In polite German fashion, the Porsche folks state they aren't trying to start a battle, just satisfy their own concerns. "The Nissan is a good car. I don't want to make anything bad with my words," August Achleitner, the 911 product chief for Porsche, told a CarsGuide reporter. At the time of this writing, Nissan hasn't responded to Porsche's claims of foul play, but we're interested to see if a mea culpa is forthcoming or if Nissan will provide irrefutable proof of Godzilla's triumph. Stay tuned. [CarsGuide; thanks Jack!]

TECHART Automobildesign GmbH presents its cutting-edge TECHART GTstreet RS, based on the Porsche 911 GT2 (997), with an impressive best time of 1.06:811 minutes on the short course of the Hockenheim circuit.

Since 2001, TECHART GTstreet vehicles have been among the fastest and highest performance sports cars in the world. This high performance is reflected in the GTstreet RS's statistics - 700 PS and 515 KW - with a maximum torque of 860 Nm. This power is achieved through the use of modified turbochargers, enlarged carbon inlet pipes, specially developed intercoolers, a sports flap exhaust combined with high-performance headers, modified pressure sensor and a sports air filter. The GTstreet model demonstrates a high level of performance in the wind tunnel: with a downforce of 10 kilos on the front and rear axles at a speed of 140 km/h.

GT RS front apron is fitted with a carbon splitter. A special air duct has been constructed to enable the cool air to pass directly behind the radiator and over the newly created air outlet thereby reducing the buoyant force on the front axle considerably. Side carbon flics support this effect in that they increase the downforce considerably by acting as a counterpart. All of the sporty basics are featured, creating a sporty appearance and fast model with its aero-bonnet, headlight shades, mirror shades, GT sill panels and carbon roof spoiler. The GT rear spoiler is particularly striking with its carbon winglets and gurney flaps. The GT RS rear apron with carbon diffuser, air outlet and carbon air wings complete the programme for this club sports car.

The performance of the GTstreet RS is also reflected in the chassis. With its TECHART Formula III forged rims and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Plus tyres, the GTstreet RS offers drivers the maximum performance for a street-worthy sports car. The impressive 1.06,811 min. lap time on the short Hockenheim course emphasises yet again the GTstreet RS's ambitions on becoming one of the fastest sports cars in the world. The special TECHART threaded chassis is also available for the GTstreet RS.

From coloured decorative stitching to complete leather furnishings in the colour of your choice or decorative components in various materials such as carbon or piano lacquer, TECHART offers a virtually endless range of possibilities to meet all tastes in furnishings. Additional accessories such as aluminium pedals, a 3-spoke sports steering wheel and illuminated door sill protectors with an individual logo complete this diverse range of furnishing options.

[TechArt]

Although we know function is more important than form on a racing car, but if the latter is any indication of the former, BMW will have a real winner with the new M3. Of course, a 485 HP 4.0-liter V8 powering a 2535 lb car will more than likely help as well. We mean, can someone please tell BMW to forget that whole "flame-surfacing" thing and just put widebody kits on all their street cars? [BMW]

LMP1 Class
The big news here was that the trio of Peugeots fell to the #2 Audi Sport North America car driven by Capello, McNish and Kirstensen. Hmm... the Audis winning Le Mans. Where have we heard that before? In case you were curious it was Audi, Pug, Pug, Audi, Pug, Audi. The drama continued all the way to the end with both the #2 Audi and the #7 Peugeot finishing on the same lap.

LMP2
Though not as exciting as some of the other classes, the LMP2 did feature the first Le Mans appearance by the Porsche RS Spyder. And how did the RS Spyder perform? The #34 in pimptastic purple won first, piloted by Van Merksteign, Verstappen and Bleekemolen. Sadly, the #41 Porsche piloted by Nielsen, Elgard and Maasen came in second. Why is that sad? Because their names are so much easier to spell.

