The Carrera GT is one of the most iconic Porsche models of all time, and pretty much every gearhead not only knows about it, but must have also dreamt about one day being lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one of the 1,270 units built.
It’s been nearly two decades since the release of the Carrera GT, and even though Porsche has put out plenty of incredible performance cars since - such as the 918 Spyder or the latest GT3 RS, none of them quite manage to offer the thrill and allure of the Le Mans-derived mid-engined supercar. From its design and sound to its power and engineering, the Porsche Carrera GT is simply one of a kind, and we probably won’t see anything like it ever again.
Otherwise known as the Widowmaker, the Carrera GT is by no means an easy car to drive, but as one of the most advanced supercars of its time, it provides incomparable pleasure to those able to tame it. Here’s what makes it so special.
The Carrera GT Features Racing-Derived Tech
Initially, development of the Carrera GT was actually intended to compete in the 2000 24 hours of Le Mans, meaning it was supposed to become a full-on race car. As a result, Porsche created a 10-cylinder racing engine for that specific purpose, and after shifting plans to make the Carrera GT a road-legal production car, they simply modified the engine to comply with regulations. What emerged was a naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V10 that made 612 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 435 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 rpm, which allowed the Carrera GT to boost from 0-60 mph in around 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph.
Another predominant part of the Carrera GT that was initially developed for racing was its chassis. For weight-saving purposes, Porsche produced a monocoque and subframe composed purely of carbon fiber, and it was the first production car in automotive history to boast a carbon fiber chassis.
The Porsche Carrera GT Was As Aerodynamic As They Came
Just like most high-performance Porsches, the Carrera GT was built with aerodynamics in mind from the very beginning, and every single aspect of its exterior design is meant to aid high-speed stability and reduce drag. The vehicle features a carbon fiber underbody layout that directs airflow for optimized aerodynamics, as well as a rear diffuser and automatic wing to keep it firmly planted at all times. Furthermore, the Porsche Carrera GT also features 3 large radiators cooled off via the vehicle’s massive side vents, meaning the glorious V10 will never overheat.
In terms of handling, the Carrera GT continues to boost its resume, featuring incredibly competent and firm suspension that helps the vehicle remain poised even when boosting around tight corners. Add carbon-ceramic brakes and needle-sharp steering to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a certified track tearer.
You Could Daily-Drive The Carrera GT
Despite its racing heritage, the Carrera GT was surprisingly daily-drivable, and not by mere coincidence. Porsche’s engineers knew they could turn the supercar into a competent and reliable daily driver, which is why they decided to make it a production vehicle after initial development. As such, the Carrera GT features a comfortable leather-upholstered interior with Recaro bucket seats, built-in navigation, and even a Bose audio system. In the middle of the center console, raised higher than in most vehicles, you’ll find a six-speed manual transmission gear stick that’s unlocked through an ultra-responsive clutch. That’s right, the Carrera GT was only offered as a manual, which was great news for adamant car enthusiasts, though it inevitably raised the vehicle’s driving difficulty. Additionally, Porsche managed to make the Carrera GT wonderfully reliable, and most units could be driven for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal malfunctions and repairs.
The Carrera GT’s Engine Roars Like A True Racecar
The soundtrack produced by the naturally-aspirated V10 mounted directly behind the Carrera GT’s cabin is purely eargasmic, and we mean that objectively. The high-revving engine produces a high-pitched roar reminiscent of F1 racecars, making for an infinitely entertaining drive as it shouts in response to every single throttle input and gear change.
Simply Beautiful: The Carrera GT Is One Of The Sexiest Supercars Ever
Lastly, it's hard to mention the Carrera GT without shedding light on the fabulously timeless design Porsche graced it with. Even today, it’s hard to make a car look this good when every exterior part is functional, yet the German carmakers managed to do so seamlessly.
Up front, the Carrera GT showcases a sloping hood between hunched fenders that feeds into a wide, sleek mouth, complemented by sexy teardrop headlights and intakes that emulate the same shape. The vehicle’s flank is undoubtedly its best angle, providing a gorgeous view of its flat roof and abrupt rear cabin finish, which sits right in front of the V10’s hunched and meshed hatch. You can also get a clear view of the Carrera GT’s large air intakes and color-coded center-locking wheels. Finally, in the rear, the supercar boasts a gorgeous rear wing that fits comfortably between the rear wheel arches when lowered, a center-mounted dual exhaust system, and a stylish, highly functional rear diffuser.
Rounding up, the Porsche Carrera GT is simply perfect from front to end, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a single flaw in its entire design. It’s the definition of a true-bred driver’s car, caring not for gimmicky interior features or flashy exterior design cues, instead straying true to its racing ascendance and Porsche’s fabulous engineering reputation.