2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The 911 GT2 will be available only with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 mph. It has an average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.

The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.

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Interior

The interior of the 911 GT2 leaves absolutely no doubt that this new model was conceived, designed and built from the start for sporting performance of the highest calibre: This is Porsche’s first production car ever to feature sports bucket seats fitted right from the start at the factory. The seat buckets are made of a combination of glass- and carbon-fibre-reinforced
plastics (GFP/CFP), with the surface made of visible carbon.

This high-tech mix of materials reduces the weight of the seats quite significantly versus the sports seats featured as standard in the 911 Carrera. The seat covers on the new 911 GT2, in turn, are made of black leather, the seat centre section is in alcantara. And like on the 911 GT3, there are no rear seats.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

One of the most outstanding function elements on the new sports bucket seats is the innovative construction of the folding backrests: On conventional sports seats with a folding backrest, the backrest pivot points are in the rear section of the seat bottom. To provide the desired backrest folding function, therefore, the side sections on the backrest and in the seat
bottom require an appropriate inward contour at this point – with the disadvantage that the side support around the hips so characteristic of bucket seats used in racing is weakened and impaired.

To avoid precisely this weakness, the pivot points on the sports bucket seats of the 911 GT2 are integrated into the side supports in the upper hip area. For the first time this enhanced construction ensures very good side stability throughout the entire seat area together with an optimum folding function of the backrests.

A thorax airbag has been integrated additionally in the new sports bucket seats, coming in the same design and size as the thorax airbags in the current 911 model series. The thorax airbags form part of the POSIP Porsche Side Impact Protection System, for the first time offering enhanced side impact protection also in combination with sports bucket seats.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The new 911 GT2 is available as an option with adaptive sports seats. Over and above electrical adjustment of all seat functions including the memory function, these seats provide individual side support and lumbar adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. And like on the “regular" seats, the adaptive sports seats in the 911 GT2 also come with the centre section made of alcantara.

High-quality features and equipment

The padded steering wheel with its alcantara cover is the same as the steering wheel in the 911 GT3. In addition, the 911 GT2 features alcantara also on the gearshift and handbrake lever handle, on the centre seat sections of the sports bucket seats, on the roof lining, the door handles, on the covers of the door storage boxes, and on the cover in the centre console. This special materials concept bridges the gap to motorsport not only in terms of looks, but also ensures better grip especially on the steering wheel and the gearshift/handbrake levers, thanks to the special qualities of alcantara.

Further features coming as standard in the new 911 GT2 are PCM Porsche Communication Management with its 5.8-inch colour screen, a double tuner, a terminal amplifier with overall output of 2 x 25 W, as well as four loudspeakers. And to provide the utmost in audio and information quality, Porsche’s new top-of-the-range sports car is also available with Porsche’s Sound Package Plus at no extra cost.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

As an option, the 911 GT2 may be fitted with BOSE Surround Sound and various modules for PCM control, such as a navigation system, a telephone module, or an electronic trip recorder. Yet a further option is Porsche’s Chrono Package Plus. This very sporting feature includes an analogue stop-watch on the dashboard, a digital stop-watch in the instrument cluster, a performance gauge in the PCM Porsche Communication Management unit, as well as an individual data storage unit accessible via PCM.

Like the former model, the new 911 GT2 is available as an option with a Clubsport Package at no extra cost. This special feature comprises a rear rollover cage bolted into position, a red six-point seat belt on the driver’s side, a fire extinguisher mounted on its own support, as well as a preparation kit for the main battery switch. On cars featuring the Clubsport Package the sports bucket seats come with a special flameresistant cover replacing the usual combination of leather and alcantara.

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Design and Aerodynamics

The new 911 GT2 clearly shows the beholder right from the start that this is a thoroughbred sports car and, at the same time, the top model in Porsche’s current range of sports cars: At very first sight, the striking design of the car with its large air intake scoops at the front and the characteristic rear wing bears clear testimony to the performance potential the new 911 GT2 has to offer.

