Design Review Of The Porsche Carrera GT
#51
12-19-2008, 11:35 PM
If you sell it now, you'll get market price - it won't be fair.
As we've communicated, I know something of your circumstances, but I'd urge you to try to hang onto it. You likely have one of the lowest mileage cgt's on the planet. It's a car which will become historically significant and, I believe, much more valuable in the future.
As we've communicated, I know something of your circumstances, but I'd urge you to try to hang onto it. You likely have one of the lowest mileage cgt's on the planet. It's a car which will become historically significant and, I believe, much more valuable in the future.
#55
12-19-2008, 11:57 PM
Here is a much more detailed article, which can be found at the following site.
Porsche Carrera GT
The Carrera GT was originally conceived at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Porsche secured its sixteenth outright victory in June 1998, the idea was proposed of a road-going sports car based exclusively on racing technology. Two years later, in the autumn of 2000, that concept began to take shape.
As a pure encapsulation of Porsche engineering, the Carrera GT is a natural evolution based on more than 23,000 race victories. A road-going supercar built for uncompromising performance and unlimited driving pleasure.
That pleasure begins as you unlock the door with a squeeze of the key remote. Step inside and you\\\'ll find an elegant composition of interior materials, including carbon fiber, leather and magnesium. Turn the key and the powerful V10 eagerly springs into life. The vigorous acoustics are an exhilarating prelude to what is an unforgettable driving experience. Blip the throttle, and the engine resonates with the rush of incoming air. The resulting sound is straight from the racetrack, only this time you can drive it on the road.
Power is delivered with explosive prowess, yielding equal measures of agility and precision with effortless energy and control. Acceleration through corners is accomplished with ease and barely a trace of body roll. The lightweight chassis combines with a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution to achieve unprecedented cornering speeds.
With such uncompromising performance, the Carrera GT is a genuine racing machine. With its cultured refinement and all-round versatility, it\\\'s a truly powerful presence on the road.
Performance:
The Carrera GT is a totally new development based on Porsche racing design. As such, it carries all the familiar hallmarks of Porsche motorsport and our relentless passion for performance.
One of the most uncompromising vehicles ever created for the road, this latest generation of Porsche offers breathtaking performance in every respect. From a standing start, it reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in just 9.9 seconds en route to a top track speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
To achieve that performance, we\\\'ve applied a powerful V10 engine - developing 605 hp (SAE) - to an unladen weight of just 3,042 lbs (1,380 kg).
Every last component in each area of the car has been custom-engineered for optimum performance. The result is a masterpiece of lightweight construction with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The main chassis structure is made from aerospace-grade composites, including carbon-fiber sandwich construction with a high-strength honeycomb core. These state-of-the-art materials combine major weight savings with intense structural rigidity to achieve exceptional performance and handling characteristics with exemplary safety reserves.
At the heart of the car, the mid-mounted V10 is mounted deep in the chassis to create an extremely low center of gravity. With less susceptibility to lateral g-forces, the car remains flat, consistent and inherently balanced through even the fastest racing bends.
By placing the engine and aluminium fuel tank directly behind the cockpit, it was possible to achieve a more even distribution of vehicle weight - one of the essential prerequisites for the car\\\'s superior dynamics.
With such a total heritage in racing performance, there was only ever one layout option: an open-top two-seater with two-piece detachable hardtop.
Surrounded by so much power and agility, this classic configuration places you and your passenger at the heart of a truly exhilarating drive.
Engine:
At the heart of every Porsche is a powerful engine with a genuine racing pedigree. Each one combines benchmark performance with exhilarating acoustics to form the essence and character of the car.
In the Carrera GT, we\\\'ve used a new evolution of a racing V10 originally developed for Le Mans. In addition to the familiar Porsche characteristics of power, immediacy and evocative sound, this lightweight unit combines remarkably smooth running with exceptional emissions control.
The twin banks of cylinders are arranged in a 68-degree \\\'V\\\' topped with four-valve heads equipped with sodium-cooled exhaust valves. A 98 mm bore is combined with a 76 mm stroke to produce a total displacement of 5.7 liters. With a maximum power rating of 605 hp (SAE) at 8,000 rpm, the engine has an exceptional specific output of 105.5 hp (SAE) per liter. Maximum torque is 435 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm en route to a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.
Each bank of cylinders is equipped with an independent exhaust system featuring primary and main catalytic converters. To minimize vibration and structure-borne noise, the engine is located using a three-point system of flexible mounts within a specially developed carbon-fiber structure. The compact crankcase sections are cast in a selection of lightweight alloys offering optimum mechanical strength and thermal stability.
