The fastest-ever 911 road car has been launched rather earlier than planned, after unofficial pictures of the car appeared on the Internet. Originally intended for launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Porsche has responded to the ‘leak’ by releasing further details and pictures of the new 911 GT2 – a 523bhp (530HP) supercar claiming 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 204mph.

The new 911 GT2 will be available only with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, while Porsche is quick to point out that its fuel consumption, of 22.6mpg, represents remarkable economy for a car of this performance.

The exterior design is striking, with large air intakes at the front and a highly characteristic rear wing, but it’s the technology under the skin which receives the most attention. The engine is based on the six-cylinder boxer unit of the 911 Turbo, with two turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 523bhp at 6500rpm, with maximum torque of 680Nm maintained consistently between 2200 and 4500rpm. With an unladen weight of 1440kg, the power-to-weight ratio suggests a very lively car indeed.



The 50bhp increase in power over the ‘regular’ engine is due to the two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even greater level. For the first time, the Porsche engineers have also combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold. This uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, to keep the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. In turn, this leads to a significant increase in all-round efficiency, helping both fuel consumption and power output.

The 911 GT2 is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent against stainless steel. Carbonfibre/ceramic brake discs are also standard, as is the electronically-controlled Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.



The new 911 GT2 should go on sale in November but UK prices have yet to be confirmed.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Porsche