The Porsche Carrera GT
Published: 1st June 2004
Porsche Carrera GT
Magnificent power and muscle
The ten-cylinder power unit mounted behind the cockpit of the Carrera GT is based on a 5.5-litre normally-aspirated engine which, as a thoroughbred racing machine, competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours. By increasing its capacity to 5.7 litres, Porsche’s engineers have achieved a maximum output of 450kW (612bhp) at 8000rpm and maximum torque of 590Nm (435lb ft) at 5750rpm to give a top speed of 330km/h (205mph). Yet despite its racing heritage and prodigious power, the engine is equally happy at low speeds in everyday motoring.
Innovative transverse-mounted six-speed gearbox
The Carerra GT’s compact six-speed transmission is one of the car’s outstanding innovations. It incorporates a two-stage upright unit between the main shaft and the drive, allowing smaller combinations of gears despite the additional ratio. A further feature is the hollow main shaft which features a long and thin solid shaft within, acting as a spring connection. They work together as a torsion spring to dampen impacts from the drivetrain and reduce transmission noise in the process. This is also the first model in which Porsche has used an innovative inner gearshift mechanism together with exceptionally low-friction and precisely-mounted Flexball cables on the outer shift mechanisms, a worldwide automotive first. Flexball gearshift cables feature flat stainless-steel bands rather than wound steel cores.
Ceramic clutch – another world-first
Pioneering Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are widely respected for their efficiency, and now Porsche is applying ultra-light and extremely resistant ceramic technology to the transmission of power. The Carrera GT is the first car in the world equipped with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch (PCCC). Thanks to its compact dimensions, this two-plate dry clutch meets all motorsport requirements – a clutch plate diameter of only 169mm (6.65ins) helps to give the engine and transmission a very low centre of gravity. A further benefit of ceramic clutch technology is the promise of much longer service life compared with alternative materials.