With its \\\'V\\\' configuration and low-slung position, the new V10 is a major factor in the car\\\'s ultra-low center of gravity. This in turn delivers a range of handling benefits, including faster cornering speeds.
At just 452 lbs (205 kg), the Carrera GT engine has an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
To achieve that weight saving - and simplify the engine structure - virtually all water and oil channels form an integral part of the lightweight cast-alloy block. As a result, we\\\'ve dispensed with the usual array of joints and seals typically found on modern engines. Inside each cylinder, the Nikasil-coated bore helps minimize friction losses while extending the life of the engine. At the base of the engine, the crankshaft assembly has been specially adapted to facilitate a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.
To achieve that performance, we\\\'ve used a special forged crankshaft offering exceptional torsional rigidity. A lightweight harmonic balancer helps eliminate torsional vibration to ensure more accurate valvetrain control. The inertia forces acting on the crankshaft have been considerably reduced through a combination of titanium connecting rods and three-ring aluminium pistons. The result is a smoother and more balanced delivery, even at high rpm.
The camshafts are driven by a chain and gear system to help minimize engine noise. This solution, combined with rigid tappets, creates a much stiffer valvetrain with lighter oscillating masses and more compact external dimensions. Each intake camshaft is equipped with VarioCam technology, a patented Porsche system that uses a rotary adjuster to offer continuous modulation of the camshaft phase angle over a range of 40 degrees. The outlet camshafts are driven by a gear and tensioner system to help minimize play between valve train components and thus reducing engine noise.
The engine is cooled using a cross-flow system in which each individual cylinder receives the optimum supply of coolant at all times. With each cylinder receiving an even supply, the system helps maintain a balanced temperature throughout every part of the engine.
Together, this array of racing technologies represents one of the most uncompromising engines ever developed for the road.
Transmission:
An engine as powerful as the new V10 in the Carrera GT demands an equally exceptional transmission.
In order to cope with the prodigious levels of power and torque, we\\\'ve developed a new clutch technology never before featured on a standard production car: the Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch (PCCC).
Essentially a two-plate dry clutch, PCCC™ offers unprecedented power density and a rotating mass approximately 10 times lighter than on a conventional clutch. The result is a more immediate throttle response and a reduction in synchromesh load. Pedal weight and travel are specially configured for a more intuitive and comfortable drive.
Inside the clutch, the hydraulically actuated plates are made from a ceramic composite material offering exceptional durability. Thanks to the modest plate diameter of 6.65 inches (169 mm), the system requires a much smaller clutch housing than conventional designs.
This in turn enables the crankshaft and drivetrain to be positioned much lower in the car, with obvious benefits in terms of driving dynamics.
Power is transmitted to the driven rear wheels through a racing-specification, six-speed manual gearbox followed by a multi-plate differential with locking under power and on overrun. Engine and gearbox are linked by a single-mass flywheel, which, thanks to its much lighter rotational mass compared with a dual-mass flywheel, adds to the immediacy of the throttle response.
The damping effect of a dual-mass flywheel - its primary advantage over a single-mass design - is cleverly replicated using a specially developed system of gearbox shafts. Operating on the same principle as a torsion spring, each shaft is fitted with a bevel gear system whose rotating mass helps dampen vibration in the driveline.
In order to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity close to the rear axle, the new six-speed gearbox is designed as an extremely compact unit with a transverse layout in the car. Key characteristics include precision gear selection, exceptional durability and a ratio spread configured for optimum acceleration.
The external transmission linkage provides a smooth gearshift action, while the twin push-pull cables help eliminate vibration and noise.
A perfect example of our integrated approach to race engineering, the new gearbox unit serves as a convenient location for the starter motor, differential and engine oil reservoir, as well as the PCCC ceramic clutch system.
Design:
The distinctive design of the Carrera GT presents race engineering in an elegant package that is uniquely and unmistakably Porsche.
With its imposing exterior and dominant rear wing, the car is instantly recognizable from every angle and a powerful presence on the road. At the front, the headlights pay sweeping homage to the legendary Porsche 917 - our first outright winner at Le Mans. Other distinctive features include the aerodynamically sculpted exterior mirrors and LED indicator modules.
Together, these elements combine past and present in a whole new application of Porsche design.
Among the more familiar Porsche features are the generous front inlets, the flowing wing contours, and the very assertive angle of the nose.
The flanks are dominated by the prominent air outlets ahead of each door and the engine intakes to the rear. This elegant solution provides an adequate flow of air to the radiators in the nose, ensuring optimum cooling in all operating conditions.
At the rear of the car, the integrated wing is combined with an underbody diffuser featuring vertical fins. The resulting tail section generates ground-effects downforce with only minimal additional drag.