The new front end takes up the design language of the current 911 Turbo and integrates a number of further enhanced features of the GT2, such as the extra-large air scoops as well as the additional air outlets. As a result, the 911 GT2 intentionally does not come with the foglamps standard on the 911 Turbo, which in this case must make way for extra-wide outer cooling air intakes providing additional cooling air to the heat exchangers.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Horizontal crossbars integrated in the air intakes further enhance the unique looks and appearance of the new 911 GT2. Bi-xenon headlights complete with a headlight cleaning system are likewise standard, in this case without dynamic headlight range control, since, on account of the extra-firm suspension, any spring action caused by vehicle load is reduced to a minimum. The tolerance limits for any change in the position of the headlight beam required by law are therefore maintained consistently in the new 911 GT2 even without headlight range control.

Another striking design feature is the additional air intake scoop upfront of the luggage compartment lid guiding up the air coming out of the central radiator. This not only improves the flow of air through the radiator, but also supports aerodynamic downforce on the front axle. And last but not least on this part of the car, a wide spoiler lip forms the lower edge at the front.

Large wheels and striking rear wing

Through its classic silhouette, the new 911 GT2 is clearly recognisable at first sight as a member of the 911 model series. A clear distinction from the side is nevertheless provided, above all versus the 911 Carrera, by the lowered position of the body down by approximately 25 millimetres or 1.00", the muscular rear wing, and the special design of the GT2 wheels.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The shape and design of the side air intakes behind the doors, in turn, is the same as on the current 911 Turbo, ensuring an efficient supply of air to the intercoolers. The horizontal crossbar integrated in the air intakes gives the side view of the car a particularly dynamic look and again takes up the design language of the bar-shaped LED direction indicators at the front of the car.

A special side cover made of black plastic developed specifically for the new 911 GT2 protects the lower flanks of the car from stone-throw and again gives the side view a particularly muscular look. The openings for the intercooler outlet ducts, in turn, integrated in the rear engine cover, come in special gill-like design specific to the new 911 GT2, rounding off the overall dynamic look of the car from the side and supporting the efficient flow of air through the intercoolers.

Through their special design with ten spokes and larger opening cross-sections between the individual wheel spokes, the wheels of the GT2 not only ensure efficient cooling of the brakes, but also provide an unobstructed view of the PCCB brake system featured as standard, with their extra-large ceramic brake discs and brake callipers finished in yellow.

A rear wing fitted firmly in position is a traditional feature on Porsche’s GT models within the 911 series, standing out together with the front body design as one of the most striking highlights in the design of the new 911 GT2.

Apart from its functional design, the rear wing of the new 911 GT2 gives the car its particularly powerful and muscular appearance. New features are the specific configuration and position of the ram air intakes supplying the engine with combustion air and integrated at the side in the wing supports.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The rear body cover with its integrated individual tailpipes is another special development tailor-made to the 911 GT2. The entire area at the bottom is finished in black, merging into a spoiler lip integrated at the rear.

Yet another characteristic design feature is the additional, gill-shaped intake air openings around the tailpipes enhancing the dissipation of heat from the engine compartment and the rear silencers.

Exemplary drag coefficient

The specific design and styling features on the 911 GT2 serve primarily to optimise the car’s aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Indeed, the improvements ensured in this way are all the more impressive, since both the front and rear axle benefit from significant downforce helping to keep the car firm and stable even at very high speeds.

