2004 Porsche Carrera GT Reviews, Pricing & Specs

While Ferrari draws on its Formula 1 racing experience for its sports cars, Porsche looks to its LeMans racing tradition. Porsche's Carrera GT supercar spectacularly represents this practice as its chassis and suspension are a direct descendent of its 1998 GT1 racer. And back in 1939, Porsche designed the Type 114, a mid-engined, coupe with a 1.5-liter, aluminum V10 that bolted to a rear-mounted manual 5-speed transmission. WWII ended that dream.

This new mid-engined Porsche sits upon a carbon fiber chassis manufactured by the same company responsible for the carbon fiber chassis in Italy's supercar, the Ferrari Enzo. The powertrain (engine, gearbox, and differential) are set in a carbon fiber subframe that bolts to the bulkhead behind the cockpit. Carbon fiber affords strength, lightness, and sound dampening. Carbon-reinforced plastic, appended with aluminum and steel crossmembers form the GT's body. The engine adds to the structural integrity. At 3258 pounds, the Carrera GT is only 178 pounds heavier than a 2004 Boxster S.

However, this engine does more than just add structural integrity. Mounted midship, the 5.7-liter V10, crafted from aluminum alloy, inhales through four valves per cylinder with variable valve control, and features titanium connecting rods and Nikasil-coated cylinders. Its crankshaft sits only 3.9 inches from the ground. With its large bore and short stroke it spins to an 8,400 rpm redline producing 605 hp. This 472 pound power house enables the GT to make the 0-60 leap in 3.5 seconds and, in one road test, hit a top speed of 201.5 mph.

Some reviewers claim that the GT's handling makes it the best Porsche ever and one of the easiest to handle. It exhibits neutral steering, stunning grip (one reviewer got 1.10g to 1.19g in non-skid pad corner testing), and excellent road feel. However, don't expect a Formula 1 style paddle shifting gearbox, as only a six-speed manual transmission is available. Reviewers were somewhat surprised about the transmission choice and unhappy with the grabby clutch action of the ceramic four disc clutch, but delighted with the impressive stopping power of the ceramic composite brakes.

Porsche limited its production run to 1500 copies.