As you can see, the Carrera GT delivers form dictated by function. When that function is pure and rigorously pursued, the form is inevitably refined.
Chassis:
The monocoque-based chassis on the new Carrera GT combines materials and know-how from the highest levels of international motorsport with the latest in aerospace technology.
The main chassis structure - monocoque, windscreen surround and supplemental safety system - is made from carbon-fiber composites with a honeycomb core. The technologies involved are state-of-the-art in Formula One and offer exceptional flexural and torsional strength.
To the rear of the monocoque is a highly robust yet lightweight carbon-fiber structure which supports the engine and gearbox unit. This structure - known as the engine carrier - is bolted to the monocoque with which it forms the main stressed members on the car. The resulting chassis is extremely light, yet considerably stronger than the pressed metal shell on a conventional car.
As the main structural members, the monocoque and engine carrier provide the mounting points for the suspension as well as the underlying structure for the external bodywork and cockpit assemblies. They are also designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a crash from the front and rear deformation zones. As the name implies, the engine carrier structure supports the entire powertrain assembly. Specially developed and patented by Porsche, this unique combination of monocoque and engine carrier offers a level of structural integrity that is not only exceptional on an open-top car, but also on a par with dedicated competition vehicles.
Like the majority of modern racing cars, the external bodywork on the Carrera GT is bolted to the underlying chassis structure. In contrast to a conventional road car, the external panels are completely unstressed and have a primarily aerodynamic and aesthetic function.
The race-car construction extends to the front and rear sections, which are bolted to the carbon-fiber chassis. The longitudinal layout of the engine, together with its low-slung position at the center of the car, creates a deep center of gravity to the rear of the cockpit. Generally regarded as the ideal configuration for racing use, this concentrated mass at the center of the car helps maximize control in all road situations, particularly in high-speed corners.
The fuel tank is also located directly behind the cockpit, where it consolidates the dynamics of the car. Apart from enhancing the overall balance, this race-proven layout prevents gradual changes in individual wheel loads as the fuel in the tank is consumed.
With these and other intelligent design solutions, the Carrera GT chassis provides the ideal platform for genuine supercar performance. One of the most important principles of Porsche engineering is to improve on technology that already exists - and develop those that don\\\'t. More often than not, this uncompromising approach gives rise to innovative new solutions. A perfect example is the lightweight chassis on the new Carrera GT.
The main chassis structures - monocoque and engine carrier - are produced as sophisticated sandwich constructions. Each component begins as a series of layers of \\\'prepreg\\\' material - a reinforcing fabric made of carbon fiber impregnated with a curable resin matrix - which are laid up by hand in a mould. Depending on application, a central core of aluminium or plastic honeycomb is laid in the mould along with an adhesive film and then covered with a second prepreg skin.
This \\\'sandwich\\\' of materials is then sealed in the mould and placed under vacuum in preparation for the \\\'autoclave\\\' process. At this point, the mould is subjected to a specific set of temperature and pressure conditions to cure the composite structure. During this process, the resin matrix in the prepreg layers becomes polymerized and the adhesive film on either side of the core forms a solid bond with the skins. After cooling, the finished component can be safely removed from the mould.
To minimize weight, the prepreg material has an extremely low proportion of resin to carbon fiber. The choice of a unidirectional fiber, as well as its meticulous handling during the manufacturing process, ensures exceptionally high rigidity.
All materials used on both the monocoque structure and engine carrier are designed for long-term resistance to environmental influences. In the event of prolonged exposure to certain weather conditions - a combination of extreme heat and humidity, for example - the characteristic pattern of the carbon-fiber reinforcement may become partially visible through the painted exterior surface. Although extremely rare, this distinctive phenomenon serves to underline the authenticity of the carbon-fiber structure beneath.
In order to cope with the much higher temperatures encountered in the engine compartment, the material matrix on the carrier prepregs is formulated for added heat resistance. One of the more obvious characteristics of the carbon-fiber chassis can be heard when closing the doors. The distinctive sound provides a constant reminder of the pure race technology on the Carrera GT.
With its seemingly paradoxical mix of lightweight construction and heavyweight performance, the Carrera GT represents the pinnacle of chassis design. The result is a car that not only challenges convention, but also the laws of physics.
Comfort:
The Carrera GT is instantly recognizable as the epitome of Porsche engineering. Not only when you approach it for the very first time, but also when you open the door. As you step across the logo on the door entry guard, you\\\'ll discover a new and elegantly integrated cockpit with a blend of simplicity and high-tech refinement. A harmony of line and pure functionality that reflects the race origins of the car.
