415-horsepower model to debut at Geneva Motor Show

Porsche’s new 2007 911 GT3 will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. The latest race-bred 911 sports coupe features a 415-horsepower naturally aspirated engine with an 8,400 rpm redline, an active suspension setup tuned for the track, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Serving as the homologation basis for Porsche’s 911 GT3 RSR racecar, the 911 GT3 provides enthusiasts with an uncompromising road car that can easily transition to weekend track-day outings. The 415-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-Six engine produces a specific output of 115.3 horsepower-per-liter, among the highest of any naturally aspirated production car. The Boxer engine’s power peak is reached at 7,600 rpm, on the way to an 8,400 rpm redline — 200 rpm beyond the previous GT3 model.

In addition to its high-revving characteristics, the GT3 engine’s performance has been fortified by careful attention to airflow rates. Changes to the variable intake system include a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 millimeters, optimized cylinder heads, and a low-backpressure exhaust system.

To take advantage of the extended-rev characteristics of the engine, the 2007 911 GT3 features a revised six-speed manual transmission, with lower gear ratios for 2nd through 6th, as well as shortened shift-lever throws. A new change-up display, which illuminates the tachometer shortly before the relevant engine speed is reached, provides GT3 pilots with an additional signal to optimize shift timing.

The combination of a more powerful, higher-revving engine and shortened gear ratios produces impressive acceleration figures, allowing the 2007 911 GT3 to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h, 4.3 sec.), and 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. The top test-track speed of the new 911 GT3 is 193 mph (310 km/h).

For the first time, the 911 GT3 boasts an active suspension. The standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system offers two chassis in one: the basic configuration is similar to that of the previous model and is suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In Sport mode, the system provides even firmer damping, enabling more focused dynamics for the racetrack

For the best possible transmission of engine power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, including new electronic Traction Control adapted from the Carrera® GT, standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The new Traction Control setup features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, allows the safe application of power under any driving conditions, and can be completely disabled if desired.

The 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in North America beginning in August 2006. U.S. pricing for the new model is $106,000.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne® sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 211 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

PRESS RELEASE: Atalanta – 24/02/2006

Porsche 911 GT2 Makes World Debut in Detroit

The turbocharged Porsche® 911 (TM) GT2 made its world debut today at the North American International Automobile Show and is poised to take its place at the top of the current Porsche range. Based on the new-generation 911 Turbo that’s already setting new standards for sportscar performance, the 911 GT2 will make its mark with more power and lower weight than the new 911 Turbo, plus exclusive design features.

The 911 GT2 will enter production this year as a 2002 model, although an on-sale date and pricing for the United States and Canada have not yet been determined.

456-Horsepower Twin-Turbo Engine
The 911 GT2 engine, a modified version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder “boxer” engine from the 911 Turbo, produces 456 (SAE) horsepower at 5,700 rpm compared to 415 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm in the 911 Turbo. While the 911 Turbo comes equipped with all-wheel drive, the 911 GT2 will use rear-wheel drive for reduced weight.

The power increase and approximately 220-pound total weight reduction give the 911 GT2 a power-to-weight ratio of about 6.8 lb. per horsepower (4.23 kg per kW), resulting in even more astounding performance than the 911 Turbo. Porsche projects a 0-60 mph acceleration time of about four seconds and a top track speed of 195 mph (315 km/h).

Staggering Power and Performance
While the 911 GT2 shares its basic powerplant with the 911 Turbo, the dual turbochargers provide an even greater throughput of air, allowing an increase in turbo boost pressure under full load to 29 psi or (2 bar), compared to 26.8 psi (1.85 bar) for the 911 Turbo. Larger intercoolers keep the air charge temperature consistent despite the increased boost pressure. At the GT2 engine’s power peak speed of 5,700 rpm, boost pressure reaches 28.2 psi (1.95 bar) and then peaks at over 6,200 rpm. As a result, the GT2 maintains an almost consistent power level even above the engine’s power peak speed, despite the increase in exhaust back-pressure at such high speeds.

The GT2 engine produces maximum torque of 457 lb.-ft. (620 Nm) from 3,500-4,500 rpm for response normally associated with engines of far larger displacement. In comparison, the 911 Turbo produces 415 lb.-ft. of peak torque from 2,700-4,600 rpm. Maximum engine speed is 6,750 rpm, same as for the 911 Turbo.

VarioCam® Plus
As on the 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 engine employs the VarioCam® Plus variable valve lift and timing system. Axial camshaft adjustment provides variable intake valve timing, while variable lift is achieved using two switching cup tappets on the intake side operated by two different size lobes on the intake camshaft. VarioCam Plus serves, first, to optimize engine output and torque and, second, to improve fuel economy and exhaust emissions as well as the engine’s smoothness and refinement.

