2005 Porsche Carrera GT
Off the records, the Porsche Carrera GT is in actuality a racecar, one designed for the tracks but allowed on the road. And it is not because of the huge power generated by its awesome V10 engine or the carbon fiber body that keeps everything feather light. It is more the whole package that make this beauty worthy of its $440,000 price tag.
The Porsche Carrera GT was introduced in 2004 but by 2005 there were already a few changes in a bid to make the Carrera GT the new Porsche super car. These updates were minor modifications to make it more street friendly, easier to handle and safer. Amongst the changes, a glass screen is now placed between the supplemental bar hoops. The seats underwent some changes in height as well as bolstering at the quadricep areas. The Carrera GT is distinguishable by it’s low, sleek form. It is light and very pleasing to the eye interiorly and exteriorly.
The car boasts unique features such as a 5.7 liter, 605 horsepower V10 engine, monocoque chassis with Porsche-patented engine and transmission mounts made of carbon-reinforced plastic and the first use of a ceramic composite clutch in a production car. The GT is also safe and stable at speeds up to 205 mph, thanks to its aerodynamic and race-bred suspension package.
The suspension is very well designed and the shape of the components helps to streamline the Carrera GT`s aerodynamics. The use of lightweight materials such as magnesium for the car’s wheels and the frames of its special seats, results in a faster and safer car. Speed wise, the Carrera GT accelerates from a standing start to 62 mph (100km/h) in only 3.9 seconds, reaches 100 mph (160 km/h) in less than seven seconds, 125 mph (200 km/h) in less than 10 seconds and can achieve a top track tested speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
The secret behind the GT’s awesome performance is it’s 5.5 litre, aspirated V10 engine for racing created in the development center in Weissach, Germany. The engine’s bores have been enlarged to displace 5.7 liters in the Carrera GT. It has a very low center of gravity, a 68-degree V angle and four valves-per-cylinder heads. Since the block, crankshaft and camshafts are all made of light alloys, the engine weighs in at only 472 pounds (214 kg).
This amount of power needs to be contained and Porsche`s team uses a sophisticated braking system for this purpose. Developed for demanding motor sports applications, ceramic brakes had never been used on street cars before. The 15 inch ventilated discs and six-piston calipers have the unenviable job of bringing the car to a stop safely and surely, matched only by the awesome, jaw drooling acceleration of the Carrera GT.