Porsche Carrera GT, The Last Analog Supercar In History
The economic boom that we experienced at the beginning of the century left us with some of the most impressive supercars of all time. Within this select group there is one that stands out. It comes from Germany, is signed by Porsche and is called Carrera GT, and is the latest analog supercar.
When the Porsche came on the market it had to face two other contemporary heavyweights, the Ferrari Enzo and the Mercedes SLR McLaren, with completely opposite approaches. However, these made use of technologies that the Carrera GT did not have due to its accidental birth.
Origin
After the successes achieved with McLaren in Formula 1 of the 80s, Porsche decided to create a new engine for the V10 regulation, an idea that was scrapped shortly after starting work on the project. In order not to waste such work, it was decided to continue the project with an eye toward motoring a car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In order to show the general public that they were serious, they decided to mount said engine in a functional convertible prototype, the Porsche Carrera GT Concept presented in 2000. The good reception that the prototype had and the good economic health helped to bring it to life. production.
The Porsche Carrera GT, in detail
More than for its design, the Porsche Carrera GT stood out for its mechanical section. Here it stood out with an atmospheric engine, V10 and 5.7 liters of displacement. A true masterpiece. It delivered 612 hp at 8,000 laps and reached 330 km / h of top speed.
Today they are more than respectable figures, and 15 years ago they were heart attacks. To make matters worse , the car lacked any help, no ABS, ESP or traction control (TCS), which made it a lethal weapon. In addition, the power was transmitted through a 6-speed manual gearbox and rear wheel drive.
Aesthetically it does not look like any other Porsche, but at the same time it is easily identifiable as such. Measuring 4 615 mm long, 1 920 mm wide and 1 165 mm high, its proportions are almost perfect, as is the quality of its design.
One of the most special Porsche in history had to be accompanied by a design to match, and in this respect it did not disappoint. Among the highlights of its body were the generous air intake in the door, the convertible roof in two pieces and the double hump of the engine cover, in addition to its retractable spoiler.
The interior is finished in leather and aluminum, the bare minimum for a Porsche. As a curiosity, the gear knob is made of wood, a detail that pays tribute to the Porsche 917 of Le Mans.
During the three years it was on sale , a total of 1,270 units were produced, 230 fewer than originally planned. Its price oscillated around half a million euros, a gift taking into account the current price, a clear sign of the financial bubble of classic cars.
GTZ race, the unknown
Little or nothing is known about the Porsche Carrera GTZ, a work created by the Italian bodybuilder Zagato. It is a unique unit, whose development is quite recent (2013). Its price is unknown, but it is to be expected that it is not exactly low due to the craftsmanship that it carries with it.
The differences with the original model are summarized in a new rear and a redesigned engine and roof cover, with the two humps to which Zagato is accustomed in all his creations.