Elaborate fine-tuning in the wind tunnel and specific use of the experience gained in motorsport serve furthermore to keep the drag coefficient at a very low 0.32 despite the significant demands for cooling air as well as the front spoiler and rear wing generating extra downforce. Just for comparison, the drag coefficient on the former model was 0.34, clearly confirming once again that the new 911 GT2 comes right at the top in this respect, too. Particular features contributing to this good result are the design of the front end, the wheelhouse shells, the specific shape of the rear lid, the rear wing and the entire rear section, as well as the underfloor design. The new front panel with its separate spoiler lip and the upper outlet air guide on the centre radiator significantly reduce the amount of air flowing beneath the car. Cooling air openings, finally, serve to guide the air coming out of the radiators at the side directly to the brakes.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The new, fixed-position rear wing in unique design is one of the most striking features of the new 911 GT2 highly distinctive at very first sight. Through its dimensions and shape, the rear wing plays a significant role in building up aerodynamic downforce on the rear axle. Proceeding from the rear wing on the former model with its characteristic ends at either side –the so-called sideplates – the complete wing contour has been upgraded on the new 911 GT2 and replaced at the rear by an integrated spoiler lip.

Lowering the entire car by approximately 25 millimetres or 1.00" serves not only to lower the centre of gravity compared with the current 911 Carrera, but also to improve the aerodynamic qualities of the 911 GT2, this particular improvement reducing the frontal area of the car as well as the flow of air beneath the 911 GT2 with its usual build-up of lift forces.

Like on the 911 Turbo, the underfloor of the new 911 GT2 comes with a large, all-round cover from front to rear and from one side to the other, integrated air openings for additional cooling of the brakes at the rear serving to improve brake behaviour under heavy loads.

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The Pinnacle in Sporting Performance

The new 911 GT2 forms the supreme spearhead in the current range of Porsche sports cars homologated for the road. And indeed, this is a truly outstanding athlete throughout the entire segment of top-performance sports cars: Developed by Porsche’s Motorsport Division, the new top-of-the-range model combines all the features so crucial to a road-going car also suitable for the race track – low weight combined with supreme engine power, a chassis and suspension conceived for motorsport, exceptional brakes, and highly efficient aerodynamics. As a result, the fastest and most powerful of all street-legal Porsche 911s ever built combines the supreme performance of the 911 Turbo with the exceptional sportiness of the 911 GT3.

The power unit of the 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer already featured in the 911 Turbo, consistent enhancement of Porsche Turbo Technology giving the turbocharged 3.6-litre horizontally-opposed engine a further increase in output to 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6,500 rpm.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

With the dimensions of the engine block and the engine’s basic configuration remaining the same, it is obvious that Porsche’s engineers have opted for the more demanding alternative to increase engine power by way of greater efficiency, fuel consumption of the 911 GT2 being exceptionally low for a car of this class at an average in the EU composite cycle of just 12.5 litres premium plus on 100 kilometres, equal to 22.6 mpg imp.

To convert this superior power directly into dynamic performance on the road, Porsche’s motorsport engineers have acted just as consistently in reducing the weight of the new 911 GT2 to 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb. In other words, the 911 GT2 is another 145 kg or 320 lb lighter than the 911 Turbo.

The lighter weight of the new model versus the 911 Turbo is ensured, inter alia, by rear-wheel drive replacing all-wheel drive, weight-optimised sports bucket seats, the complete omission of rear seats, PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featured as standard, the use of titanium for the rear silencer and exhaust tailpipes, as well as the rear axle subframe made
of aluminium.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

A power-to-weight ratio of 2.72 kilos (6.00 lb) per horsepower enables this supersports model fitted exclusively with a manual six-speed gearbox to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, then continuing to 200 km/h or 124 mph in an equally outstanding 11.2 seconds. Top speed, finally, is 329 km/h, equal to 204 mph.

Designed and built consistently for supreme driving dynamics, the 911 GT2, maintaining a proven Porsche tradition, conveys its drive power to the road via the car’s rear wheels and ensures optimum stopping power by means of PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featured as standard.

The chassis and suspension fitted with PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management likewise as standard is tailored specifically to the new top-of-the-range 911 and ensures extremely sporting driving behaviour with superior handling qualities also on the track. As a result, no other Porsche 911 homologated for the road has ever covered the Nordschleife of Nürburgring as fast as the new GT2, a professional racing driver such as the World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl completing the Northern Circuit in a lap time of 7:32 minutes at the wheel of the 911 GT2, a time comparable to the lap time achieved by the Porsche Carrera GT.
 

