The engine revs more freely than most cars this side of a Honda S2000, maxing out at 8,000 rpm and sending shivers up the spine
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| Every time I tried to look down at the speedo I found myself overshooting a braking point and messing up the next turn, so I gave up trying to ascertain a maximum speed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
at anywhere over 6,000. There was a back straight that allowed some decent speed, and of course I took advantage. Just the same, every time I tried to look down at the speedo I found myself overshooting a braking point and messing up the next turn, so I gave up trying to ascertain a maximum speed so that I could tell you... guess how fast I drove the Carrera GT? Let's just say it was well over 200 km/h, and leave it at that. Incidentally, the top-line Porsche hits 200 km/h (142.3 mph) in a mind numbing 9.9 seconds and eventually peaks at more than 320 km/h (200 mph). At such speeds aerodynamics are critical, therefore Porsche's engineers shaped the body panels of the GT to maximize downforce while trapped air underneath is minimized by funneling
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| At speeds of well over 200 km/h aerodynamics are critical, therefore Porsche's engineers shaped the body panels of the GT to maximize downforce. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
it through carbon fibre flow channels and out a rear diffuser. Its overall length makes a difference in downforce as well. Compared to the Boxster the 4,610 mm (181.5 in) GT adds 290 mm (11.4 in). At 1,160 mm (45.7 in) tall it's also 130 mm (5.1 in) lower to the ground than Porsche's base model, adding a wind cheating missile affect while reducing its center of gravity to improve lateral acceleration. Its 1,920 mm (75.6 in) width, which is 140 mm (5.5 in) wider than Porsche's entry model, no doubt increases track width and thus benefits at-the-limit handling as well. Last but not least the GT incorporates a 2,730 mm (107.5 in) wheelbase, 315 mm (12.4 in) longer than the Boxster - hence why it's so fast and stable at speed.