LM GT1
The big showdown in the GT1 class was between the Gulf Oil Aston Martin and the Yellow Corvettes for class dominance. This year it was the 009 DBR9 of Brahbham, Garcia and Turner taking down the #63 C6R of O'Connell, Magnussen and Fellows for a second GT1 victory in as many years. As with the Audi-Pug race, this one also finished on the same lap. For the scorekeepers, that's Aston, Vette, Vette, Aston.

LM GT2
The GT2 was quite the happy story for us as the Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 GT driven by Salo, Melo and Bruni owned the Porsche 911's. Why do we care? Those are some Houston, Texas boys and right now Houston sports fans will take any victory from any Houston team. Second place went to the Ferrari F430 GT campaigned by BMS Scuederia Italia. The final for GT2 was Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari, Porsche, Porsche.

[Photo: Getty Images/AFP, LeMans.org]

The 911 GT3 RSR will continue to race in the GT2 class, last year it won that class at both the Le Mans and Spa 24-hour races. Porsche intends to offer 35 RSRs for sale. If you want one, write a check for €349,800 plus tax.

According to the team owner, Lexus was originally planning to enter the GT2 class in 2006. The first race for the Lexus will be the Twelve Hours of Sebring this March 15-18th. Let's just hope they don't drain the battery trying to synch their blackberry's phonebook with the bluetooth memory module. [World Car Fans]

One of the series that could see corngas burning Aston GT2's is the American Le Mans Series, which allows competitors to use the E85 for racing fuel. Full details of AMR's plans for 2008 will be announced next Thursday. [Aston Martin Racing via World Car Fans]

FLYING LIZARD MOTORSPORTS' VAN OVERBEEK BECOMES FIFTH U.S. DRIVER TO WIN PORSCHE CUP - WORLD-WIDE TROPHY FOR MOST SUCCESSFUL PORSCHE PRIVATEER

—Patrick Long, Only American Porsche Factory Driver, Named to Penske Racing team for 2008—

ATLANTA - December 11 - Johannes van Overbeek, from San Francisco, and partner of the Flying Lizard Motorsports team based in Sonoma, Calif., has won the 2007 Porsche Cup. This is the trophy that the Porsche factory in Stuttgart, Germany, has been awarding each year since 1970 to the most successful driver of a private Porsche racing car. On the occasion of the Porsche Motorsports Night in Weissach, Germany, this past weekend, Executive Vice-President for Development Wolfgang Dürheimer presented the prize and 37,000 Euros ($54,000) prize money to van Overbeek.

As the driver, co-founder and co-owner of the Flying Lizard Motorsports Team, Johannes van Overbeek was the runner-up in the GT2 class of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. Winning the races in Lime Rock, Mid Ohio and the Ten-Hour Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, the 34-year-old van Overbeek, together with his teammate Porsche factory driver Jörg Bergmeister (Langenfeld, Germany), remained within striking distance of the GT2 championship until the last race of the season. He has finished fifth, seventh, and second respectively in the Porsche Cup competition over the last three years before winning the trophy for 2007. Johannes' previous experience before joining the Lizards included 38 races in the Speed TV World-Challenge, where he finished on the podium 16 times, and a third place finish overall at the

2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Second place in the Porsche Cup standings went van Overbeek's Flying Lizard teammate Darren Law (USA), who received 23,000 Euros ($33,500), while Wolf Henzler (Nürtingen, Germany), who drove for Atlanta-based Tafel Racing in ALMS, finished third and took home a check for 18,000 Euros ($26.200). Law also accumulated points from his results driving the Brumos Porsche Riley in the Rolex Grand-Am series.

Other top 15 Porsche Cup finishers who earned their points racing in North America included Marc Besseng (Germany), who was on the winning GT team at the Rolex 24 at Daytona (seventh); Butch Leitzinger (USA), who drove the Dyson Porsche RS Spyder in ALMS (eighth - tie); Andy Wallace (England), Leitizinger's co-driver for Dyson (eighth - tie); Chris Dyson (USA), Dyson Racing Porsche RS Spyder (10th - tie); Guy Smith (England), Chris Dyson's co-driver (10th - tie); Andy Lally (USA), Rolex Grand-Am GT series with TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and ALMS with Dyson Racing Porsche RS Spyder (13th); and Dirk Werner (Germany), Rolex Grand-Am GT champion for Farnbacher Loles in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Van Overbeek becomes the fifth American driver to win the Porsche Cup since its inception in 1970. Others have included Price Cobb (1994), Cort Wagner (1999), Mike Fitzgerald (2000), and Kevin Buckler (2002).

