993

Introduced in 1995 - a road going version of the GT2 race car, this was basically a 993-model Turbo, but to save weight out went all the unnecessary luxuries: Electric windows and seats, air conditioning, much of the sound insulation, sunroof, and interior door furniture.
In it's place came thinner glass, aluminium bonnet and doors.

Power came from the same twin turbo engine from the Turbo, albeit tweaked to produce 430bhp, compared with the standard car's 408bhp. However, it was directd to the rear wheels only to save weight and to create a purer track car.

The bodywork was treated to huge plastic wheel arch extensions with visible bolts, while at the front a deep lip spoiler had turned up ends.
The rear had a huge adjustable wing and side inlets that forced air to the engine.

Engine Capacity: 3600 cc.
Maximum Power: 430bhp at 5750rpm.
Weight: 1290kg.
Porsche claimed performance was 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds
(reducing to 3.1 in the full race verion) and a top speed of 189mph.

Source: The Little Book of Porsche - Phillip Raby








996

Lighter and more powerful than the 911 Turbo on which it is based, the Porsche 996 GT2 was introduced in 2001. With 456 horsepower (SAE), the GT2 can accelerate from a standing start to 62 mph (100 km/h) in about four seconds and can achieve a top speed of 195 mph (315 km/h). In 2004 it was further uprated to offer 483 BHP & 472lb ft of torque, Porsche claimed a slight improvement in acceleration (0-62 4.0 vs 4.1 & 0-99 in 8.3 vs 8.5 secs) whilst top speed increased to 198 mph. The uprated model also saw a weight reduction of some 20kg (it used carbon fibre wing mirrors & rear wing) & benefited from suspension modifications that helped significantly improve its handling!

Weight Saving


The biggest weight saving over the 911 Turbo is achieved by making the GT2 rear-wheel drive (the 911 Turbo is all-wheel drive). Other weight-saving measures include reduced sound insulation, sport seats without the heavy electric motors in front and deleting the rear seats. There were an number of other measures (e.g.PCCB's see below) including replacing the spare tire with a tire repair kit which includes a bottle of sealing foam, an air compressor and a pressure gauge.

Brakes & Suspension


The 911 GT2 was the first Porsche to be fitted as standard with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The ceramic composite discs weigh 50-percent less than comparable metal discs, reducing unsprung weight by a significant 36.6 lb. (16.6 kg) and thus enhancing suspension response. They also offer awesome stopping power with huge 350mm cross drilled disc, clamped by 6 pot calipers front & 4 pot rear.

The GT2 also benefits from chassis modifications. Suspension modifications include racing springs that lower the center of gravity by 0.78-inch (20 mm) over the Turbo, adjustable anti-roll bars and a wide range of suspension adjustment to accommodate racing tires. The front alloy wheels measure 18 x 8.5-inch and mount 235/40 ZR18 tires. The rear alloy wheels measure 18 x 12-inch and mount 315/30 ZR18 tyres.


Engine


In addition to weighing more than 200 pounds less than the 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 has a more powerful version of Porsche’s 3.6-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder “boxer” engine. This was achieved by using larger Turbos, new intercoolers & modifying the exhaust system alongside changes to the ECU. For the 911 Turbo, the twin turbochargers boost airflow into the engine to 11.76 psi. But for the 911 GT2, those turbochargers spin 14.5 psi into the engine. The GT2 engine produces 456 (483/04 onwards) horsepower at 5,700 rpm and sustained 457(472/04 onwards)lb.-ft of peak torque from 3,500-4,500 rpm.

The only transmission available is a modified version of the 911 Turbo six-speed manual. A special asymmetric limited-slip differential helps stabilize the car in curves under load changes.

Compared to the 911 Turbo, redesigned air intake scoops provide additional cooling air. Porsche also refined the GT2’s aerodynamic characteristics to produce greater downforce. A one-piece fixed-design rear wing replaces the two-piece automatic-deploying spoiler of the 911 Turbo and allows six degrees adjustment for racetrack driving.

Safety


The GT2 retains all current Porsche safety technology, including dual front airbags plus the Porsche Side Impact Protection System, which includes boron-steel door reinforcement beams, energy-absorbing door panels and door-mounted side airbags. The 30-liter capacity sidebags provide additional protection for the chest, head, and pelvis. It should be noted that the GT2 does not benefit from the excellent electronic safety net, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) that was standard on the Turbo.

Although the 911 GT2 deletes some of the luxury content from the 911 Turbo, its standard equipment includes power windows and an anti-theft system with transponder key, immobilizer, alarm plus central locking with remote entry. The GT2 has a standard digital radio with in-dash CD player. Automatic climate control and cruise control and natural leather trim are available as options.

Ownership

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Anyone care to relay what it's like to live with, common problems etc?

There is only one word to describe the experience of owning a 996 gt2 "awesome" the main pitfall is that the radiators are exposed and tend to get damaged from road debris i would recommend anyone who needs to replace these to get a aluminium set made.
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Specification


Power 462 bhp / 345 KW @ 5700 rpm
Torque 620 Nm / 457 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
BHP/Liter 128 bhp / litre
Power to weight ratio 0.32 bhp / kg
Top Speed 315 km/h / 196 mph
0-60 mph Acceleration 4.0 s


Modified GT2s



997


Expected to be launched at Frankfurt in september, with the first UK cars coming in Q1 2008

Discussions off forum that have been posted, have indicated the car will have the following spec:

£131k basic inc VAT etc.
204mph.
530bhp.
PSM and TC, both can be switched off.
Limited UK availability (circa 50 cars? Not sure if this is first year allocation?).

UK dealers are requiring £15k deposits. Like when the turbo and GT3 were launched, customers have to complete a questionnaire with orders to establish their history of Porsche ownership. This is to try and weed-out speculators.

Further speculation on the Pistonheads Porsche forum has mentioned the car will be launched with a manual gearbox although a flappy paddle PDK system maybe an option on 09 M/Y cars.




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