Autoblog

Where some see the hood of a Porsche 911 GT2, others see a canvas

Noah Joseph — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Porsche, Design/Style

The difference between an artist and any other person is not about skill or ability to wield whatever instruments are required to render their work, it's about how an artist perceives things around them. So while most of us may look at, say, the front hood of a Porsche and see a hood, an artist may see it as a canvas.

That was, at least, evidently the case with a group of 19 Latin American artists who, curated by Argentinean painter Jorge Gómez, turned 24 hoods from the 911 GT2 into works of art. Their media included materials ranging from acrylic to vulcanized rubber, and the results are being displayed from now until January 8th at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. If your plans don't include a trip to Deutschland, though, you can take a virtual trip through the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Where some see the hood of a Porsche 911 GT2, others see a canvas

Where some see the hood of a Porsche 911 GT2, others see a canvas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

One Lap winners live-streaming this year's event

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Porsche, Racing

Live stream of this year's One Lap of America - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Doug Wilks and Leh Keen swept to victory in last year's Tire Rack One Lap of America at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT2. This year, Keen and Wilks have partnered up again, only this time they'll be piloting a Nissan GT-R prepared by Wilks' Topspeed Motorsports. Better than that, the pair will be live-streaming the eight-day event, thanks to an in-car webcam.

Besides live footage of every inch of the 3,000-plus-mile event, the pair will have Google Maps tracking their location, a blog and live interactive chat with viewers. All the interactive goodness is available on Topspeed as you read this.

With the power of the GT-R, already a proven One Lap winner, the Grand Am and ALMS driving skills of Keen and Wilks' mechanical expertise, Topspeed Motorsports looks poised to make another run at the top spot. Click past the jump to see Topspeed's live feed, or head over to their website for the full interactive experience. Thanks for the tip, Nathan!

Continue reading One Lap winners live-streaming this year's event

One Lap winners live-streaming this year's event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fanatec's latest Porsche 911 GT2 gaming wheel gives your virtual that much more reality

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Toys/Games

Porsche 911 GT2 gaming wheel by Fanatec - Click above for image gallery

No one ever said getting behind the wheel of a Porsche was going to be cheap. Especially not a 911 GT2. But if the $245k that the new GT2 RS road car would set you back strikes you as a bit steep, check out the latest rig from Fanatec.

The German gamewear concern has a penchant for making steering wheel set-ups for your favorite gaming platform, like the 911 Turbo and Turbo S wheels we're reported on previously. But the latest takes the cake.

Modeled on the 911 GT2, this wheel gets all the details down pat, and then some. The 12-inch rim is covered in hand-stitched Alcantara, and three force-feedback motors are there to provide as darn-near-real an experience as we've ever seen.

It can work with the XBox 360, PlayStation 3 or your computer, but like the car it's modeled on, it don't come cheap: $250 is the retail price for the wheel alone, which can be hooked up with pedals and shifter if you've got those already. If you don't, the full $500 Clubsport edition gives you the foot gear and a variety of shifting choices, including paddles, a sequential lever and an H-gate. Check it out for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche 911 GT2 gaming wheel by Fanatec

[Source: Fanatec via Engadget]

Fanatec's latest Porsche 911 GT2 gaming wheel gives your virtual that much more reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "&^%!"

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Honestly, most of the phrases that come to mind when describing the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS involve some sort of non-FCC-approved dialogue. But then again, can you blame us? Certainly not. And after reading the specs and seeing B-roll footage of the meanest Porsche around, we're having a hard time keeping the drool off of our keyboards.

620 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive. 3,020 pounds. $#*%^!, indeed. Hit the jump to watch Porsche's latest trailer of the GT2 RS, and try to keep the expletives to a minimum.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "*&^%*!"

Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "*&^%*!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS B-roll footage - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll admit it - the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS gives us the willies. There's something about the idea of 620 horsepower packaged into a 3,020-pound body that sends shivers down our spines, but we'd be liars if we said we weren't dying to get some seat time. (Or 'Ring time. Whatever.)