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Supreme Turbo Power

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer already featured in the 911 Turbo, with two exhaust gas turbochargers complete with variable turbine geometry (VTG). And indeed, this technology sets the benchmark in the turbocharged engine segment, maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) pushing the new 911 GT2 a significant 50 bhp above the 911 Turbo. Maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft, in turn, is 60 Newtonmetres higher than on the 911 Turbo.

While the 911 Turbo featuring the optional Sports Chrono Package Turbo also develops maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres, this extra boost is limited to just a short period in the Overboost mode, while in the new 911 GT2 maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres is maintained consistently throughout a wide range from 2,200 – 4,500 rpm.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Porsche’s development engineers are able to acheive this enormous power by re-guiding the flow of air. This is ensured, among other things, by ram charge air intakes integrated at the sides in the rear wing supports. Positioned directly in the flow of air, these ram air intakes quite literally press air into the openings particularly at high speeds, building up greater pressure upstream of the air filter.

The air pre-compressed in this way then goes to the two upgraded exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG). The big advantage on a turbine with variable geometry is that air throughput and the flow of air to the turbine wheel can be controlled individually by the rotor blades, the technology thus combining the benefits of a small exhaust gas turbocharger with the advantages of a bigger unit: superior maximum power, on the one hand, and dynamic response with high torque at low engine speeds, on the other. To provide even more power than on the 911 Turbo, finally, the new 911 GT2 uses exhaust gas turbochargers featuring an even larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The two water-cooled exhaust gas turbochargers are laid out for maximum charge pressure of 1.4 bar – 0.4 bar more than on the 911 Turbo.

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New intake system with an innovative pressure concept

This increase in charge pressure interacts with an intake system brand-new from the ground up: The 911 GT2 is the first Porsche to feature an expansion-type intake manifold, a worldfirst achievement on a turbocharged engine.

The operating principle applied in this case is very convincing: In the engine’s charge cycle, the air masses between the throttle butterfly and the intake valves oscillate in the intake area. This pulsation effect first compresses and then expands the air in an intermittent process, that is an alternating cycle of over- and underpressure.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Generally, a conventional intake manifold is designed to use the compression phase in order to force more air into the combustion chambers, boosting the cylinder charge and, accordingly, engine output in the process. The disadvantage of this resonance principle, as it is called, is that the charge effect not only compresses the air in the system, but also warms it up to a higher temperature. And this means that the fuel/air mixture cannot be ignited at the optimum point for maximum power.

With the air cooling down in the expansion phase on account of the underpressure generated at this point, the innovative intake manifold in the 911 GT2 uses precisely this effect, incorporating shorter intake manifolds and a longer distributor manifold with a smaller crosssection. With turbocharger pressure being increased at the same time, the expansion effect more than sets off the lower pressure. And while this also increases air temperature, such higher temperatures can be set off almost completely by dissipating heat through the intercoolers. This new intake technology maintains an appropriate fuel/air temperature at maximum engine speeds somewhat lower directly before the intake valves close than on the engine of the 911 Turbo. As a result, the engine is less sensitive to knocking and the fuel/air mixture is able to ignite at an earlier point. This, in turn, means a significant improvement in engine efficiency, higher maximum power and lower fuel consumption under full load: Compared with the same engine developing the same output but not featuring this technology, the power unit of the 911 GT2 reduces fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Proven source of power

In its basic design and configuration, the engine block of the new 911 GT2 is largely the same as the power unit in the 911 Turbo, thus featuring a crankcase made of pressure-cast light alloy split down the middle and a crankshaft running in eight bearings. Engine capacity is precisely 3,600 cc, cylinder bore is 100 millimetres or 3.94", piston stroke is 76.4 millimetres
or 3.01".

