Engineering Excellence Award Given to Porsche Carrera GT

High-Tech Components and Build Methods Give Nod to Porsche Supercar

Ultra-exotic supercars aren't normally singled out for engineering innovation awards, but Porsche's new Carrera GT has done just

After receiving the Engineering Excellence Award, Paul Ritchie, chief executive of Porsche Engineering Services (right) congratulates Michael Hoelscher, team leader of the Carrera GT project with Porsche AG in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

that due to its carbon fiber engine frame and ceramic matrix composite clutch plate, both firsts among production cars.

Taking the Engineering Excellence Award during the 34th Annual Innovation Awards Program of the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), the Carrera GT was recognized for its advanced application of new automotive plastics and plastic-based composites.

Breaking with tradition, instead of choosing a group of award winners selected from a number of entries in eight separate vehicle-segment categories, from body exterior through environmental and process technologies, the 2004 panel, made up of automotive and plastic industry experts and

While few consumers will benefit directly from the innovations introduced in the Carrera GT, some of the technology will eventually trickle down to Porsche's other models. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

analysts, gave the Engineering Excellence Award to the Carrera GT due to its use of new materials and the execution of these materials in the new design.

Innovations unique to Porsche's supercar include a carbon fiber monocoque and engine frame design, plus a Ceramic Composite Clutch.

These new technologies "demonstrate the tremendous future that exists for the continued growth of plastics, not only in high performance cars, but throughout the entire automotive industry," commented a spokesman representing the award ceremony organization.

While few consumers will benefit directly from the innovations introduced in the Carrera GT, which is selling at the extremely low rate of 1,500 units over four years due to its purposefully limited production run and $440,000 USD price tag, some of its technology and build processes are expected to trickle down to lower priced Porsche models such as the 911 and Boxster, both all-new models for 2005.