Only 500 of these beasts will be produced, retailing from $245,000 when the first deliveries begin this October. And when you consider that the GT2 RS is the most powerful street-legal Porsche available today, we doubt that enthusiasts in the top tax bracket will have any trouble scooping up all 500 examples in relatively short order. For now, Porsche has just released some B-roll footage of the hardcore GT2 doing what it does best on the track, and we highly encourage you to see for yourself, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us

Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 One Lap of America: No. 3 Porsche 911 GT2 outlasts all comers

Chris Paukert — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Racing

2010 One Lap of America - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's running of the One Lap of America wrapped up this weekend after a tidy 3,480 miles, and after a one-year absence from the top spot on the podium, a Porsche 911 has emerged victorious. The No. 3 GT2 (shown above) of Doug Wilks and Leh Keen outlasted all comers, including the No. 4 Nissan GT-R of Catesby Jones and Jose Collado that finished in second place, and the No. 5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of Danny Popp, Todd Rumpke and Jeremy Herzberg.

As you may recall, a GT-R took the checkered flag last year, but persistent spark plug issues in the orange-and-gray #1 prevented a repeat performance in 2010. The massively tuned No. 39 BMW 325is of Anthony Magagnoli and Kevin Kreisa was impressively consistent, coming through in fourth place after the carbon fiber-bodied #23 Corvette Z06 of Danny and Kyle Corcoran suffered catastrophic engine failure on a transit stage to drop out of the top five. The failure was particularly unfortunate for Danny Corcoran, known as "Mr. One Lap" to his fellow competitors, as he was participating in his 20th - and likely final - event.

Other standout performances included the heavily modified #54 Honda Civic Si of Jonathan Weir and William Chan, with that car beating out far pricier machinery to finish eighth overall, winning the Econo Car class in the process. Also posting solid results was the No. 124 Mazda5 of Richard Fisher and Jason Saini (ringing up in 15th place) and the No. 20 Porsche Panamera Turbo of Bill and Todd Treffert. The bone-stock Panamera was but a couple of weeks old and barely broken in, yet it turned in a robust performance, including a launch-control aided quarter-mile time of 12.08 seconds in Tulsa, the sixth quickest time among all cars.

This year featured a robust crop of first-time One Lappers, suggesting that, despite America's continued difficult economy, America's toughest road car challenge has a bright future ahead of it.

For full race results, check out OneLapOfAmerica.com, and for event-by-event coverage, visit our friends at MotorTrend.com.

Gallery: One Lap 2010: The Weekend That Was

Gallery: One Lap of America 2010: Day One

2010 One Lap of America: No. 3 Porsche 911 GT2 outlasts all comers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 facelift caught 'Ring running

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 911 GT2 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our spies have just captured the slightly revised Porsche 911 GT2 doing what it does best - storming around a track (the Nürburgring, specifically). The removal of foglamps and a more pronounced chin spoiler set the hardcore 911 apart from its lesser Turbo brethren, and rest assured, the big GT2 wing is still intact.

Official details haven't been released just yet, but we'd expect the GT2 to use the same twin-turbo flat-six as the 911 Turbo S. This means output will be around 530 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, but remember - the GT2 should be significantly lighter than the Turbo. GT2 models ditch all-wheel drive for a rear-drive setup, and the interior is stripped out for even more weight savings. (Hey, Porsche - if those black prototype wheels don't weigh too much, we'll gladly take those, too.)

The GT2 looks like it's in the final stages of testing, so we wouldn't be shocked if the production model showed up at a certain European auto show (*ahem* - Paris) later this year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 facelift caught 'Ring running originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

9ff BT2 Porsche 911 GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Porsche Carrera GT long out of production and the anticipated roadgoing RS Spyder still a ways down the pipeline, the performance mantle in Stuttgart is held up buy the 911 GT2. Boasting 520 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a 206 mph top end, that may be enough for some, but not for everyone. Not by a long shot. Following the Wimmer RS GT2 sporting a hefty 680 horses and capable of reaching 221 mph, two additional Porsche tuning houses have taken the roadgoing racer even further with upwards of 800 horsepower.

First up to bat is American Porsche tuner Switzer Performance, which fitted a new set of Garret GT30R turbos, tweaked the ECU and replaced the exhaust system to the tune of 800 horsepower, which is all the more impressive considering that they achieved the figure running on regular old 93 pump octane.

But if that ain't enough to satiate your super-Porsche cravings, along comes 9ff with an even more bonkers tuning kit for the GT2. The same firm behind the svelte, extreme GT9 supercar has taken the GT2 up to 850 horsepower, and has supplemented the extra boost with carbon fiber body panels and a downforce-increasing aero kit. 9ff claims its latest rocket sled will run up to 62 mph in three seconds flat and top out at a stunning 240 mph, but the gearing can be tuned according to the customer's specifications to either optimize acceleration even further or augment the top speed. It even looks nifty in Gulf livery. Follow the jump for a press release and video from Switzer, or click on the thumbnails below for a high-resolution gallery of the 9ff GT2.

