Porsche Unwraps Fastest-Ever 911

Nearly two months away from its formal debut at the Frankfurt motor show, Porsche AG takes the wraps off its most aggressive variant of the 911 sports car range: the 911 GT2.

Based on the existing 911 Turbo, the range-topping GT2 blends turbocharged performance with the auto maker’s race-oriented GT range of cars to become the fastest, most powerful road-going 911 to date.

Recognizable by large air intakes in the nose, a unique rear spoiler and an integrated rear diffuser, the GT2 boasts 530 hp from the standard Turbo’s 480-hp, 3.6L boxer 6-cyl. A maximum of 502 lb.-ft. (680 Nm) of torque is available from 2,200-4,500 rpm, the auto maker says.

In addition, the Turbo’s all-wheel-drive system is dropped in favor of a conventional rear-wheel-drive layout, improving the on-track feel of the car and reducing its curb weight to 3,175 lbs. (1,440 kg).

Mated to a standard 6-speed manual, Porsche claims the GT2 will launch to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, top out at 204 mph (329 km/h) and average nearly 23 mpg (12.5 L/100 km) in the European driving cycle.

’08 911 GT2 most powerful road-going Porsche ever built.

Credit the increased performance to a pair of larger, more-efficient variable-turbine geometry turbochargers, which serve to increase boost pressure in the combustion chambers. Also new is an expansion-type intake manifold, which the auto maker says cools the incoming air by oscillating the intake charge in the manifold, improving fuel consumption 15% over the Turbo.

Other weight-reducing – and efficiency-enhancing – features of the GT2 include a titanium exhaust system and standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). The titanium exhaust is 50% lighter than the Turbo’s stainless steel system, Porsche says, while the PCCB brakes reduce unsprung mass at the wheels by nearly 50 lbs (23 kg).

Also standard is the auto maker’s Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system for improved chassis control, as are 19-in. lightweight aluminum wheels shod with massive, low-profile performance tires.

Porsche says the first GT2 models will arrive in European dealerships in November. U.S. deliveries will commence in early 2008 and include a lofty starting price of $191,700.

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