Porsche 911 GT2: the lowdown
Earlier today the web was abuzz with leaked pictures of Porsche’s hottest car of the year. An American brochure was doing the rounds with all the juicy details of the hardcore GT2 revealed. Porsche responded to the leak and released the first official details and pictures weeks early, revealed here for the first time. Read on for comprehensive coverage of Porsche’s ‘widow-maker’.
What are the stats?
The headline grabbing figures are 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, 100 in 7.4 and a top speed of 204mph. That betters the Turbo by a few tenths on both counts and 11mph at the top end.
How is the Porsche 911 GT2 so fast without four-wheel drive?
Weight, or rather lack of it. At 1440kg it is 145kg less than the Turbo, and only 45kg more than the lightweight GT3. As well as the lack of bulky 4wd hardware, a glass-reinforced plastic engine cover, titanium exhaust system and standard Porsche Carbon Composite Brakes (PCCB) complete the diet. The brakes alone are 50 percent lighter than equally-sized steel discs.
But what about the power?
Headline figures are 523bhp at 6500rpm (50 ponies more than the Turbo), while the 505lb ft is 45lb ft stronger, and available from 2200-4500rpm. Enough said really.
So it’s quick then?
Oh yes, and helped by Porsche’s new launch control system. Hold down the clutch and accelerator, wait until the twin turbos reach 13psi of boost, step off the clutch smartly and the ECU will sort out the rest. The engine management system makes sure there’s no turbo-lag, no wheelspin, just relentless acceleration.
How does Porsche get all this power?
With a tried and tested 3.6-litre boxer engine and a few interesting tweaks. There’s VTG (Variable Turbine Geometry) as first seen on the Turbo. The turbines move to eliminate turbo lag at low revs, whilst adapting again to provide big power at high revs. This is all helped by the ‘ram effect’ created by the air intakes in the new fixed rear wing, which has an integrated lip spoiler. Combined with the full bodykit, including a GT3-style air outlet ahead of the bonnet, it creates positive downforce front and rear.
Is the GT2 as hardcore as ever?
Not quite, for this Porsche gets traction control and stability control for the first time. Luckily, with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) you can turn off both, and once they’re off, they’re off until you turn them back on. However, the car also comes with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) so you can switch between ‘Normal’ for everyday driving, and ‘Sport’ for some track action.
Can I still tweak the suspension?
You can, but we hope you know what you’re doing. You can change the ride height, camber, toe angle and anti-roll bar. Good luck with that. Above is the leaked American brochure, by the way. It rapidly worked its way around the world on chat forums and caused all sorts of palpitations over in Zuffenhausen…
Is the GT2 as hardcore as ever?
Not quite, for this Porsche gets traction control and stability control for the first time. Luckily, with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) you can turn off both, and once they’re off, they’re off until you turn them back on. However, the car also comes with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) so you can switch between ‘Normal’ for everyday driving, and ‘Sport’ for some track action.
Can I still tweak the suspension?
You can, but we hope you know what you’re doing. You can change the ride height, camber, toe angle and anti-roll bar. Good luck with that. Above is the leaked American brochure, by the way. It rapidly worked its way around the world on chat forums and caused all sorts of palpitations over in Zuffenhausen…