A complete list of Porsche cup winners follows this release.

Long to Drive for Penske in 2008

In an equally exciting development for Porsche racing fans in North America, Patrick Long, the only American Porsche factory driver (from Southern California, but now living in Tampa, Florida), has been promoted to a full-time position at Penske Racing to drive the Porsche RS Spyder in the American Le Mans Series for 2008. Long, 26 years-old, has already proved his skills impressively at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in Gran Turismo events, winning the GT2 Driver's Championship in the American Le Mans Series in 2005 after clinching five races and finishing as the runner-up a year later in 2006. In 2004 and 2007, Long won the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) in a 911 GT3 RSR. This past season, Long and Jörg Bergmeister also drove the Ruby Tuesdays Alex Job Racing Porsche Crawford in Rolex Grand-Am, winning one race and finishing in the top five a number of times. [Source: Sports Systems]

Press Release:

The New Porsche 911 GT2

Highlights
The 911 GT2 is the fastest and most powerful Porsche 911 homologated for the road to ever see the light of day. Its 3.6-litre horizontally-opposed six-cylinder power unit with biturbo technology develops maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at a speed of 6,500 rpm. Maxi¬mum torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft, in turn, is maintained consistently over a speed range from 2,200 - 4,500 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 3.7 seconds and the new top sports model within the 911 Series reaches a staggering top speed of 329 km/h or 204 mph.

Full of character, full of efficiency
The low-slung spoiler lip at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model give the 911 GT2 remarkable down force both front and rear, while at the same time maintaining the silhouette so characteristic of this top model. Low weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, rear-wheel drive and a superior drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32 ensure not only exceptional sportiness and performance, but also a supreme standard of all-round efficiency. As a result, the 911 GT2 consumes just 12.5 litres/100 km of premium plus fuel in the composite EU test (equal to 22.6 mpg imp), thus offering a standard of fuel economy exceptionally good for a car of this kind.

A world-first achievement: the expansion intake manifold
Using the oscillating air during the cooler expansion phase is a genuine revolution in turbo¬charged engine technology. So benefiting from a brand-new, innovative expansion-type intake system with its own special geometry and an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry operating at a maximum pressure of 1.4 bar, new 911 GT2 offers an extra 50 bhp over the already very powerful 911 Turbo.

Chassis with PASM and ceramic brake system
Compared with the 911 Carrera, the new 911 GT2 has been lowered by approx 25 mm or 1.00", with the chassis and suspension geared specifically to the needs of this very dynamic car. And as one would rightly expect of a Porsche sports car, the GT2 comes with unusually powerful and effective brakes, PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featuring brake discs measuring 380 millimetres or 14.96" in diameter at the front and 350-millimetre (13.78") brake discs at the rear fitted as standard on this top-of-the-range sports model.

Three-stage PSM and Launch Assistant
Featured for the first time in the 911 GT2, PSM Porsche Stability Management can be deac¬tivated in two stages, with the ABS anti-lock brake system always remaining active: The driver is able to deactivate lateral and longitudinal dynamic control in a successive process, thus gearing the car's driving behaviour to his individual demands and requirements. The new Launch Assistant, in turn, enables the driver, via the engine control unit, to accelerate with optimum power and performance from a standstill, TC Traction Control ensuring opti¬mum longitudinal dynamics in the acceleration process.
Titanium exhaust gas system and folding sports bucket seats

The new 911 GT2 is the first Porsche homologated for road use to be fitted as standard with an exhaust system featuring a titanium rear-end silencer and titanium tailpipes. Compared with a comparable silencer made of stainless steel, titanium reduces the weight of the entire system by approximately 50 per cent.