To minimize weight, the cockpit is free of all extraneous detail. Despite its obvious links with the more minimalist aesthetics of race-car design, the Carrera GT offers exceptional interior comfort. Elegantly crafted from a palette of exclusive materials, the distinctive interior includes a number of race-bred features. One of the most important is the carbon-fiber monocoque, which is partially visible in some areas of the cockpit, and embellished with a leather or paint finish in others. Other key features include a range of details in lightweight magnesium or aluminium.
As you take your place behind the wheel, you\\\'ll find an ergonomically designed cockpit in which all information sources and driving controls are easily accessible at all times.
The hierarchical layout enables optimum focus on the road ahead and thus maximum driving pleasure.
The rest of the cockpit is sculpted around the driver to create a more intuitive connection with the car. The distinctive center console, for example, arches up from the floor to the center of the dashboard to place the short throw gearshift within easy reach of the steering wheel. The carbon-fiber console structure, with its deep-drawn magnesium trim, provides added stiffness to the chassis structure for even better handling and safety.
All information is clearly presented in a classic Porsche instrument cluster. The information display in the lower half of the central tachometer provides a useful overview of all key data. Featuring dot-matrix technology for an extremely high resolution, the display can be used to view the total mileage and trip odometer as well as a range of driver-selectable data from the on-board computer. The green tinted windscreen is made from laminated safety glass and offers exceptional forward visibility. The windows in each door are also tinted and made from single-sheet safety glass with a hydrophobic coating. This simple solution helps accelerate the dispersal of water from the surface of the glass to provide an unrestricted view of the exterior mirrors. The rear screen is divided into three separate sections and made of lightweight polycarbonate.
The lightweight seats combine elegant leather upholstery with a single-piece carbon fiber and Kevlar shell. Both are available in a choice of two widths with optimum lateral support and manual fore/aft adjustment.
Clearly inspired by the car\\\'s racing specification, the Carrera GT interior offers a subtle combination of comfort and elegance that is ideally suited to everyday road use.
The Carrera GT represents a major milestone in the development of road-going technology. Not only throughout the engine and chassis, but also in the passenger compartment. Among the no-cost options available on the car is a highly sophisticated navigation and audio system. As well as guiding you safely to your destination, this versatile new system provides a powerful accompaniment to the V10 engine in the form of an integrated BOSE® Sound System. Like the Carrera GT, this high-end audio platform combines lightweight construction with uncompromising technology to achieve exceptional all-round performance. One of the most striking features of the system is the powerful bass output from the 25-liter enclosures in each of the door-sill sections.
Sound is delivered through a pair of 100-Watt amps and six high-performance speakers. This two-channel system uses a range of BOSE technologies, including Active Equalization, to create a virtual panorama of lifelike sound that\\\'s custom-engineered to the car.
The passenger compartment features an elegant arrangement of high-tech materials, ranging from lightweight magnesium on the door release handles and center console trim, to aluminium pedals in the footwell. The dashboard is moulded in genuine carbon fiber with a cool titanium paint finish.
At the head of the center console is an aluminium gearshift with natural wood inlay in homage to the 917. The first racing Porsche to claim outright victory at Le Mans, the 917 received a balsa-wood gearknob as a last-minute measure aimed at further reducing the weight of the car. On the Carrera GT, the gearshift is located within easy reach of the three-spoke leather steering wheel, which features a full-color Porsche Crest plus 40 mm of manual reach adjustment.
Despite its pure racing origins, the Carrera GT has all the subtle refinements you\\\'d expect of a Porsche. From electric windows with one-touch operation and door seal protection to remote central locking, power release lids, and electrically adjustable mirrors with internal heating and aspheric glass on the driver\\\'s side. Other standard equipment includes driver and passenger sun visors and a lockable glove compartment.
The luggage compartment is located at the front of the car and comes with a tailored travel bag as standard equipment along with a garment bag, briefcase, shoulder bag and center console bag. Each of these accessories is finished in genuine Porsche leather matched to the interior of your car.
For added comfort, the Carrera GT is available with automatic air conditioning as another no-cost option. Standard equipment includes a heating and ventilation system with steplessly adjustable blower, interior filter and recirculation control. A particle and pollen filter are also included to ensure optimum air quality at all times.
As on all Porsche racing cars, the ignition is located to the left of the steering wheel for easier access on entering the car. Turn the key and you\\\'ll experience a level of performance that exceeds all expectations. Squeeze the throttle and you can finally appreciate the quality of the interior and the purpose for which it is intended.
Copyright © 2000-2007 FastestCar.com
Porsche Carrera GT
The Carrera GT was originally conceived at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Porsche secured its sixteenth outright victory in June 1998, the idea was proposed of a road-going sports car based exclusively on racing technology. Two years later, in the autumn of 2000, that concept began to take shape.
