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2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Designing a new 911 GT2 requires a new approach to old ideas. It means questioning convention, crossing the limits, thinking beyond the norm. It means not being confined to road or track, straight or bend, comfort or sports performance. It means having the freedom to leave what you know and examine new possibilities. The result: the most powerful road-going 911 ever made.

The source of that power is a 3.6-liter flat-six boxer engine based on the current 911 Turbo. Special features include VarioCam Plus and twin turbo-chargers with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) enabling faster response at lower engine speeds. Together, they generate even greater power: a mighty 530 hp at 6,500 rpm.

Performance and efficiency have both been improved, mainly through changes to the turbo-charging system. The flow-optimized turbines and compressor units have been specially adapted to the engine output and offer a more effective turbocharging process.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

In addition, the new model has an ‘expansion’ intake manifold – a totally new technology that is radically different to the existing induction principle for turbocharged engines. Another improvement is the higher rate of exhaust flow through the new main silencer – now made from ultra-lightweight titanium.

Rear-wheel drive provides driving dynamics that are similar to those of a racing car. The lightweight build keeps the overall weight low for a power-to-weight ratio of 5.99 lbs/hp.
For some, that number means little on paper -but it all becomes dear on the road. With a driving experience – and an engine sound – that can only be conceived in the Porsche 911 GT2.

Aerodynamics is the study of forces generated on a body in flow. With the new 911 GT2. we’ve even questioned that: it doesn’t have to move to take your breath away.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The most impressive view is also the one that others will see most of all: the rear. The fixed rear wing with integral lip spoiler ensures optimum stability at speed. As the car accelerates and you’re pressed into your seat, air is forced through the intake openings on the rear wing uprights and into the engine turbo-charging system. This ‘ram air’ effect has a key role to play in the exceptional efficiency of the engine. Since air is already being forced into the turbos, there is less resistance from the compressors and therefore less back-pressure in the exhaust, which means greater engine performance.

The engine cover, featuring the GT2 logo, is made from lightweight glass-liber reinforced plastic (GRP). Twin titanium tailpipes are elegantly incorporated within the rear apron design. Warm air is vented from the engine compartment via cooling slits at the rear.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Story by Porsche

In Detail

type Series Production Car
built at Stuttgart, Germany
price $ $ 191,700
engine Aluminum M96/70S Flat-6
position Rear Longitudinal
aspiration Borg Warner Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) Twin Turbos
block material Aluminum
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cy w/Expansion Intake
fuel feed Bosch Motronic DME 7.8 Fuel injection
displacement 3596 cc / 219.4 in³
bore 100 mm / 3.94 in
stroke 76.4 mm / 3.01 in
compression 9.0:1
power 395.2 kw / 530 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output 147.39 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 368.06 bhp per tonne
torque 684.69 nm / 505 ft lbs @ -2300 rpm
redline 6800
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels RWD w/PSM, LSD
front tires 235/35VR19 87Y
rear tires 325/30VR19 107Y
front brakes PCCB Ceramic Discs w/Brembo 6-Piston Calipers, ABS
rear brakes PCCB Ceramic Discs w/Brembo 4-Piston Calipers, ABS
front wheels F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in
rear wheels R 48.3 x 30.5 cm / 19 x 12 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Variable Power Assist
f suspension MacPherson Struts w/Adj Lower Control Arms, Coil Springs, Electric Adj Tube Shocks, Adj Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Multi-Link w/coil Springs, Electric Adj Tube Shocks, Adj Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1440 kg / 3175 lbs
weight distro 39 % / 61 %
wheelbase 2350 mm / 92.5 in
front track 1514 mm / 59.6 in
rear track 1549 mm / 61 in
length 4468 mm / 175.9 in
width 1852 mm / 72.9 in
height 1481 mm / 58.3 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.15:1, 1.89:1, 1.40:1, 1.09:1, 0.89:1, 0.73:1
final drive 3.44:1
top speed ~328.3 kph / 204.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~3.4 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~7.4 seconds
fuel econ epa 16 L/100 km or 15 mpg-us
city fuel econ epa 15 L/100 km or 16 mpg-us
hwy fuel econ epa 10 L/100 km or 23 mpg-us
fuel capacity 66.99 litres or 17.7 gal.