Another new feature in the 911 GT2 is the sports bucket seats likewise fitted as standard. And a further advantage in this case is that the backrests fold individually to any desired position, maintaining optimum lateral stability at all times.

The New Porsche 911 GT2
Top Performance in the 911
The 911 GT2 is the new top performer in the 911 model series. Through its striking design with extra-large air intake scoops at the front and the characteristic rear wing, this fastest of all models in the 911 series clearly demonstrates its supreme performance right from the start, before even setting off. Indeed, these design and streamlining features so characte¬ristic of the 911 GT2 give the car an exemplary drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32, together with down¬force on both the front and rear axle.
Available only with a manual six-speed gearbox, the 911 GT2 supersports accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h or 204 mph.

Two turbochargers for extra power
The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the flat-six already featured in the 911 Turbo, with two exhaust gas turbochargers using variable turbine geometry (VTG) providing the requisite supply of air. Maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) from this 3.6-litre boxer engine comes at 6,500 rpm, peak torque is 680 Newton-metres (501 lb-ft) maintained consistently over a wide speed range between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. And with the car's unladen weight being just 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, the power-to-weight ratio is 2.72 kg or 6.00 lb per horsepower.

Innovative air supply
The extra power of the engine in the new 911 GT2 versus the 911 Turbo is provided by two exhaust gas turbochargers with an enlarged compressor wheel and the flow-optimised tur¬bine housing, both of which are laid out for even higher charge pressure.

A further point is that Porsche's engineers have for the first time combined the turbocharged power unit in the 911 GT2 with a so-called expansion-type intake manifold - a genuine revo¬lution in the concept of turbocharged power units. The principle applied in this case is to use the oscillating intake air during the cooler expansion phase to prepare the fuel/air mix¬ture, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the engine of the 911 Turbo. This ensures a significant increase in all-round efficiency - more power on less fuel, with fuel consumption dropping by up to 15 per cent under full load. As a result, average composite fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) of 12.5 litres/100 km or 22.6 mpg imp is exceptionally good for a car of this class - and thanks to its new exhaust system, the new 911 GT2 also outperforms the EU4 emission standard.

Extra-light exhaust system
The 911 GT2 offers new developments and highlights not only on the intake manifold, but also on the exhaust side: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear-¬end silencer and tailpipes made as standard of titanium, an extra-light but stable material. Weighing approximately 9 kilos, the silencer is roughly 50 per cent lighter than a comparable component made of stainless steel.

Setting off with the Launch Assistant
The new 911 GT2 is likewise the first production sports car from Porsche to feature a Launch Assistant enabling the driver to set off with optimum performance and ensuring simple hand¬ling at all times.
To activate the Launch Assistant, all the driver has to do is press down the throttle in full with the car at a standstill, the appropriate gear in mesh, and the clutch pedal pressed to the floor. Then the system will automatically set engine speed to exactly the right level, the driver's only task then being to take his foot off the clutch as quickly as possible in order to accelerate the car with maximum speed and power.
In this process PSM Porsche Stability Management prevents the car from "twitching", with the full power of the engine being transmitted smoothly to the road.

Rear-wheel drive on the 911 GT2 comes with an asymmetrical limited-slip differential main¬taining a locking factor of 28 per cent under power and 40 per cent in overrun.

Porsche's new supersports runs on 19-inch wheels combined with specially developed tyres measuring 235/35 at the front and 325/30 at the rear. Tyre pressure, finally, is supervised and maintained by sensors in the tyre pressure control system also featured as standard.
Specially set-up PASM damper system and upgraded PSM

The chassis and suspension of the new 911 GT2 is based on the chassis of the 911 GT3, while at the same time the entire set-up is approximately 25 millimetres or 1.00" lower and firmer than on the 911 Carrera.

PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management featured as standard on the new 911 GT2 has also been modified accordingly, with somewhat firmer and tauter damper action in the Normal mode, as opposed to an extra-firm and taut suspension in the Sports mode suited ideally for use on the race track.
The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring ceramic brake discs. The exceptional features of this brake system include in particular a very fast response, enormous stability against fading, superior safety reserves, and low weight.