The forged light-alloy pistons run in aluminium cylinder liners with nikasil surface coating. As a supreme high-performance sports car, the 911 GT2 naturally comes with dry sump lubrication featuring a separate engine oil tank. A total of nine oil pumps ensure smooth and reliable circulation of lubricant even under the long-lasting horizontal forces typically encountered on the race track. To be specific, these nine oil pumps are two oil extraction pumps for the exhaust gas turbochargers, two oil extraction pumps each for the cylinder heads, and two extraction as well one pressure pump in the crankcase. In all, a total of approximately 11 litres of 0W40 oil circulates within the system.

The gas charge cycle on the new 911 GT2 is controlled and masterminded by Porsche’s VarioCam Plus variable valve management adjusting both the stroke and the opening times of the intake valves. This is done, first, by a vane cell adjuster able to continuously change the relative position of the camshaft versus the crankshaft over a range of no less than 40 degrees crank angle. The second major component of the valve stroke adjustment system is the two interacting, switchable cup tappets operated and controlled by two cams of various size on the intake camshaft.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Rear end silencers and tailpipes made of titanium

The new 911 GT2 is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as the car’s standard equipment. The big advantage of titanium is that it combines low weight with a high level of temperature resistance and material strength.

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Engine and Transmission

Capitalising on these qualities, Porsche’s engineers and production specialists are able to make the rear silencer of the 911 GT2 lighter, more compact and even smoother in the interest of optimum flow conditions. A further advantage of the more compact dimensions of the titanium silencer is that it keeps a larger gap from the surrounding components, improving the dissipation of heat in the process.

Weighing approximately nine kilograms, the new silencer is roughly 50 per cent lighter than a comparable component made of stainless steel. At the same time the new exhaust system reduces exhaust gas counter-pressure and the much lower weight helps to raise the performance of the 911 GT2 by a further significant margin, again giving the driver more power and performance on lower weight.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Yet a further feature is the deep and throaty rumble of the power unit in the 911 GT2 starting right from the beginning at idle speed, but nevertheless naturally maintaining all noise limits and emission standards. At the same time highly developed catalyst technology with one catalyst each on each row of cylinders, combined with secondary air injection when starting the engine cold, gives the new 911 GT2 an emission rating far better than the EU4 limits.

Race-proven transmission

Power is transmitted on the new 911 GT2 by a manual six-speed gearbox also developed for racing on the track and fine-tuned for very short and precise shift travel with harmonious gearshift forces. A special feature is that the gears are inserted into the gearbox shafts and not pressed on, meaning that they may be replaced whenever desired, giving the driver the opportunity to adjust the gearbox of the 911 GT2 individually to each race track, as required.

Considering possible use of the car in motorsport, the synchronising rings on the individual gears are made of steel instead of non-ferrous metal, thus allowing a very fast and precise gearshift. At 3.444:1, the final drive transmission ratio is the same as on the 911 Turbo and the 911 GT3. And to ensure a long service life even under extreme conditions, the gearbox fluid is cooled by a heat exchanger integrated in the coolant circuit.

Upshift indicator for an optimum gearshift at all times

Like the extra-sporting 911 GT3 with its naturally-aspirated power unit, the 911 GT2 also comes with an upshift gear indicator integrated in the rev counter and briefly flashing on before the engine reaches the appropriate speed limits to give the driver a signal for shifting gears at the optimum point. This shortens the time required for preparing a gearshift and reduces any distraction of the driver to an absolute minimum. In consideration of the driver’s response time, the indicator comes on somewhat earlier in the lower gears than in the higher transmission ratios, moving the signal in the upper gears even closer to the engine’s cut-off speed.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The final drive unit on the new 911 GT2 comes as standard with a limited-slip differential featuring asymmetric action. “Asymmetric" means that since the 911 GT2, benefiting from its engine mounted at the rear, offers very good traction, the locking point under load has been kept to a moderate 28 per cent. In overrun, on the other hand, locking action is 40 per cent. The reason for choosing this higher figure is that this offers additional stabilisation of the car preventing it from “twisting" into bends.

