Porsche Carrera GT Review: A Supercar That Was Far Ahead Of Its Time

Key Highlights

• 5.7-liter V10 engine with 612 hp and 590 Nm of torque; 0-100 km/h in about 3.9 seconds; top speed of 330 km/h.

• Lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis; sleek, aerodynamic body with carbon fiber panels; adjustable rear wing and optimized spoilers.

• Motorsport-inspired double-wishbone suspension; precise handling and excellent road feedback.

• Ceramic Composite Brakes (CCB) for exceptional stopping power and reduced brake fade.

• Driver-focused design with premium materials; racing-style carbon fiber bucket seats; unique beechwood gear shifter.

In this week’s Classic Car review, we highlight a legendary car that still looks and feels brand new even after 20 years – the iconic Porsche Carrera GT, which wowed the world in 2003. We had the chance to see this amazing supercar, and here’s our review.

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History

The Porsche Carrera GT was born from Porsche's motorsport plans, specifically, a return to Le Mans with a V10 engine originally made for a Formula 1 project. When Porsche shifted away from racing, the V10 engine was used in a road car project, leading to the creation of the Carrera GT.

The concept was first shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, featuring a carbon fiber chassis and advanced aerodynamics, and received great praise. Inspired by this, Porsche developed a production model, launching it in 2003 with a 5.7-liter V10 engine.

Porsche initially planned to make 1,500 Carrera GTs, but due to changes in safety rules and market conditions, only 1,270 were built from 2004 to 2006. The car is still seen as a symbol of driving joy and is considered one of the best supercars ever made.

Design

The Carrera GT has a low, aerodynamic body that boosts both performance and looks. Its sleek shape, with smooth lines and curves, reduces drag and improves airflow. A key feature of its design is the heavy use of carbon fiber.

At the front, it has large, rounded headlights and air intakes that give it an aggressive look while helping with cooling. From the side, big air intakes and flared wheel arches highlight its wide and sporty stance, while the lightweight magnesium wheels enhance its performance.

The supercar has a Targa-style roof with two removable carbon fiber panels that can be stored in the front trunk. At the back, a retractable spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and a noticeable diffuser improve stability and downforce at high speeds. The signature double humps reveal the engine bay, adding to the car’s appeal.

Interiors

The Porsche Carrera GT’s interior is designed with the driver in mind. It uses high-quality materials like leather, carbon fiber, magnesium, and aluminum. The racing-style carbon fiber bucket seats are very supportive and comfortable, keeping the driver steady at high speeds.

A notable feature is the gear shifter with a beechwood top, reflecting Porsche’s racing history. The dashboard is simple, with analog gauges and a central tachometer. The speedometer on the console goes up to 350 km/h, hinting at the car’s impressive performance.

The Carrera GT’s interior is clean and simple, with the center console only holding the essential controls. It comes with a standard Bose audio system. The three-spoke steering wheel is straightforward and doesn’t have extra buttons.

Engine & Transmission

The Carrera GT has a 5.7-liter V10 engine that makes 612 horsepower and 590 Nm of torque. While these numbers might not seem impressive at first, the car's lightweight of 1,380 kg makes a big difference. This engine provides outstanding performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 330 km/h.

The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. Even after 20 years, this setup delivers one of the most exciting and engaging driving experiences.

Aerodynamics

The car has an adjustable rear wing that rises automatically at higher speeds to improve downforce and stability. The front and rear spoilers are designed to improve airflow and boost aerodynamic efficiency.

Suspension & Brakes

The lightweight carbon fiber chassis and subframe help keep the car's weight low and its structure strong. The suspension, inspired by racing, uses double-wishbone designs at both the front and rear, offering precise handling and great feedback from the road.

To manage the car’s immense power, the Carrera GT uses Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brakes (CCB). These brakes offer outstanding stopping power and less brake fade, even in intense conditions.

Stars Who Owned The Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT has been owned by many famous people, showing how much car enthusiasts and collectors value it. Here are some of the most well-known owners:

• Late actor, Paul Walker
• Famous talk show host, Jay Leno
• Comedian, Jerry Seinfeld
• Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button
• Paris Hilton
• Coldplay band member, Guy Berryman

Verdict

Porsche Carrera GT stands out as a highly sought-after supercar, celebrated for its remarkable performance and design. Its lightweight carbon fiber chassis, powerful V10 engine, and advanced features contribute to a driving experience that's both thrilling and engaging. Its ownership by several notable individuals further underscores its prestigious status in the world of high-end automobiles.

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