Compared with grey-cast-iron brakes of the same size, PCCB reduces unsprung masses in the car by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

Yet another innovative feature developed by Porsche's engineers for the new 911 GT2 is PSM Porsche Stability Management specifically tailored to the new model: Giving the driver the option to deactivate various components, this special driving stability system meets the de¬mands of even the most sporting and dynamic motorist. To set up the system to his spe¬cific requirements, all the driver has to do is press two buttons in the front centre con¬sole: Pressing the SC OFF (SC: Stability Control) button, the driver deactivates lateral dynamic control. By additionally pressing the SC+TC OFF (TC: Traction Control) button, the driver also switches off longitudinal dynamic control, while the ABS brake system remains active at all times.

Innovative sports bucket seats
The high-performance concept of the 911 GT2 also includes sports bucket seats made of a very light combination of glass- and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFP/CFP) with a visible carbon surface, featured as standard on the new model. Incorporating a new type of manual adjustment, the sports bucket seats combine unusually good side stability with enhanced access to the area behind the front seats, thanks to the backrests tilting forward whenever required.

Press Release:

The New Porsche 911 GT2

Highlights
The 911 GT2 is the fastest and most powerful Porsche 911 homologated for the road to ever see the light of day. Its 3.6-litre horizontally-opposed six-cylinder power unit with biturbo technology develops maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at a speed of 6,500 rpm. Maxi¬mum torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft, in turn, is maintained consistently over a speed range from 2,200 - 4,500 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 3.7 seconds and the new top sports model within the 911 Series reaches a staggering top speed of 329 km/h or 204 mph.

Full of character, full of efficiency
The low-slung spoiler lip at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model give the 911 GT2 remarkable down force both front and rear, while at the same time maintaining the silhouette so characteristic of this top model. Low weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, rear-wheel drive and a superior drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32 ensure not only exceptional sportiness and performance, but also a supreme standard of all-round efficiency. As a result, the 911 GT2 consumes just 12.5 litres/100 km of premium plus fuel in the composite EU test (equal to 22.6 mpg imp), thus offering a standard of fuel economy exceptionally good for a car of this kind.

A world-first achievement: the expansion intake manifold
Using the oscillating air during the cooler expansion phase is a genuine revolution in turbo¬charged engine technology. So benefiting from a brand-new, innovative expansion-type intake system with its own special geometry and an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry operating at a maximum pressure of 1.4 bar, new 911 GT2 offers an extra 50 bhp over the already very powerful 911 Turbo.

Chassis with PASM and ceramic brake system
Compared with the 911 Carrera, the new 911 GT2 has been lowered by approx 25 mm or 1.00", with the chassis and suspension geared specifically to the needs of this very dynamic car. And as one would rightly expect of a Porsche sports car, the GT2 comes with unusually powerful and effective brakes, PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featuring brake discs measuring 380 millimetres or 14.96" in diameter at the front and 350-millimetre (13.78") brake discs at the rear fitted as standard on this top-of-the-range sports model.

Three-stage PSM and Launch Assistant
Featured for the first time in the 911 GT2, PSM Porsche Stability Management can be deac¬tivated in two stages, with the ABS anti-lock brake system always remaining active: The driver is able to deactivate lateral and longitudinal dynamic control in a successive process, thus gearing the car's driving behaviour to his individual demands and requirements. The new Launch Assistant, in turn, enables the driver, via the engine control unit, to accelerate with optimum power and performance from a standstill, TC Traction Control ensuring opti¬mum longitudinal dynamics in the acceleration process.
Titanium exhaust gas system and folding sports bucket seats

The new 911 GT2 is the first Porsche homologated for road use to be fitted as standard with an exhaust system featuring a titanium rear-end silencer and titanium tailpipes. Compared with a comparable silencer made of stainless steel, titanium reduces the weight of the entire system by approximately 50 per cent.

Another new feature in the 911 GT2 is the sports bucket seats likewise fitted as standard. And a further advantage in this case is that the backrests fold individually to any desired position, maintaining optimum lateral stability at all times.

The New Porsche 911 GT2
Top Performance in the 911
The 911 GT2 is the new top performer in the 911 model series. Through its striking design with extra-large air intake scoops at the front and the characteristic rear wing, this fastest of all models in the 911 series clearly demonstrates its supreme performance right from the start, before even setting off. Indeed, these design and streamlining features so characte¬ristic of the 911 GT2 give the car an exemplary drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32, together with down¬force on both the front and rear axle.
Available only with a manual six-speed gearbox, the 911 GT2 supersports accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h or 204 mph.

Two turbochargers for extra power
The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the flat-six already featured in the 911 Turbo, with two exhaust gas turbochargers using variable turbine geometry (VTG) providing the requisite supply of air. Maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) from this 3.6-litre boxer engine comes at 6,500 rpm, peak torque is 680 Newton-metres (501 lb-ft) maintained consistently over a wide speed range between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. And with the car's unladen weight being just 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, the power-to-weight ratio is 2.72 kg or 6.00 lb per horsepower.

Innovative air supply
The extra power of the engine in the new 911 GT2 versus the 911 Turbo is provided by two exhaust gas turbochargers with an enlarged compressor wheel and the flow-optimised tur¬bine housing, both of which are laid out for even higher charge pressure.

A further point is that Porsche's engineers have for the first time combined the turbocharged power unit in the 911 GT2 with a so-called expansion-type intake manifold - a genuine revo¬lution in the concept of turbocharged power units. The principle applied in this case is to use the oscillating intake air during the cooler expansion phase to prepare the fuel/air mix¬ture, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the engine of the 911 Turbo. This ensures a significant increase in all-round efficiency - more power on less fuel, with fuel consumption dropping by up to 15 per cent under full load. As a result, average composite fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) of 12.5 litres/100 km or 22.6 mpg imp is exceptionally good for a car of this class - and thanks to its new exhaust system, the new 911 GT2 also outperforms the EU4 emission standard.

Extra-light exhaust system
The 911 GT2 offers new developments and highlights not only on the intake manifold, but also on the exhaust side: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear-¬end silencer and tailpipes made as standard of titanium, an extra-light but stable material. Weighing approximately 9 kilos, the silencer is roughly 50 per cent lighter than a comparable component made of stainless steel.

Setting off with the Launch Assistant
The new 911 GT2 is likewise the first production sports car from Porsche to feature a Launch Assistant enabling the driver to set off with optimum performance and ensuring simple hand¬ling at all times.
To activate the Launch Assistant, all the driver has to do is press down the throttle in full with the car at a standstill, the appropriate gear in mesh, and the clutch pedal pressed to the floor. Then the system will automatically set engine speed to exactly the right level, the driver's only task then being to take his foot off the clutch as quickly as possible in order to accelerate the car with maximum speed and power.
In this process PSM Porsche Stability Management prevents the car from "twitching", with the full power of the engine being transmitted smoothly to the road.

Rear-wheel drive on the 911 GT2 comes with an asymmetrical limited-slip differential main¬taining a locking factor of 28 per cent under power and 40 per cent in overrun.

Porsche's new supersports runs on 19-inch wheels combined with specially developed tyres measuring 235/35 at the front and 325/30 at the rear. Tyre pressure, finally, is supervised and maintained by sensors in the tyre pressure control system also featured as standard.
Specially set-up PASM damper system and upgraded PSM

The chassis and suspension of the new 911 GT2 is based on the chassis of the 911 GT3, while at the same time the entire set-up is approximately 25 millimetres or 1.00" lower and firmer than on the 911 Carrera.

PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management featured as standard on the new 911 GT2 has also been modified accordingly, with somewhat firmer and tauter damper action in the Normal mode, as opposed to an extra-firm and taut suspension in the Sports mode suited ideally for use on the race track.
The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring ceramic brake discs. The exceptional features of this brake system include in particular a very fast response, enormous stability against fading, superior safety reserves, and low weight.

Compared with grey-cast-iron brakes of the same size, PCCB reduces unsprung masses in the car by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

Yet another innovative feature developed by Porsche's engineers for the new 911 GT2 is PSM Porsche Stability Management specifically tailored to the new model: Giving the driver the option to deactivate various components, this special driving stability system meets the de¬mands of even the most sporting and dynamic motorist. To set up the system to his spe¬cific requirements, all the driver has to do is press two buttons in the front centre con¬sole: Pressing the SC OFF (SC: Stability Control) button, the driver deactivates lateral dynamic control. By additionally pressing the SC+TC OFF (TC: Traction Control) button, the driver also switches off longitudinal dynamic control, while the ABS brake system remains active at all times.

Innovative sports bucket seats
The high-performance concept of the 911 GT2 also includes sports bucket seats made of a very light combination of glass- and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFP/CFP) with a visible carbon surface, featured as standard on the new model. Incorporating a new type of manual adjustment, the sports bucket seats combine unusually good side stability with enhanced access to the area behind the front seats, thanks to the backrests tilting forward whenever required.

LMP1
1)Piro
2)Capello
3)Graf

LMP2
1) Dumas
2) Dyson
3) Leitzinger

GT1
1) O'Connell
2) Gavin

GT2:
1) Melo
2) Long
3) Dumbreck

Press Release:

New Porsche 911 GT2 with 530 Horsepower

Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the "regular" power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche's engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold - a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.

The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.-.

"A curiously precise £131,070 will secure your spec'd GT2, as well as Porsche's Vehicle Tracking System and Driving Experience course."

Oh look, the folks who enjoy the fast lane on a daily basis snagged a quick video of the 997-based Porsche 911 GT2 from the same spy photogs who gathered the shots we showed you earlier. Not much more else to say about it — although we're really glad they put it in the front of their daily automotive meta-mix. Although we could probably have done without the zany musical intro announcing the host. Just sayin'... – Ray Wert

Related:
Spy Photos: Porsche 911 GT2; Spy Photos: Still Even More Yet on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: Still More on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: More on the Porsche GT2; The Widowmaker Cometh! Porsche GT2 To Drop This November [internal]

Maximum 911 GT2 packs up to 550-hp punch [AutoWeek]

Related:
Spy Photos: Still Even More Yet on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: Still More on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: More on the Porsche GT2; The Widowmaker Cometh! Porsche GT2 To Drop This November [internal]

It's that magic time of year, when trophy wives the world over begin licking their chops and reminding their wealthy husbands how much sexier they would look in a Porsche. Yes friends, the new GT2 is nigh, and it is still nuts. In case you don't know the drill, the GT2 is a Porsche Turbo juiced up on angel dust. The 996 GT2 had 450 horsepower and RWD, as opposed to the regular Turbo's 420 hp and AWD system. All who drove it described the GT2 as "frightening," if not more than a little bit dangerous. The more things change... The new 997 GT2 also sheds its all-wheels drivenness, but instead of a mere 30-hp bump, Porsche is mainlining 50 more. Oh, and the new GT2 will be about 50 pounds lighter than the old one. Expect it at your local dealer this November, just two short months after the Turbo Cabriolet comes to town. Hope you have a good prenup. Jump for pics. – Jonny Lieberman

Exklusiv: Porsche startet Top-Elfer im November [Automobilwoche via Motor Authority]

Related:
Spy Photos: Still More on the Porsche GT2 [Internal]

The son of widowmaker is nigh. the GT2 may be the last of the 997-model Porsche to debut, but it'll likely be worth twice the wait at today's prices. With horsepower rumored to be in the 500 range, the Le Mans-ready niner will be the fastest factory Porsche 911 in history. It may also be the first to hit 200 mph with no modifications. The wraps come off in Frankfurt later this year, or so it's said. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Porsche GT 2 Latest Photos [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Still More on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: More on the Porsche GT2; Spy Photos: Porsche GT2 [internal]

We've seen the "evil" Porsche GT2 in black. Now check out the "good" GT2 that'll untie the sports-car market from the train tracks and save the day. Tortured analogies aside, here's more imagery of the upcoming 997 Porsche GT2, caught recently during cold-weather testing. Take particular note of the subtle body-panel changes, roll cage and brake calipers that could stop a runaway truck loaded with osmium. But periodic-table jokes aside, the GT2 will be producing more than 500 horsepower when it rolls out later this year, likely in Frankfurt. It might even be the first 9er to break 200 mph right out of the box. Wouldn't that be something? – Mike Spinelli

Spy photos: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 [Edmunds Straightline Blog]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the Porsche GT2 [internal]

The widowmaker is back, and spies say it's a symphony on wheels. The new-generation Porsche GT2, spotted on the N rburgring recently, is the last to arrive (and most insane) of the 997-generation 911s. The rear-drive, weight-reducted beast — carbon fiber et. al. — is said to produce in the neighborhood of 500 hp. Who needs tuning shops when all that craziness rolls right out of the new Porsche Motorsports center in Weissach. Why, indeed. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: More Porsche 911 GT2 [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Porsche GT2 [internal]

Sure, watching driver-POV videos of N rburgring burns can be tedious as waiting for your girlfriend to finish her turn at GT4. But this one, of a Porsche 996 GT2 devouring the Green Hell in just over seven minutes, has that stomach-dropping effect that's missing from most run-of-the-mill lappage vids. Take Dramamine as needed.

Related:
Cat on the 'Ring: Evo Staffer Floggs a Caterham on the Green Hell [internal]

Ok, Porschies, have at it. Spies captured the next in line among 997 models, the 911 GT2 — which some sources denied even existing. For most enthusiasts, more telling than mere photos of this porkowski would be a covert weigh-in by spies. It's said the en-lightened 9iner (via a shopping trip to Carbon Fiber n' Things) will have at least 520 horses on call, with rumors of 550 rampant, and it may be the first production-line 911 to exceed 200 mph as a matter of course.

SPY PHOTOS: Porsche 997 GT2 [World Car Fans]

Related:
Goin' to the Spa: 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR to Make Track Debut [internal]

Oh momma. Ferrari has a new toy for privateer racers of the Prancing Horse persuasion. It's the F430GT, created with Ferrari tuning shop Michelotti. Based on the F430 berlinetta, the GT racer has been stripped of the showroom pony's opulence, and has gotten an infusion of more carbon fiber, nomex and kevlar than a team of black ops commandos — leading to a reduction in weight from the factory model's 3,197 lbs to a track-ready 2,425 lbs. With a more rigid chassis than the previous 360 Modena racer, and with a 4.0-liter V8 that's been reduced in capacity from the factory 4.3-liter mill per FIA regs, the F430GT will take on various and sundry Porsches in upcoming GT2 races.

Ferrari F430GT [Italiaspeed]

Related:
Frankfurt Wrap-up: Ferrari F430 Challenge [internal]

While Jalopnik will be flying the flannel at Sears Point (as NorCal expatriates we just can't quite bring ourselves to call it Infineon Raceway) in a little over a week for the NHRA's Fram/Autolite Nationals, it's time to look back at what could be called drag racing's inverse the American LeMans Series.

Having completed half the season when the checkered flag dropped in Sonoma, JJ Lehto and Marco Werner are out front in LMP1, while in LMP2, Jeff Bucknum and Chris McMurry hold a slight lead. The Corvette guys (surprise, surprise), are strong in GT1, with Plastic Fantastic infighting being the main story there. GT2's the tight contest of the season, with Jorg Bergmeister and Patrick Long currently out front but only by 11 points. With American open-wheel racing having lost much of its luster and NASCAR a corporate carbon-copy-fest, ALMS seems to us to be the series most akin to racing's golden age of the 1960s.

By the Numbers: Infineon Technologies Grand Prix of Sonoma [Dubspeed Racing]

Related:
Inside Porsche's New LeMans Prototype [Internal]