Dry Sump Oil System
Typical of racecar practice – and as on the Porsche GT1 and GT3 — a dry sump lubrication system with a separate oil tank fitted directly to the engine ensures a reliable supply of oil. Optimized design and configuration of the oil pumps in conjunction with the right capacity of the oil tanks ensures that the engine receives a reliable oil supply even under extreme acceleration, braking and cornering. The oil volume within the entire system is approximately 11.6 quarts (11 liters).

Except for mufflers with less back pressure, the exhaust system is essentially the same as in the 911 Turbo. Like the 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 complies with the U.S. Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standard.

Manual Transmission Only
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the 911 GT2 by a six-speed manual gearbox, an evolutionary version of the transmission from the 911 Turbo that uses external transmission oil cooling and injection oil lubrication. The Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission is not available for the GT2.

The ratios of the individual gears as well as the final drive are the same as on the 911 Turbo, as are the various design features ensuring greater stiffness and enhanced noise control. In the GT2, the synchronizer rings on the gears are made of steel instead of brass to provide even greater durability.

Modified Suspension
The suspension of the GT2 is designed to cater to an even higher level of performance than the suspension of the 911 Turbo. Modifications include fitting racing springs that lower the center of gravity by almost 0.8-inch (20 mm), adjustable anti-roll bars and an even wider range of suspension geometry adjustment to accommodate racing tires.

The Porsche 911 GT2 employs larger wheels and tires than the 911 Turbo. The front alloy wheels measure 18 x 8.5-inch (vs. 18 x 8.0-inch for the 911 Turbo) and mount 235/40 ZR18 tires (225/40 ZR18 for the 911 Turbo). The rear alloy wheels measure 18 x 12-inch (one inch wider than on the 911 Turbo) and mount super-wide 315/30 ZR18 tires (295/30 ZR18 for the 911 Turbo).

Ceramic Composite Brakes
The 911 GT2 is the first Porsche sportscar to be fitted as standard with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCBTM). The ceramic discs weigh 50 percent less than comparable metal brake discs, reducing unsprung weight by a significant 36.6 lbs. (16.6 kg) and thus enhancing suspension response. In conjunction with the new type of brake lining, these ceramic brake discs immediately build up very high and consistent friction throughout deceleration. Yellow-painted brake calipers tip off the presence of the PCCB system. (The brakes are an extra-cost option for the new 911 Turbo.)

The PCCB system provides optimal braking performance even under extreme conditions, on dry or wet roads. An extremely hard disc surface and immunity from salt corrosion give the PCCB discs a long service life.

Light but Not Spartan
While Porsche has reduced the weight of the GT2 in comparison to the 911 Turbo, the new model features the safety and amenities expected of a top Porsche model. Driver, front passenger and side airbags are standard. Bucket seats made of a special synthetic material and finished in leather replace the standard 911 seats. The GT2 seats provide optimal side support along with excellent comfort on long distance drives. Standard equipment includes power windows and an anti-theft system with immobiliser, transponder key, alarm and central locking with remote entry. Automatic climate control with an activated carbon filter and a CD player radio are available as no-cost options.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche cars for the United States. A wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 230 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 205 dealers in North America. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

PRESS RELEASE: Atalanta – 06/02/2002

New Carrera 4S Model Takes the Place of Carrera 4 Coupe in North America

Porsche today announced it will debut an all-new 911 Carrera 4S model at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, on Sept. 11, 2001.

Taking the place of the 911 Carrera 4 Coupe in the North American Porsche model line for 2002, the 911 Carrera 4S combines that model’s all-wheel drive system with design and chassis features from the 911 Turbo. Like the redesigned 911 Carrera models recently introduced for 2002, the Carrera 4S features 911 Turbo-inspired front-end styling and the new 3.6-liter, 320-horsepower engine, along with interior enhancements. The Carrera 4S is distinguished from other 2002 Porsche 911 models by an exclusive red light strip that connects the rear taillights.

Underneath, the 911 Carrera 4S inherits the suspension tuning and larger-diameter brake rotors from the 911 Turbo. It can accelerate from zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.1 seconds, compared to 5.0 seconds for the standard rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera, and can be equipped with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the advanced Tiptronic® S five-speed automatic system that also allows manual shifting control.

In Frankfurt, the 911 Carrera 4S will share the spotlight with the new 911 Targa® model, which returns to the Porsche model line after a five-year absence. North American pricing and availability of both new 911 models will be announced at a later date.

Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche cars for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 200 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 204 dealers in North America. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

PRESS RELEASE: Atalanta – 05/09/2001