2004 Porsche Carrera GT

Popular Science awarded their 2003 “Best of What’s New” award to the Porsche Carrera GT, internally known as the 980 and placed on sale from 2004 to 2007.  This legendary machine from Porsche also claimed first place on the Top Sports Cars of the 2000s list and eighth place on the Top Sports Cars of All Time list, both compiled by Sports Car International.  

The car had initially been shown to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 2000, but no production was planned of that model.  It was mainly done to rekindle interest in Porsche, but when it provoked a huge response Porsche decided to investigate how to produce it.

Engine and Technology

In 1992 Porsche had experimented with supporting the Footwork Formula One team by building a V10 powerplant in secret.  This engine was mothballed and proved to be perfect for the Carrera GT project after the initial idea of using a turbocharged inline 6 was binned.

This V10 engine had a 5733cc displacement producing 603 bhp (450kW) and maxxed out at 205 mph (330km/h).  The 60mph sprint was completed in 3.5 seconds, 100mph took 6.8 seconds and 130 mph was achieved in 10.8 seconds.  Quite stunning figures, to be honest.  A six speed manual transmission delivered the power to the rear wheels.

These figures were produced with the help of a monocoque chassis and subframe manufactured from carbon fibre.  The inboard suspension utilised shocks and dampers actuated by pushrods while the car also had a rear spoiler that raised electronically to add downforce at speeds over 70mph.  

Carbon ceramic brakes tamed this rocketship when required while the car had plenty of ventilation dams and intakes to cool the high powered engine.

1,270 Carrera GTs were sold.

Porsche Carrera GT (2004) – Vital Statistics