As a pure encapsulation of Porsche engineering, the Carrera GT is a natural evolution based on more than 23,000 race victories. A road-going supercar built for uncompromising performance and unlimited driving pleasure.
That pleasure begins as you unlock the door with a squeeze of the key remote. Step inside and you\\\'ll find an elegant composition of interior materials, including carbon fiber, leather and magnesium. Turn the key and the powerful V10 eagerly springs into life. The vigorous acoustics are an exhilarating prelude to what is an unforgettable driving experience. Blip the throttle, and the engine resonates with the rush of incoming air. The resulting sound is straight from the racetrack, only this time you can drive it on the road.
Power is delivered with explosive prowess, yielding equal measures of agility and precision with effortless energy and control. Acceleration through corners is accomplished with ease and barely a trace of body roll. The lightweight chassis combines with a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution to achieve unprecedented cornering speeds.
With such uncompromising performance, the Carrera GT is a genuine racing machine. With its cultured refinement and all-round versatility, it\\\'s a truly powerful presence on the road.
Performance:
The Carrera GT is a totally new development based on Porsche racing design. As such, it carries all the familiar hallmarks of Porsche motorsport and our relentless passion for performance.
One of the most uncompromising vehicles ever created for the road, this latest generation of Porsche offers breathtaking performance in every respect. From a standing start, it reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in just 9.9 seconds en route to a top track speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
To achieve that performance, we\\\'ve applied a powerful V10 engine - developing 605 hp (SAE) - to an unladen weight of just 3,042 lbs (1,380 kg).
Every last component in each area of the car has been custom-engineered for optimum performance. The result is a masterpiece of lightweight construction with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The main chassis structure is made from aerospace-grade composites, including carbon-fiber sandwich construction with a high-strength honeycomb core. These state-of-the-art materials combine major weight savings with intense structural rigidity to achieve exceptional performance and handling characteristics with exemplary safety reserves.
At the heart of the car, the mid-mounted V10 is mounted deep in the chassis to create an extremely low center of gravity. With less susceptibility to lateral g-forces, the car remains flat, consistent and inherently balanced through even the fastest racing bends.
By placing the engine and aluminium fuel tank directly behind the cockpit, it was possible to achieve a more even distribution of vehicle weight - one of the essential prerequisites for the car\\\'s superior dynamics.
With such a total heritage in racing performance, there was only ever one layout option: an open-top two-seater with two-piece detachable hardtop.
Surrounded by so much power and agility, this classic configuration places you and your passenger at the heart of a truly exhilarating drive.
Engine:
At the heart of every Porsche is a powerful engine with a genuine racing pedigree. Each one combines benchmark performance with exhilarating acoustics to form the essence and character of the car.
In the Carrera GT, we\\\'ve used a new evolution of a racing V10 originally developed for Le Mans. In addition to the familiar Porsche characteristics of power, immediacy and evocative sound, this lightweight unit combines remarkably smooth running with exceptional emissions control.
The twin banks of cylinders are arranged in a 68-degree \\\'V\\\' topped with four-valve heads equipped with sodium-cooled exhaust valves. A 98 mm bore is combined with a 76 mm stroke to produce a total displacement of 5.7 liters. With a maximum power rating of 605 hp (SAE) at 8,000 rpm, the engine has an exceptional specific output of 105.5 hp (SAE) per liter. Maximum torque is 435 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm en route to a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.
Each bank of cylinders is equipped with an independent exhaust system featuring primary and main catalytic converters. To minimize vibration and structure-borne noise, the engine is located using a three-point system of flexible mounts within a specially developed carbon-fiber structure. The compact crankcase sections are cast in a selection of lightweight alloys offering optimum mechanical strength and thermal stability.
With its \\\'V\\\' configuration and low-slung position, the new V10 is a major factor in the car\\\'s ultra-low center of gravity. This in turn delivers a range of handling benefits, including faster cornering speeds.
At just 452 lbs (205 kg), the Carrera GT engine has an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
To achieve that weight saving - and simplify the engine structure - virtually all water and oil channels form an integral part of the lightweight cast-alloy block. As a result, we\\\'ve dispensed with the usual array of joints and seals typically found on modern engines. Inside each cylinder, the Nikasil-coated bore helps minimize friction losses while extending the life of the engine. At the base of the engine, the crankshaft assembly has been specially adapted to facilitate a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.