Gallery: 9ff BT2 Porsche 911 GT2

Continue reading GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s

GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Wimmer RS Porsche 911 GT2 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As if the Porsche 911 GT2 wasn't fast enough in stock form, German tuning house Wimmer Racing Technology has unveiled a new €30,000 ($40,000) package for the Stuttgart supercar to take its already superlative performance to stratospheric levels.

With a re-calibrated ECU, upgraded turbos, new cylinder heads, camshafts and a custom exhaust, the Wimmer RS GT2 produces a whopping 680 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling the twin-turbo rocket up to sixty in a scant 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 221 mph. Accompanying the engine mods are a carbon-fiber aero kit, H&R suspension and 20-inch Sportec wheels. Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Wimmer RS Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via WCF]

Continue reading Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph

Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

9ff takes Porsche 911 GT2 to 670 hp and beyond

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 9ff Porsche 911 GT2

The Porsche 911 GT2 is hardly lacking for horsepower, but the 9ff crew can never leave "good enough" alone. With a pair of V670 turbos, a 9ff custom intake manifold, headers and exhaust system with a two-stage valve that takes the engine note from raucous to profane, the 9ff GT2 puts out 670 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 62 comes up in a supercar embarrassing 3.6 seconds and 124 mph is dispatched in a scant 9.8 seconds. Naturally, the ECU has been modified to make use of the additional boost and breathing mods, while simultaneously raising the rev limiter to 7,200 rpm. The additional power is shoveled to the transmission via a single-mass flywheel and racing clutch, while a coilover suspension does its best to keep the GT2 on terra firma at all times. And if having the ability to bully ZR1s, Enzos, and Carrera GTs isn't enough, a 910 hp version is on the way.

Gallery: 9ff Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: 9ff]

9ff takes Porsche 911 GT2 to 670 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Drag race between ZR1, 599, GT-R and GT2

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari

Click above to view video after the jump

If we came up with a list of our top "Best Day EVER" scenarios, we're pretty sure a straight-line race between the Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 599 GTB, Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 GT2 would be close to the top of our list. The scribes at Motor Trend were able to live that dream, but they threw us a bone by recording the supercar showdown for the world to see. Follow the jump to see the 638-hp ZR1 take on some of the best street metal from Italy, Germany, and Japan. We watched the video four times, if only to note the stark difference between the launches and finishes of four distinctly different supercars. And just for fun, write down your projected 1-4 finish and let us know how you fared in the post-jump comment section. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag race between ZR1, 599, GT-R and GT2

VIDEO: Drag race between ZR1, 599, GT-R and GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche accuses Nissan GT-R of cheating the 'Ring

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Nissan, Porsche

Click above for high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R

Sour grapes or legitimate complaint? That's the question we're left pondering after reading that Porsche believes Nissan must have cheated to record its 7:29:03 lap time of the famed Nürburgring race circuit. Porsche claims that it had been suspicious of the Nissan's lap times, so it acquired a U.S.-spec GT-R for testing back-to-back with its own 911 Turbo and GT2. The result? The mighty Godzilla was toppled by the Teutonic German duo, with the GT-R posting times a good 25-seconds slower than Nissan's claim.

How can Porsche explain the discrepancy? "This wonder car with 7:29 could not have been a regular series production car. For us, it's not clear how this time is possible. What we can imagine with this Nissan is they used other tires," says August Achleitner, the man in charge of the 911 program. There is footage of the GT-R lapping the 'Ring at high speed, but it's taken from inside the car where the tires cannot be seen.

Considering the fact that Nissan saw fit to issue a press release commemorating the car's fast-lap, we doubt this is something that will be taken lightly. There's a big can 'o worms here, and Porsche's in the corner holding the opener.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Carsguide]

Porsche accuses Nissan GT-R of cheating the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Swiss Missile: Sportec SP750 Porsche 997 GT2

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Porsche enthusiasts will undoubtedly count the 997-generation 911 GT2 as one of the most extreme supercars ever to roll out of Stuttgart - right up there with the 959 and the Carrera GT. But where there's speed, there's always room for more speed, and the Swiss aren't about to stay neutral on this matter. Switzerland-based Sportec has just released its latest offering: the SP750. The tuning firm is known for producing seriously fast Porsches - including the 997 Turbo-based SP580 and the record-chasing SPR1 and SP600M Cayenne - and has put some serious effort into carrying on this legacy with the new SP750.

