With a top speed of 198 mph, ferocious acceleration from the turbocharged engine, the 2004 GT2 was based on the code 996 version of the 911. Even more powerful than the 911 Turbo, the GT2 exudes mega power at any engine speed you like.
Small the engine may be, compared with Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but it chucks out enough power to compete with some engines 50% bigger! Needelss to say, the GT2 is highly turbocharged - and the result is 483 bhp. It really does sprint to 60 mph. It takes just 4.0 seconds. Searingly fast.
Big air intakes
In appearance, the GT2 is close to the Turbo, with its twin front air intakes below the headlamps, extra intakes behind the doors, and outlets in the rear side skirts. It also sports a large spoiler above the engine compartment - actually it is standard on the Clubsport version, but an option on the standard car. With the large air intakes, the GT2 body has a bit more drag than the Turbo with a Cd of 0.34.
High boost to get extra power
To get the extra power, the twin turbos of the GT2 operate at higher boost than on the 911 Turbo - 2.0 bar at maximum torque. That is a lot of boost for a road car. What's more, the boost is barely lower at full power - at 1.95 bar. This boost is maintained beyond that for another 500 rpm, up to 6,200 rpm.
As on the 420 bhp Turbo, VarioCamPlus variable valve timing ensures that there is plenty of power at all speeds. To ensure full power is developed, a lot of attention has been paid to improving the intercoolers and exhaust system. As the GT2 is likely to spend time on the track, they have dry sump lubrication systems.
483 bhp and 472 lb ft torque
With these changes, and different settings for the fuelling, the 3.6 liter dohc flat-six engine in the GT2 produces no less than 483 bhp at 5,700 rpm - that's 134 bhp per liter - with maximum torque of 472 lb ft (640 Nm) at 3,500 to 4,500 rpm. This is a very compact but intensely explosive powerplant - at almost any speed.
Adjustable suspension
To suit this engine, the suspension needed to be improved, and has been modified with trackdays and racing in mind. The GT2 has adjustable anti-roll bars, and the coil springs that can be replaced with racing units if needed. Most of the suspension settings, including the camber, can be adjusted.
To cope with the massive power of the GT2, the wheels and tires are fatter than on the 911 Turbo - 235/40 ZR 18s at the front and 315/30 ZR 18s at the rear. You might expect the rear tires to be a bit wider still, but don't forget that 40% of the power is going through the front tires.
Weight reduced
In developing the GT2 a lot of effort went into reducing weight - 100 kg has been removed. Some of this comes from the use of composite ceramic disc brakes, which are standard, which you'll be pleased to learn. The semi-racing seats are light, too. The GT2 weighs 3,127 lb (1,420 kg), giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 340 bhp per ton. Pretty damn fast, and pretty good for an all-steel body.
Any way you look at this swan song for the 996 the GT2 is just raw power anywhere through the speed range. If you want something to shake you out of your senses, then this is the car for you.
By the way, you don't get stability control; control is down to you, so you do need to watch that right foot. When these models are replaced, you're pretty certain to get stability control, and other electronics from the 997 Porsches.