To achieve that performance, we\\\'ve used a special forged crankshaft offering exceptional torsional rigidity. A lightweight harmonic balancer helps eliminate torsional vibration to ensure more accurate valvetrain control. The inertia forces acting on the crankshaft have been considerably reduced through a combination of titanium connecting rods and three-ring aluminium pistons. The result is a smoother and more balanced delivery, even at high rpm.
The camshafts are driven by a chain and gear system to help minimize engine noise. This solution, combined with rigid tappets, creates a much stiffer valvetrain with lighter oscillating masses and more compact external dimensions. Each intake camshaft is equipped with VarioCam technology, a patented Porsche system that uses a rotary adjuster to offer continuous modulation of the camshaft phase angle over a range of 40 degrees. The outlet camshafts are driven by a gear and tensioner system to help minimize play between valve train components and thus reducing engine noise.
The engine is cooled using a cross-flow system in which each individual cylinder receives the optimum supply of coolant at all times. With each cylinder receiving an even supply, the system helps maintain a balanced temperature throughout every part of the engine.
Together, this array of racing technologies represents one of the most uncompromising engines ever developed for the road.
Transmission:
An engine as powerful as the new V10 in the Carrera GT demands an equally exceptional transmission.
In order to cope with the prodigious levels of power and torque, we\\\'ve developed a new clutch technology never before featured on a standard production car: the Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch (PCCC).
Essentially a two-plate dry clutch, PCCC™ offers unprecedented power density and a rotating mass approximately 10 times lighter than on a conventional clutch. The result is a more immediate throttle response and a reduction in synchromesh load. Pedal weight and travel are specially configured for a more intuitive and comfortable drive.
Inside the clutch, the hydraulically actuated plates are made from a ceramic composite material offering exceptional durability. Thanks to the modest plate diameter of 6.65 inches (169 mm), the system requires a much smaller clutch housing than conventional designs.
This in turn enables the crankshaft and drivetrain to be positioned much lower in the car, with obvious benefits in terms of driving dynamics.
Power is transmitted to the driven rear wheels through a racing-specification, six-speed manual gearbox followed by a multi-plate differential with locking under power and on overrun. Engine and gearbox are linked by a single-mass flywheel, which, thanks to its much lighter rotational mass compared with a dual-mass flywheel, adds to the immediacy of the throttle response.
The damping effect of a dual-mass flywheel - its primary advantage over a single-mass design - is cleverly replicated using a specially developed system of gearbox shafts. Operating on the same principle as a torsion spring, each shaft is fitted with a bevel gear system whose rotating mass helps dampen vibration in the driveline.
In order to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity close to the rear axle, the new six-speed gearbox is designed as an extremely compact unit with a transverse layout in the car. Key characteristics include precision gear selection, exceptional durability and a ratio spread configured for optimum acceleration.
The external transmission linkage provides a smooth gearshift action, while the twin push-pull cables help eliminate vibration and noise.
A perfect example of our integrated approach to race engineering, the new gearbox unit serves as a convenient location for the starter motor, differential and engine oil reservoir, as well as the PCCC ceramic clutch system.
Design:
The distinctive design of the Carrera GT presents race engineering in an elegant package that is uniquely and unmistakably Porsche.
With its imposing exterior and dominant rear wing, the car is instantly recognizable from every angle and a powerful presence on the road. At the front, the headlights pay sweeping homage to the legendary Porsche 917 - our first outright winner at Le Mans. Other distinctive features include the aerodynamically sculpted exterior mirrors and LED indicator modules.
Together, these elements combine past and present in a whole new application of Porsche design.
Among the more familiar Porsche features are the generous front inlets, the flowing wing contours, and the very assertive angle of the nose.
The flanks are dominated by the prominent air outlets ahead of each door and the engine intakes to the rear. This elegant solution provides an adequate flow of air to the radiators in the nose, ensuring optimum cooling in all operating conditions.
At the rear of the car, the integrated wing is combined with an underbody diffuser featuring vertical fins. The resulting tail section generates ground-effects downforce with only minimal additional drag.
As you can see, the Carrera GT delivers form dictated by function. When that function is pure and rigorously pursued, the form is inevitably refined.
Chassis:
The monocoque-based chassis on the new Carrera GT combines materials and know-how from the highest levels of international motorsport with the latest in aerospace technology.
The main chassis structure - monocoque, windscreen surround and supplemental safety system - is made from carbon-fiber composites with a honeycomb core. The technologies involved are state-of-the-art in Formula One and offer exceptional flexural and torsional strength.
To the rear of the monocoque is a highly robust yet lightweight carbon-fiber structure which supports the engine and gearbox unit. This structure - known as the engine carrier - is bolted to the monocoque with which it forms the main stressed members on the car. The resulting chassis is extremely light, yet considerably stronger than the pressed metal shell on a conventional car.