Ensuring a perfect start at all times – the Launch Assistant

Considering that a perfect start may be the decisive factor in motorsport, Porsche’s engineers have developed the Launch Assistant. This assistance system featured for the first time on a Porsche production sports car gives the driver the opportunity to use the full power and acceleration of the 911 GT2 from a standstill whenever he wishes.

To activate the Launch Assistant, all the driver has to do is give full throttle with the car at a standstill, the appropriate gear in mesh, and the clutch pedal pressed down to the floor. The Motronic engine control unit will then immediately open the throttle butterflies in full, keeping the two exhaust gas turbochargers at a pressure of approximately 0.9 bar by means of the rotor blades. At the same time the ignition control system sets engine speed to 5,000 rpm, so that now all the driver has to do is take his foot off the clutch as quickly as possible in order to accelerate the car all-out with full power.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

While the sudden build-up of torque in this process will make the rear wheels spin briefly, the slip control function of PSM Porsche Stability Management will immediately switch to maximum power transmission. The only further requirement is that the TC traction control function of PSM must not be switched off, thus providing the necessary action. The rapid build-up of power ensured in this way serves, finally, to relieve the clutch of any adverse forces.

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Suspension and Wheels

The chassis and suspension of the new 911 GT2 is based on the chassis of the 911 Turbo, but has been optimised for the race track. In order to achieve this improvement, the entire car has been lowered by approximately 25 millimetres or 1.00" versus the 911 Carrera and the suspension is even firmer and tauter than usual.

Together with special anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle tailored to the GT2, harder springs ensure very neutral driving behaviour all the way to the absolute limit. Both of the anti-roll bars may be adjusted for sports motoring, again being set individually to the driver’s requirements – the front rollbar may be set to four different levels, the rear bar to three positions.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

A further option to adjust the 911 GT2 to motorsport requirements is the adjustable loadbearing springs: Via additional outer threads in the spring struts, the spring plates may be adjusted for height, enabling the driver not just to lower the entire car, but also to fine-tune the individual wheel loads.

To avoid any undesired oversteer right from the start, Porsche’s chassis and suspension specialists have upgraded the geometry and kinematics of the front axle, for example by moving up the pivot points of the tierods on the wheel arms as well as the outer connection of the track control arms by 10 millimetres or 0.39" versus the former model. This improvement gives the driver even more neutral behaviour in bends, absolutely excellent directional stability, and ensures that the car quite literally hugs the road all the way to its top speed. A new feature on the 911 GT2 is the option to fine-tune wheel camber by means of adjustment plates on the lower track control arms.

To fulfil the specific demands made of the 911 GT2 with a view to motorsport, the rear axle has been upgraded at several points. The first change is the use of rubber mounts instead of the metal bushes featured on the 911 Turbo, giving the longitudinal arms an even stiffer connection to the body in accordance with the overall character of the car. The result is an improvement of both steering precision and driving stability.

To reduce weight and ensure even better weight distribution front-to-rear, the rear axle subframe is made of aluminium instead of steel. And while, to maintain the same load limits, the aluminium unit takes up a bit more space than the rear axle subframe made of steel, this space is not required, anyway, on the 911 GT2, since this model does not need the extra
space for the larger Tiptronic S transmission available as an option on the 911 Turbo, as the 911 GT2 comes exclusively with a manual gearbox.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Also featured as standard, PASM Porsche Active Stability Management has been specifically tailored to the 911 GT2. Generally choosing the Normal mode with its firm and sporting set-up for “regular" motoring, the driver is able to switch over to an even tauter, racing-type Sports set-up at the touch of a button.

In the Sports mode PASM ensures particularly precise and direct driving behaviour by reducing body movement to a minimum. Whenever the driver opts for the Sports mode, the dampers first switch over to a sporting and hard control map offering excellent agility on flat surfaces, combined with further enhancement of steering precision.

Then, depending on driving conditions and the road surface, the system will switch over to the control maps required within milliseconds in order to improve road contact and grip to an even higher level.

