Porsche Carrera GT - Harry's Garage Road Test

A 2020 “Harry’s Garage” road test of the Porsche Carrera GT. For those not familiar with the YouTube channel, it was set up by Harry Metcalfe, the founder and original editor of EVO magazine whose strapline is “the thrill of driving”. Harry left EVO in 2013 and has worked as a consultant with Jaguar Land Rover. He has an enviable car collection and in 2020 won the title of Automotive Influencer of the year at the Newspress Awards.

The Porsche Carrera GT was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2000. A few days prior to the public launch, it was unveiled to 60 specially invited journalists at an early morning preview of the concept car at the Louvre Museum. Harry Metcalfe was one of those lucky individuals. That day, the car was driven by development driver Walter Rohrl – World Rally Champion in 1980 and 1982 and 1981 Le Mans Winner driving a Porsche 944LM.

The car was very innovative - magnesium wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, motor sport inspired pushrod suspension, carbon fibre panels and chassis. The original powerplant was a 5.5 Litre V10 engine which had been secretly built for the Footwork F1 team in 1992 and then shelved. It was then going to be used in a Le Mans prototype for 1999, but a change in the FIA rules meant that project did not proceed.

Porsche stated that if they received 500 orders, the car would be produced. Those orders were rapidly received and between 2003 and 2007, a total of 1270 cars were built – 49 cars coming to the UK. The GT was ultimately powered by a 5.7 Litre V10 engine developing 604hp mated to a six speed manual gearbox – Walter Rohrl insisted on this – he was against auto gear changes.Performance figures were quoted as 0-60 3.5s and a top speed of 205mph.

Early road testers reported that the car could be unpredictable at 8/10ths and beyond....in Harry’s words, ”spooky” handling, and difficult to read....it would lose grip and snap. Walter Rohrl is quoted as saying that the GT was "the first car in my life that I drive and I feel scared."

Certainly, over the years, the GT has acquired a reputation for, potentially, being dangerous – there have been a number of crashes – some may speculate that this is down to the drivers having more money than driving talent.

Fans of the “Fast & Furious” film franchise will know that one of its stars, actor Paul Walker, was killed in 2013 when he was a passenger in a GT. The car crashed into a concrete lamp post and several trees before erupting into a fireball in Valencia LA during a charity event. Speed was a major factor - it was estimated to be travelling at between 80-93mph. Walker’s daughter and father both sued Porsche, separately – and the claims were settled in 2017, however, the terms have remained confidential.

Harry comments that the handling was much improved by the second generation Michelin Supersport tyres.

A good investment? Well the car Harry tested in early 2020 was up for sale – a 2005 car with just 2,500 miles on the clock and yours for £700,000 - new in 2004, £200,000.

How much to run? The GT has to be serviced at Porsche HQ Reading and every 4 years it requires a major "engine out" service costing £10,000-£20,0000.

One of the best cars ever? in 2013 when EVO tested a selection of cars to find the ultimate analogue hypercar, it was a close choice between the Carrera GT and McLaren F1 for top spot....the GT being more accessible...but the F1 just shaded it. Sports Car International put it in first place in its Top Sports Cars of the 2000’s and number 8 Top Sports Cars of all Time.

Harry stated that it is still one of his favourite cars of all time. It has to be on everyone’s fantasy garage list.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWbjvcDML7A