2008 Porsche 911 GT2

The Ultimate 911

The 911 GT2 is Porsche's fastest production car, with a price tag that is not for the faint of heart.

The Porsche 911 GT2 is the fastest production car from the German automaker to date, outpacing the model upon which it's based, the 911 Turbo. Like the Turbo, it brings maximum speed to the pavement with unparalleled sophistication. A Dodge Viper SRT10 may have more horses under its hood, but it’s rough and crude by comparison. While the Turbo offers a standard all-wheel-drive system, the GT2 rewards a capable driver with a conventional rear-wheel-drive setup, albeit one that’s supported by myriad chassis control systems.

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Like the Turbo, the Porsche 911 GT2 features deeper scoops and larger spoilers and air intakes, and it sports aluminum doors and an alloy hood for the sake of weight reduction; it’s otherwise visually similar to a standard 911. The car’s speed, not its styling, speaks for its very high price tag.

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The Porsche 911 GT2’s 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged “boxer” six-cylinder engine is 50 hp stronger than the version in the 911 Turbo, for a total of 530 hp, which makes it over 200 hp more powerful than the standard 911 Carrera. Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, the Porsche 911 GT2 will reach 60 mph in a claimed 3.6 seconds, with a top speed just over 200 mph. Only the truly brave (or foolish) will ever see that speed, at least anywhere this side of the Bonneville Salt Flats, but at least it’s nice to be assured that the car can handle all that thrust with assorted chassis, braking, and suspension upgrades. A weight reduction program that includes the first production Porsche application of a titanium exhaust system keeps the car light on its feet.

Over-sized and ultra-powerful ceramic composite four-wheel antilock disc brakes are on hand for ample stopping power and control, as is the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM), which uses sensors to monitor each wheel and automatically apply the brakes or adjust the throttle to improve traction and performance. In high-powered cars like the Porsche 911 GT2, such safety systems can mean the difference between holding a curve at speed and losing control.

PSM can be disabled for drivers who wish to explore the car's limits without electronic aids. If deactivated, the system will automatically turn back on under heavy braking, where at least one front wheel requires ABS assistance. A Launch Assistant function enables controlled tire-squealing launches.

The Porsche 911 GT2 also comes with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system; it monitors body movement and automatically adjusts the suspension according to driving style and road conditions. While the “Normal” setting is already stiffer than in most other models for sharper handling characteristics (at the expense of a rougher ride than most buyers in its price range would ever otherwise tolerate), the selectable “Sports” mode stiffens the suspension even further beyond practical use, but Porsche recommends it specifically for use on a track. Specially engineered performance tires further contribute to the car’s traction, acceleration and stopping proficiency. Further upgrades, like adjustable load-bearing springs, are available for those who intend to race the race the Porsche 911 GT2.

• Porsche 911 GT2 Vehicle Summary

In keeping with the automaker’s tradition, the Porsche 911 GT2’s interior styling is understated and more purposeful than luxurious, with well-placed controls and added styling touches specific to this model. It’s fitted with specific sport bucket seats that are constructed from lightweight glass- and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and afford strong lateral stability. Though the front seats fold to afford easy access to the rear, the car’s diminutive back seat is useful only for small children or cargo.

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A generous assortment of standard features includes front-side and side-curtain airbags. A staggeringly long options list allows Porsche 911 GT2 buyers detailed customization. For aspiring amateur racers, the available Sport Chrono Package Plus features a digital/analog stopwatch on the center dash, with data automatically logged in the onboard computer for future review. Parameters can be set to measure and record driving times for any stretch of road or track.