Agile driving behaviour thanks to variable steering assistance

The 911 GT2 comes with the same steering system as the current generation of 911 models, variable steering transmission improving the car’s agility particularly on winding roads and enhancing driving stability at very high speeds.

With the steering wheel turned to an angle of more than 30°, the transmission ratio becomes increasingly direct, offering the driver a significant improvement of agility on winding roads and, in particular, in tight bends.

Yet a further feature carried over from the Carrera models is the adjustment of the steering wheel for height and angle, enabling the driver to move the steering wheel in and out (for optimum reach) and up and down by 40 millimetres or almost 1.6".

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Ceramic brakes featured as standard

The new 911 GT2 is Porsche’s only production sports car fitted as standard with PCCB brakes featuring ceramic brake discs. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes serve especially to cope with even the highest dynamic loads and demands, above all through their very fast response, supreme resistance to fading, consistent frictional coefficient, and high safety reserves even under extreme loads.

The total reduction of unsprung masses provided by PCCB technology compared with comparable grey-cast-iron brakes is approximately 20 kilos or 44 lb.

The brake discs at the front on the PCCB brakes measure 380 millimetres or 14.96" in diameter, and are fastened on an aluminium brake carrier. This combination of materials reduces the weight of the entire unit versus conventional grey-cast-iron brake discs to an even greater extent, with the aluminium component weighing some 900 grams less than a steel disc carrier.

The brake discs on the rear axle measure 350 millimetres or 13.78" in diameter. The front brake callipers come with six, the rear callipers with four pistons. And when applying the brakes the driver is assisted by a tandem brake servo measuring 9" in diameter.

High-performance tyres for excellent grip at all times

Porsche’s new supersports model comes on 19-inch GT2 wheels combined with 235/35 tyres at the front and 325/30 tyres at the rear. To capitalise on the car’s lateral acceleration, the rear axle is fitted additionally with spacers measuring 5 millimetres or almost 0.2" in thickness, thus increasing the car’s track to 1,550 millimetres or 61.02”.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Fitted right from the start at the factory, the sports tyres are specially made for the new 911 GT2 and were developed from the beginning in close cooperation with Porsche’s suspension specialists. These sports tyres boast a special rubber compound running on a specially prepared carcass or tyre body. The advantages are enormous traction, supreme lateral acceleration and short stopping distances for such a high-performance tyre particularly on dry surfaces. Due to the relatively low tread, on the other hand, there is a greater risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.

Like the 911 Turbo, the new 911 GT2 comes as standard in all markets with a tyre pressure control system permanently monitoring tyres pressure in each individual tyre. Apart from extra safety and protection from possible tyre damage, this tyre pressure control system serves in particular, through the simple option to check the correct tyre pressure, to avoid gradual loss of pressure in individual tyres and, as a result, unequal tyre wear and excessive fuel consumption. And for the event of a puncture, the 911 GT2 comes as standard with a tyre repair system complete with a sealing agent and an air compressor.

Three stability programs available at the driver’s choice

The new 911 GT2 is the first GT model within the 911 series to come as standard with PSM Porsche Stability Management. This gives the new car a superior control system for significant enhancement of active safety and equally important benefits in driving dynamics. Specifically geared to the 911 GT2, this very special PSM Porsche Stability Management, by deactivating individual function components, meets the requirements of even the extremely sporting driver.

Indeed, the driver is even able to pre-set intervention by PSM in three stages:

• In the basic mode all PSM functions including the enhanced brake function remain fully active: These are the SC (Stability Control – dynamic driving control with specific intervention in the brakes to stabilise the car around its vertical axis) and TC (Traction Control –serving to supervise drive forces) functions, as well as the ABS anti-lock brake system for optimum stability when applying the brakes.
• In the second SC OFF stage, the Stability Control (SC) lateral dynamic control function is deactivated while Traction Control (TC) continues to mastermind the car’s drive forces.
• In the third SC+TC OFF stage, the driver also deactivates the TC (Traction Control) longitudinal dynamics control function. The SC OFF and SC+TC OFF buttons are in the front section of the centre console.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Yet a further unique feature exclusive to PSM in the 911 GT2 is that the various functions, once switched off, are not automatically reactivated even under extreme driving conditions. Rather, they only become active again when the driver presses the respective button, thus following the driver’s express commands.

