Porsche Carrera GT Photo Gallery

Conceived at Le Mans back in 1998 as a road-going sports car based exclusively on racing technology, the Porsche Carrera GT became a reality in 2003. With its unique exterior design and 605 horsepower V-10 engine, Porsche delivered on the promise of building a revolutionary sports car. Clearly, nothing in the design of the Carrera GT was compromised, as evidenced by the use of aerospace composites and lightweight alloy metals in everything from the clutch discs and the brake components to the chassis design in an effort to create an optimal power-to-weight ratio. With the weight of the Carrera GT coming in at 3,042 lbs., the 605 horsepower, ten cylinder motor is capable of launching the car from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 205 mph, according to Porsche. This is the car enthusiasts have dreamed about – and only those with an extra $450,000 to spend can live that dream. For the rest of us there is the occasional car show, track event or website where we can admire the latest super-car from Porsche.

2005 Porsche Carrera GT Sleek, sexy, a little odd-looking, and definitely naughty, the Porsche Carrera GT is the Angelina Jolie of automobiles.

Heritage

The Porsche Carrera GT is nothing short of a ground-pounding street legal racing car. Uncompromised engineering and design has placed the Carrera GT at the top of every enthusiast’s supercar “wish” list. With a 0-60 speed of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph the Porsche Carrera GT has only the Ferrari Enzo to butt heads with.

Design

From any angle, the Carrera GT is unmistakably a Porsche. Design elements from the past, present and future are incorporated into the overall design. From the 917-based headlights to the futuristic rear wing, the Carrera GT was envisioned to be both a work of art and one of the greatest performance cars ever built.

Aerodynamics

Whether flying down a track at top speed or sitting at a stoplight, the Porsche Carrera GT exudes fluid motion. Every scoop, bump and intake is functional and was incorporated into the design to aid performance, cooling and adhesion. Porsche took a no-compromises attitude in the development of the Carrera GT and it shows.

Braking

With a vehicle capable of reaching well into triple-digit speeds and doing so quickly, Porsche engineers didn’t scrimp when it came to braking power. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with 14.96-inch cross-drilled ceramic rotors and fixed six-piston aluminum calipers are prominent front and rear. Encasing the powerful brakes are magnesium wheels with a race-derived center hub mounting system. Each massive wheel is shod with Michelin performance rubber: 265/35ZR19s in front and 335/30ZR20 tires at the rear. There is also a tire pressure monitoring system on board.

Styling

Large perforated metal covers dominate the mid-section of the Porsche Carrera GT and aid the cooling of the massive V-10 residing mid-ship. The big 5.7-liter V-10 is mounted deep in the chassis to lower the center of gravity and aid in the Carrera GT’s handling characteristics. Placing the engine and aluminum gas tank behind the cockpit allowed a more even distribution of weight – essential to improving vehicle dynamics. Every aspect of the Carrera GT’s design was engineered to improve and enhance the car’s performance capabilities.

Interior

Even though the soul of the Porsche Carrera GT is more racing car than street car, the interior was developed to encase the driver in luxury. The carbon fiber and Kevlar seat shells as well as the dash and center console are covered in high-grade leather. The center console surround is made of magnesium and houses the aluminum six-speed shifter with a laminated wood knob reminiscent of the first Porsche 917 Le Mans winner. Alloy racing pedals add the finishing touch to the overall design of the interior.

Storage

Whether needing to stow the removable top or your five-piece Porsche travel set, the front storage compartment will accommodate your needs for a weekend get away.

Cut-away

The cutaway drawing of the Porsche Carrera GT gives fascinating insight about the engineering and mechanical marvels of this modern day supercar. From the composite chassis to the double wishbone suspension with inboard spring-and-damping to the al-mighty 605-horsepower engine, the Carrera GT is a work of engineering art.

Pedals

Everything in the design of the Porsche Carrera GT was engineered to be lightweight, right down to the driver pedals. Race-inspired alloy pedals are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional.

Engine

Buried deep within the Porsche Carrera GT’s chassis resides a 5.7-liter, 605-horsepower V-10 motor originally developed for racing at Le Mans. Torque is rated at 435 lb.-ft. at 5,750 rpm, and the V-10 revs to a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. The massive power launches the Porsche Carrera GT from a stop to 60 mph in a blindingly fast 3.8 seconds and chews up the quarter mile in a mere 11.4 seconds.