Supercars >Porsche

Porsche 911 GT2 2008

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.