Modifications to the GT2 - already very blitzschnell in its own right - are available in four increments, starting with the 600-hp Stage 1 and topping out with the full-on 750-hp Stage 4 kit, which includes new turbos, a revised ECU, titanium con-rods, a free-flowing exhaust and new camshafts, air filter and clutch. To control all that extra power, Sportec is also offering an upgraded brake kit with six-pot calipers and 350-380mm discs, plus a retuned suspension complemented by a revised aero kit and 20-inch rims. We'd hope the huge Swiss flag on the roof, which has become a hallmark of Sportec's creations, is optional. While it may protect the car from aerial bombardment, the planes would actually have to catch the car in the first place.

[Source: Sportec]

Swiss Missile: Sportec SP750 Porsche 997 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

No Surprise: Porsche 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 getting direct-injection

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2.

Porsche's commitment to the KISS philosophy of exterior design won't extend to the engine of the facelifted 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 when they're released early next year. All three models will dispatch with the legendary M97 powerplant in favor of the new, direct-injected A91 flat-six that's equipped on the recently updated 911 Carrera.

The two turbocharged 911s will be packing 3.6-liters of displacement, with a 97 mm bore and an 81.5 mm stroke (the outgoing engine was sized 100 mm x 76.4 mm), along with revised turbochargers and intercoolers. Autocar's sources suggest that output on both models will rise by around 20 hp, with the Turbo producing 500 hp and the GT2 pushing out approximately 550 hp. Torque figures should also increase by around four percent.

The GT3 will remain naturally aspirated, with a 3.8-liter version of the A91 with a 102 mm bore and a 77.5 mm stroke. The same internal changes from the Carrera S will carry over to the GT3, including lightweight pistons, valves and springs. Output should increase from around 415 to 430 hp. And all of these changes will also increase fuel efficiency and decrease C02 output. 'Cause that's what really matters... right?

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 998 911 mule

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: Autocar]

No Surprise: Porsche 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 getting direct-injection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SpeedART BTR-XS 650 911 GT2

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the SpeedART BTR-XS 650.

The Porsche 997 GT2 is the undoubtedly the king of the 911s, but the crew at SpeedART has decided to add a few more jewels onto the GT2's crown. Beginning with the overly competent twin-turbocharged flat-six, the German tuning haus modified the stock snails, replaced the headers, fitted a new exhaust with freer flowing cats, installed larger intercoolers and tuned it all with a Motronic ECU. Output is now up to 650 hp and 634 lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the BTR-XS 650 to 60 in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 216 mph.

In addition to the extensive work underhood, the modified GT2 gets coilovers fitted at all four corners and custom wheels, while inside, customers willing to plunk down the €27,500 can choose from an endless catalog of interior bits, including sports seats, a new steering wheel and acres of Alcantara.

Gallery: SpeedART BTR-XS 650

[Source: SpeedART via Motor Authority]

SpeedART BTR-XS 650 911 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus LF-A mule unseats Porsche GT2 as King of the 'Ring

John Neff — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupe, Supercars, Lexus

click above for more images of the Lexus LF-A Concept

A Lexus LF-A mule has unofficially recorded a lap time on the Nordschleife of 7 minutes, 24 seconds. This is not in dispute. What is in dispute is how many seconds faster the LF-A's lap time is than that of the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2, the previous "King of the 'Ring" record holder. Wikipedia notes that the fastest 911 GT2 driven around the Ring posted a lap time of 7 minutes, 32 seconds and was driven by Walter Röhrl, Porsche's company test driver and accomplished WRC driver and road racing pilot. Porsche was so proud of the feat that it produced a snazzy video of the run that you can watch here. AutoExpress, however, which reported on the LF-A's remarkable lap time, claims that the fastest 911 GT2 lap time on the Nurburgring is 7 minutes, 25 seconds, but we could find no evidence on the web of a stock 911 GT2 ever posting a time that fast. Also note that a handful of other cars have posted lap times, but all are either tuner cars or limited production boutique cars like the Pagani Zonda F.

