some cases. By the time production came to an end, nearly 200 examples of this Porsche supercar had been totaled.
Yet, to dwell only on this would be to miss the forest for the trees. The Carrera GT offered something few other supercars ever could – an experience as close to an F1 car as a road-legal vehicle could possibly deliver. It was a daring move by Porsche, a chance taken in an era of increasing electronic aids and driver comforts. It was a salute to raw power, skill, and the intimate connection between man and machine. In the world of supercars, the Carrera GT forever remains a shining beacon of what is possible when passion meets innovation.
FAQs
1. What engine is in the 2004 Carrera GT? It is powered by a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine.
2. How much horsepower does the Carrera GT produce? The Carrera GT produces 603 horsepower.
3. What is the top speed of the Carrera GT? It has a top speed of 205 mph.
4. How quick is the Carrera GT from 0-60 mph? The Carrera GT can accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.
5. How many Carrera GTs were produced? Porsche produced a total of 1,270 Carrera GTs between 2004 and 2007.
6. What makes the Carrera GT’s engine unique? The engine was originally developed for F1, and now it features lightweight construction, dry-sump lubrication, and no flywheel.
7. Is the Carrera GT a manual or automatic? The Carrera GT comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
8. What is unique about the Carrera GT’s chassis? The Carrera GT has a monocoque chassis structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, ensuring high rigidity while being lightweight.
9. Was the Carrera GT available as a convertible? The Carrera GT was available only with a two-piece removable roof panel,
10. How much did the 2004 Carrera GT cost when new? The starting price was around $450,000 in the U.S., but prices varied based on options and market.
Porsche surprises the experts: The Carrera GT celebrates its world premiere at the Paris motor show
Potential mass production sports car study with pure racing engineering
Stuttgart/Paris. Carrera GT – this is the name of the new sports car study from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, which was today presented in public for the first time at the Paris motor show. The high performance sports car, developed at the research and development centre in Weissach, advances into new dimensions with its performance characteristics and goes beyond any previously known limits of sports car manufacturing. Once tests concerning market acceptance and market size have been concluded, the board of directors will decide whether the Carrera GT will be produced in 2003.
The design of the Carrera GT is based on pure racing engineering. This applies also both to the chassis and the suspension, and to the V10 normally aspirated engine and the six-speed manual transmission. With a six-litre cubic capacity, a torque of 600 Nm (444 ftlbs) and 558 HP, the Carrera GT guarantees a top speed of over 330 km/h. It accelerates from 0 to 100 in under 4 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in under 10 seconds. The rpm range of the mid - engine roadster reaches over 8000 revolutions per minute.
In addition, the use of carbon fibre as the body’s basic material combines optimal strength and safety with a minimal vehicle weight. The Carrera GT weighs as a result only around 1250 kilograms. The tank has a capacity of 90 litres.
Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, chairman of the board of directors of Porsche AG: “The Carrera GT is 100 percent Porsche and underlines our high expectation of being the perfect example of innovation, fascination and emotion in international sports car manufacturing in the future. If we were to build this super sports car, it will naturally carry the quality seals “Made in Germany” and “Manufactured by Porsche”.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio
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