Whenever the car is started anew, on the other hand, the system automatically returns to its Normal mode with the SC, TC, and ABS functions all fully active.

PSM with individual adjustment

The three-stage PSM program enables the driver to adjust the various control functions individually to his particular profile and requirements. Pressing the SC OFF button, for example, the driver deactivates lateral dynamic control, with an acoustic signal as well as an indicator light in the display confirming that the system has indeed been switched off. Now, therefore,
there is no intervention in the individual wheel brakes in the case over- or understeer, and under load change.

TC Traction Control, that is the longitudinal control function for enhanced dynamics, nevertheless remains active in this mode, with TC helping to keep the car firmly on track and ensuring stable driving behaviour by appropriate control of drive forces. The Launch Assistant featured in the new 911 GT2 as an acceleration control function also intervenes in the TC control unit as required.

With the drive wheels spinning, TC reduces power individually on each wheel as required, first by reducing engine power through a reduction of the ignition angle, until both wheels have re-gained their traction. The second feature of TC is engine drag force control with engine brake forces being used specifically to stabilise the car.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The SC+TC OFF button deactivates both functions and thus allows individual driving manoeuvres, operation of this particular control mode being presented to the driver by an acoustic signal as well as a warning light in the display.

Using this particularly dynamic option, the driver is able, for example on the race track, to move the entire car to an appropriate angle when entering a bend, thus completing the entire bend in a controlled power slide.

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Body and Safety

The wide body of the new 911 GT2 is based primarily on the current 911 Turbo. The main changes result from the introduction of rear-wheel drive and the improvement of aerodynamics, as well as the reduction of weight.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

As an example, both the luggage compartment lid and the doors of the new 911 GT2 are made of aluminium, consistent enhancement of the car’s material concept serving furthermore to reduce the weight of the rear lid and the rear wing even further than before: On the former model the rear lid and the rear wing were both made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFP). While on the new model the rear lid is also made of GFP, the rear wing uses an efficient mix of materials combining glass-fibre-reinforced and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFP) in sandwich construction.

In detail, the core of the rear wing is made of GFP, with an additional, stabilising and strength-increasing outer layer made of CFP. This construction principle combines low weight with a very high level of stiffness all round. Given the high torque of the engine and the car’s supreme driving dynamics, the mounts connecting the power unit to the body have been further reinforced on the 911 GT2. The support points for the engine on the rear subframe, for example, are further stiffened by sleeves welded into the structure, spreading out the forces coming from the engine and gearbox more smoothly and consistently via the mounts on to the body.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

High standard of all-round safety

Like all models in the 911 models series, the new 911 GT2 offers its occupants a very high standard of all-round safety. In a collision energy is absorbed at the front end of the car initially by longitudinal arms resting on the bulkhead crossbar made of ultra-high-strength steel and thus reducing intrusion into the footwells.

Being positioned behind the deformation zone, the fuel tank is protected additionally by the front axle subframe, and the fuel pipes are all positioned outside of the deformation zone.

For the purposes of motorsport, this body structure may be supplemented additionally by a roll cage, with the body of the new 911 GT2 being prepared from the start for this purpose, complete with all the fastening points required.

2008 Porsche 911 GT2

In addition to the safety features provided on the bodyshell as such, the new 911 GT2, like the 911 Turbo, comes complete with six airbags: The airbag system is made up of twostage full-size frontal airbags for the driver and passenger, thorax airbags integrated in the seats at the side to protect the upper body in a side-on collision, and, finally, head airbags housed in the upper section of the door lining.