As the main structural members, the monocoque and engine carrier provide the mounting points for the suspension as well as the underlying structure for the external bodywork and cockpit assemblies. They are also designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a crash from the front and rear deformation zones. As the name implies, the engine carrier structure supports the entire powertrain assembly. Specially developed and patented by Porsche, this unique combination of monocoque and engine carrier offers a level of structural integrity that is not only exceptional on an open-top car, but also on a par with dedicated competition vehicles.
Like the majority of modern racing cars, the external bodywork on the Carrera GT is bolted to the underlying chassis structure. In contrast to a conventional road car, the external panels are completely unstressed and have a primarily aerodynamic and aesthetic function.
The race-car construction extends to the front and rear sections, which are bolted to the carbon-fiber chassis. The longitudinal layout of the engine, together with its low-slung position at the center of the car, creates a deep center of gravity to the rear of the cockpit. Generally regarded as the ideal configuration for racing use, this concentrated mass at the center of the car helps maximize control in all road situations, particularly in high-speed corners.
The fuel tank is also located directly behind the cockpit, where it consolidates the dynamics of the car. Apart from enhancing the overall balance, this race-proven layout prevents gradual changes in individual wheel loads as the fuel in the tank is consumed.
With these and other intelligent design solutions, the Carrera GT chassis provides the ideal platform for genuine supercar performance. One of the most important principles of Porsche engineering is to improve on technology that already exists - and develop those that don\\\'t. More often than not, this uncompromising approach gives rise to innovative new solutions. A perfect example is the lightweight chassis on the new Carrera GT.
The main chassis structures - monocoque and engine carrier - are produced as sophisticated sandwich constructions. Each component begins as a series of layers of \\\'prepreg\\\' material - a reinforcing fabric made of carbon fiber impregnated with a curable resin matrix - which are laid up by hand in a mould. Depending on application, a central core of aluminium or plastic honeycomb is laid in the mould along with an adhesive film and then covered with a second prepreg skin.
This \\\'sandwich\\\' of materials is then sealed in the mould and placed under vacuum in preparation for the \\\'autoclave\\\' process. At this point, the mould is subjected to a specific set of temperature and pressure conditions to cure the composite structure. During this process, the resin matrix in the prepreg layers becomes polymerized and the adhesive film on either side of the core forms a solid bond with the skins. After cooling, the finished component can be safely removed from the mould.
To minimize weight, the prepreg material has an extremely low proportion of resin to carbon fiber. The choice of a unidirectional fiber, as well as its meticulous handling during the manufacturing process, ensures exceptionally high rigidity.
All materials used on both the monocoque structure and engine carrier are designed for long-term resistance to environmental influences. In the event of prolonged exposure to certain weather conditions - a combination of extreme heat and humidity, for example - the characteristic pattern of the carbon-fiber reinforcement may become partially visible through the painted exterior surface. Although extremely rare, this distinctive phenomenon serves to underline the authenticity of the carbon-fiber structure beneath.
In order to cope with the much higher temperatures encountered in the engine compartment, the material matrix on the carrier prepregs is formulated for added heat resistance. One of the more obvious characteristics of the carbon-fiber chassis can be heard when closing the doors. The distinctive sound provides a constant reminder of the pure race technology on the Carrera GT.
With its seemingly paradoxical mix of lightweight construction and heavyweight performance, the Carrera GT represents the pinnacle of chassis design. The result is a car that not only challenges convention, but also the laws of physics.
Comfort:
The Carrera GT is instantly recognizable as the epitome of Porsche engineering. Not only when you approach it for the very first time, but also when you open the door. As you step across the logo on the door entry guard, you\\\'ll discover a new and elegantly integrated cockpit with a blend of simplicity and high-tech refinement. A harmony of line and pure functionality that reflects the race origins of the car.
To minimize weight, the cockpit is free of all extraneous detail. Despite its obvious links with the more minimalist aesthetics of race-car design, the Carrera GT offers exceptional interior comfort. Elegantly crafted from a palette of exclusive materials, the distinctive interior includes a number of race-bred features. One of the most important is the carbon-fiber monocoque, which is partially visible in some areas of the cockpit, and embellished with a leather or paint finish in others. Other key features include a range of details in lightweight magnesium or aluminium.
As you take your place behind the wheel, you\\\'ll find an ergonomically designed cockpit in which all information sources and driving controls are easily accessible at all times.
The hierarchical layout enables optimum focus on the road ahead and thus maximum driving pleasure.
The rest of the cockpit is sculpted around the driver to create a more intuitive connection with the car. The distinctive center console, for example, arches up from the floor to the center of the dashboard to place the short throw gearshift within easy reach of the steering wheel. The carbon-fiber console structure, with its deep-drawn magnesium trim, provides added stiffness to the chassis structure for even better handling and safety.
All information is clearly presented in a classic Porsche instrument cluster. The information display in the lower half of the central tachometer provides a useful overview of all key data. Featuring dot-matrix technology for an extremely high resolution, the display can be used to view the total mileage and trip odometer as well as a range of driver-selectable data from the on-board computer. The green tinted windscreen is made from laminated safety glass and offers exceptional forward visibility. The windows in each door are also tinted and made from single-sheet safety glass with a hydrophobic coating. This simple solution helps accelerate the dispersal of water from the surface of the glass to provide an unrestricted view of the exterior mirrors. The rear screen is divided into three separate sections and made of lightweight polycarbonate.
The lightweight seats combine elegant leather upholstery with a single-piece carbon fiber and Kevlar shell. Both are available in a choice of two widths with optimum lateral support and manual fore/aft adjustment.
Clearly inspired by the car\\\'s racing specification, the Carrera GT interior offers a subtle combination of comfort and elegance that is ideally suited to everyday road use.
The Carrera GT represents a major milestone in the development of road-going technology. Not only throughout the engine and chassis, but also in the passenger compartment. Among the no-cost options available on the car is a highly sophisticated navigation and audio system. As well as guiding you safely to your destination, this versatile new system provides a powerful accompaniment to the V10 engine in the form of an integrated BOSE® Sound System. Like the Carrera GT, this high-end audio platform combines lightweight construction with uncompromising technology to achieve exceptional all-round performance. One of the most striking features of the system is the powerful bass output from the 25-liter enclosures in each of the door-sill sections.
Sound is delivered through a pair of 100-Watt amps and six high-performance speakers. This two-channel system uses a range of BOSE technologies, including Active Equalization, to create a virtual panorama of lifelike sound that\\\'s custom-engineered to the car.
The passenger compartment features an elegant arrangement of high-tech materials, ranging from lightweight magnesium on the door release handles and center console trim, to aluminium pedals in the footwell. The dashboard is moulded in genuine carbon fiber with a cool titanium paint finish.
At the head of the center console is an aluminium gearshift with natural wood inlay in homage to the 917. The first racing Porsche to claim outright victory at Le Mans, the 917 received a balsa-wood gearknob as a last-minute measure aimed at further reducing the weight of the car. On the Carrera GT, the gearshift is located within easy reach of the three-spoke leather steering wheel, which features a full-color Porsche Crest plus 40 mm of manual reach adjustment.
Despite its pure racing origins, the Carrera GT has all the subtle refinements you\\\'d expect of a Porsche. From electric windows with one-touch operation and door seal protection to remote central locking, power release lids, and electrically adjustable mirrors with internal heating and aspheric glass on the driver\\\'s side. Other standard equipment includes driver and passenger sun visors and a lockable glove compartment.
The luggage compartment is located at the front of the car and comes with a tailored travel bag as standard equipment along with a garment bag, briefcase, shoulder bag and center console bag. Each of these accessories is finished in genuine Porsche leather matched to the interior of your car.
For added comfort, the Carrera GT is available with automatic air conditioning as another no-cost option. Standard equipment includes a heating and ventilation system with steplessly adjustable blower, interior filter and recirculation control. A particle and pollen filter are also included to ensure optimum air quality at all times.
As on all Porsche racing cars, the ignition is located to the left of the steering wheel for easier access on entering the car. Turn the key and you\\\'ll experience a level of performance that exceeds all expectations. Squeeze the throttle and you can finally appreciate the quality of the interior and the purpose for which it is intended.
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#58
12-20-2008, 12:51 AM
DJ
As I told a few guys that PM me about the car, Unless I get a good price I'm not just giving it away. I rather drive and enjoy it. I'll let the real estate bottom out before I buy anymore. And as for the Scud, it woun't be in until May, so I still have some time to figuer out which car to sell if any.
As I told a few guys that PM me about the car, Unless I get a good price I'm not just giving it away. I rather drive and enjoy it. I'll let the real estate bottom out before I buy anymore. And as for the Scud, it woun't be in until May, so I still have some time to figuer out which car to sell if any.
Last edited by DM1; 12-20-2008 at 12:53 AM.
#59
12-20-2008, 01:00 AM
You have an amazing collection of cars Dan. Everytime I sell something really cool I end up with sellers remorse and buy it back later. You know what I mean??
#60
12-20-2008, 01:08 AM
I know what you mean 110%. If I can swing it to keep all the cars and still have some room for the Scud, then I woun't have any sellers remorse.