Porsche GT2 and 911 Facelift Spied in the Desert

Porsche engineers have descended on the desert Southwest with a large team of 911 test cars. The majority of the cars were current 911s, but two prototypes in the group represented the ever-evolving nature of the 911 model-range. The "everyday" 911 is about to get a subtle facelift to its front and rear fascias, with new tail-lights and some reworked frontal lights as well. When viewed side-by-side with the current model, the new lights show some slightly sexier shaping, and appear to contain some new LED technology to give the lighting some additional punch to cut through the night. The frontal intakes, and the sculpting surround the quad exhaust pipes have been reworked for a somewhat more streamlined effect.

The range-topping 911 GT2, essentially a more serious, stripped-down version of the 911 Turbo also hit the desert to take on the 120°F heat. Considering that the GT2 is expected to ditch its air- conditioning as a weight-saving measure, we have a newfound respect for the dedication of these Porsche engineers driving this GT2 prototype through the scorching California desert. Sources report a weight reduction of at least 200 pounds.

The GT2 looks absolutely stunning, with its massive wheels, ultra- wide rubber, and its over-the-top collection of gill slits running along much of the rear bumper. Add to this package its huge fixed rear wing, and you have the exact opposite of stealth performance. The GT2 is expected to produce about 520 horsepower from 911 Turbo- derived 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, which should be good for more than 200 mph. While the 911 Turbo is all-wheel-drive, the GT2 will be rear-drive only. The price for all of this Porsche badness: somewhere north of $150,000 US. Both the facelifted 911, and the range-topping GT2 are expected to make their debut at this Fall’s Frankfurt motor show.