Nevertheless, the Lexus LF-A's time is remarkable and puts it in a class normally populated by purpose-built tuner cars. Its 4.8L V10 churns out a reported 552bhp while slapping the needle against a 9,000 rpm redline. A 210 mph top speed is said to be the car's upper bound, which makes us shake our heads. This is, after all, the brand that brought us the sarcophagus of a car that is the LS sedan. The production LF-A should be able to repeat the performance, but we'll have to wait a while longer while the Lexus supercar finishes baking in the oven. In the meantime, for Pete's sake, someone ship a Corvette ZR1 to Germany!

[Source: AutoExpress]

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

Lexus LF-A mule unseats Porsche GT2 as King of the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology

Eric Bryant — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Technology, Supercars, Porsche

Squeezing 480 HP from a 3.6L flat-six is an impressive feat, and the latest 911 Turbo does it with a level of sophistication, refinement, and reliability that would have been thought impossible just a few years ago. Everything is relative, though, and "more" is always the operative word when it comes to Porsche's GT2. So, how does one squeeze fifty additional ponies from an such a powerplant? Considering all the different challenges - emissions, durability, drivability, and fuel economy - it's certainly not an easy task. Fortunately, Porsche has no small amount of experience squeezing more power from turbocharged boxers, and that knowledge was put to good use on the new 2008 GT2.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche GT2 intro

Continue reading 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 spotted Stateside

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Porsche

Porsche's über 911, the 2008 GT2, has been spotted by spy photographers undergoing testing ahead of its launch at September's Frankfurt Auto Show, and this time on U.S. soil. The near-complete test mule was totally undisguised and has revealed important clues as to what the final car will look like.

A key difference of the GT2 over the lesser Turbo is the enlarged front air-intake, new lower lip and cooling vents positioned in the rear bumper. The oversized rear wing is probably only there for testing purposes and will likely be toned down for the production version.

Powering the coupe is a worked version of the 911 Turbo's twin-turbo 3.6-liter flat-six, sending around 520hp to the rear wheels. Expect a top speed in excess of 200mph and acceleration times for the 0 to 60mph sprint in less than 3.7 seconds.

To improve performance further, engineers have removed the air-conditioner and sound deadening to save weight, and Motor Trend reports that buyers will be able to opt for a roll-cage, one-piece racing seats and a fire extinguisher at no extra charge. You'd expect some extras thrown in considering that buyers will have to fork up close to $150,000 for the performance coupe.

[Source: Motor Trend]

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 spotted Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Damn. Porsche really has a knack for driving us nuts. While the 996 911 range was growing on us, the 997 showed up to instantly change our minds for the better. The base Carrera was joined by the S with its 3.8L flat-6 adding an additional 40 hp and a lot of grins. Of course, the Turbo came along soon after and blew those models out of the water, instantly becoming our favorite. That is, until the GT3 arrived and made us wonder why we needed all that extra weight or even a turbocharger in the first place. Just as we confirmed our love for the new 997 GT3, Porsche rolled out the RS. We felt conflicted, but seeing two of them in two weeks confirmed that the RS is even hotter than the "regular" GT3. With performance that makes the 997 Turbo look almost pedestrian in comparison, these track-tuned models drop the turbo but also a lot of weight on their way to glory.

But you just know there are people wanting that same turbo kick in a similarly focused track machine. Enter the GT2. Nothing new to the Porschephiles out there, these have been among Porsche's most notoriously wild creations. With numbers that would make many supercars blush, the original 993 GT2 was dubbed the Widowmaker for its propensity to react violently to driver inputs that were less than smooth. But at $180,000, only the very serious signed up. And then Porsche managed to tame the beast a bit with its 996 GT2. Still ferocious performance, but with a slightly more domesticated demeanor. Well, it's time to see if the pendulum will be swinging back towards wild child. Here we have spy shots of the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 prototype snapped during cold weather testing by Hans Lehmann. Although the clipped image at right focuses on the revised front fascia with its floating turn signals and larger openings, the full size pics (available by clicking the read link) show off the huge fixed wing, massive brakes, built-in roll cage, and enough slats to make us expect a Saleen sticker on the windshield. Thankfully those are probably just camo. While no firm numbers have been released, we expect at least 500 hp when the car debuts later this year. After all, the "regular" Turbo is now packing 480 ponies in its trunk.

[Source: Straightline]

Spy Shots: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments