A very special road going GT car
The standard Porsche 996 is not one of the most talked about 911’s as it was the first water cooled Porsche (it’s the air-cooled Porsche’s that get all the attention) and it somehow never got due credit. However, the 996 Turbo is starting to get a following and the very rare drop top version as well.
Then there is really ‘special’ version, the GT2. Yes, this is the really rare 996 model that is seeing a big jump in value and collectors around the world are looking for low mileage, pristine cars to buy and keep.
With the fifth generation of the 911 introduced in 1997, the type 996, Porsche took the bold step to stop using air-cooled engines and introduced water cooled power. After 34 years of air cooled engines, Porsche engineers completely revamped its iconic engine with their next generation 911, the 996.
The 996 Porsche GT2 was introduced in late 2002 and it was built according to the FIA standards for the GT2 racing category. The car had to have a two-wheel-drive system and the engine was restricted to displacement and power. In order to receive that racing approval, Porsche had to build a street version for showroom sales and this is why selected people around the world managed to own and drive the fastest 996 Porsche.
From the outside, it featured a complex aerodynamic package, with a carried-over front bumper from the Turbo, but modified to increase the cooling with an air-exhaust on top of it. A lip-spoiler was added under its apron. Part of its bodywork, with the enlarged rear quarter-panels was taken from the Turbo. A huge rear wing was placed to add some much needed downforce at the high speeds that this curvaceous car could reach.
Inside, the car was stripped by almost anything that was not deemed necessary. The rear seats were gone, the AC was an option that Asian customers needed and the infotainment unit was just a basic stereo head-unit. For the interior, carbon-fiber elements were placed on the center console and stack, and on the instrument cluster. The race-bucket seats were designed and delivered by the Recaro seat company and they featured two inserts for a race-harness, if needed. Unlike the GT3 RS, it wasn’t fitted with a roll-cage.
This Porsche had an acceleration time when new of 4.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a claimed top speed of 315 km/h which was delivered from a 3,600 cc Flat-6 engine which produced an impressive 475bhp and 620 Nm of torque.
The GT2 also made use of a race-derived gearbox, which was reworked and fitted with the lubrication system of the GT3 RS, plus the addition of a friction-plate limited-slip differential tuned to match the car’s ultra-stiff suspension which was 20mm lower than the Turbo to achieve a lowered center of gravity.
Coupled with aluminum monobloc ‘Turbo Design’ wheels, a larger 89-litre fuel tank, and completely new front paneling to reduce aerodynamic front-lift at high speeds and increase air intake, the GT2 really was a ready to race Porsche for the road.
This unit is in Klang Valley and the owner might part with it if you have RM700,000 to spare. Mileage if just at 47,000 plus kilometers and a service history is available. Contact us at www.dsf.my if you are keen.
Porsche 996 GT2 Specifications
Engine: Flat 6-cylinder twin-turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Displacement: 3,600cc
Power: 475hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 3,500-4,500 rpm
0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed; 315km/h
Selling Price: From RM700,000
Selling Price When New: 116,000 Pounds Sterling (RM633,000)
