2008 Porsche 911 'TYPE 997' GT2

2008 Porsche 911 'TYPE 997' GT2

In the top category, GT1, factory and factory-backed teams from Corvette, Viper, Aston Martin and others provided exciting competition. They sometimes challenged the prototypes for overall victory and on some occasions took home overall wins. But it was GT2, essentially race-prepared production cars, that filled out the race grids, generated continuing excitement throughout the races and produced some of the most exciting contests.

And in GT2 for years no one challenged Porsche's 911 for speed, reliability, consistency and results. Its success led Porsche create a new model, the Carrera GT2, combining the names of two fabulously successful Porsche racing venues. Introduced in 1994, the Porsche GT2 was built to comply with FIA and ACO regulations. Twin turbocharged, wide body, and light weight, the first GT2s featured air ducts in the rear wing supports, a feature which would come to characterize the GT2 series in coming years.

An improved 997-series 911 and a new GT2 was introduced in late 2007 as a 2008 model. With variable geometry turbochargers its 3.6 liter 4-valve, variable timing quad camshaft flat six developed 530hp at 6,500rpm and a staggering 505ft-lb torque at only 2,200rpm with a flat torque curve from there to 4,500rpm. Capable of 0-60mph in 3.3

seconds, the 997-series 911 Carrera GT2 was – somewhat surprisingly after all Porsche's legendary road car accomplishments – the first road Porsche to break 200mph. Its top speed is 204mph.The prodigious power and torque of the 3.6-liter engine passed through a conventional 6-speed manual transmission. Weighing 3,170 pounds with full road and passenger equipment, the power-weight ratio is under 6 pounds per horsepower. In another first for Porsche, the 997 GT2 was equipped from the factory with carbon-ceramic brake discs squeezed by 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston calipers at the rear. Innovative design of the "expansion-type intake manifold" achieved the seemingly contradictory results of increased absolute power and increased fuel efficiency.

Many other features distinguish the 997-series 911 Carrera GT2 including a unique nose and splitter, the now characteristic rear wing with air ducts integrated into the pylons, muffler and tailpipes made of lightweight titanium and Porsche Active Suspension Management with 19" diameter wheels mounted with 235/35 front and

massive 325/30 rear tires. The interior is configured as the workstation for a dedicated driver, but one accustomed to comfort and convenience. Sports-style bucket seats are upholstered in leather with Alcantara centers. The seats themselves are molded from glass and carbon fiber reinforced composites with carbon fiber surfaces. Alcantara covers the steering wheel rim, shift knob and other interior surfaces. A high-end stereo system is standard. The list of advanced and innovative features of the 2008 911 GT2 goes on and on, a copywriter's dream assignment, but also a driver's dream car that matches comfort with performance to a degree that is unmatched in any of its contemporaries.

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