Press Release
Porsche Carrera GT – Highlights
Long version
Through its looks alone, the Carrera GT clearly reveals its outstanding performance as an uncompromising supersports of the highest calibre. But unlike prototypes built exclusively for racing, the design of the Carrera GT shows a clear resemblance to production cars and is indeed reminiscent of certain details featured by Porsche's legendary racing cars. One example is the “face" of the Carrera GT with its arrow-shaped front lid and elevated wheel arches, taking up the typical design of the Porsche 718 RS Spyder back in the '60s. And like the 911 Turbo, the Carrera GT comes with three extra-wide air scoops in the lower section at the front, clearly emphasizing the car's unparalleled performance. Measuring 4.61 metres (181.5") in length, 1.92 metres (75.6") in width, and 1.16 metres (45.7") in height, the Carrera GT looks not only beautiful, but, in particular, very aerodynamic and muscular from the side, its long and stretched-out shoulder line adding to the car's dynamic character. The mid-engine concept is borne out clearly by the cockpit moved far to the front and the long gap between the door and the rear axle. Large air scoops and outlets at the sides in front of and behind the doors provide yet a further touch of excitement and tension, serving above all to ensure a steady flow of air to and from the engine, the transmission, brakes and air conditioning, obviously an absolute must with a car as powerful as the Carrera GT. The powerdomes made of perforated stainless steel extending back over the engine from the rear wall of the cockpit provide a clear and enticing view of the power unit. The structure at the rear end, in turn, is clearly laid out like in a racing car, the rear wing moving up automatically at a speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph to provide the downforce required on the rear axle. The design of the car is determined throughout by aerodynamic requirements. The main criterion in designing the body of the car and ensuring appropriate aerodynamics was the consideration of genuine racing conditions on the track requiring high downforces. At its top speed of 330 km/h or 205 mph, the Carrera GT develops a downforce of approximately 4000 Newtons, equal to a load pressing on the rear axle of 400 kilos. Elaborate geometry on the underfloor also serves to maximise downforces, without at the same time exerting a negative influence on the car's drag coefficient. With its rear diffuser and airflow channels, the fully covered underfloor made of composite carbon-fibre generates a suction effect quite unusual on a road car. The Carrera GT is an open two-seater entering the classic open supersports segment. But that does not mean that bad weather will keep the Carrera GT in the garage, since the car comes with a specially developed, easy-to-use roof system made of two individual lightweight carbon shells each weighing 2.4 kilos or 5.3 lb and removable by means of rapid-action catches for subsequent storage in the front luggage compartment. The catches holding the two roof sections in place when mounted on top are able to take up the highest aerodynamic forces, and handling the two roof sections when fitting them in position and removing them from the car is more than easy. The only point to be observed is the correct sequence of installation, first inserting the section on the driver's side, then the second section for the passenger.
