After some initial planning from both Porsche themselves and VW-Audi chairman Ferdinand Piëch, it was decided that Porsche would seek to create a new Le Mans prototype for the 1999 season. Initial plans for this prototype incorporated the use of a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, however, it was ultimately decided to go with a V10 unit secretly built by Porsche for the Footwork Formula One team in 1992. Porsche built a singular Le Mans prototype racing car that was kept secret for quite some time known as the Porsche LMP2000 (9R3). The car was completed in 1998, and used a 3.5L V10 engine, however, shortly after the cars arrival into the world, the LMP2000 project would be shelved for various reasons. A decision was made to direct focus on creating a sports car that would shake up the entire industry, and just like that, in the year 2000 Porsche revealed a concept car known as the Carrera GT at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris. At the time, the Carrera GT concept was used simply a vision for the company, and also a way of attracting attention to their display. An influx of positive feedback & a surplus of revenue gained from sales of the Cayenne model lead for a push forward with the project. Porsche debuted a standard production version of the Carrera GT at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show with plans to produce the model in small numbers at Porsche's new manufacturing facility in Leipzig. Under the direction of then Porsche chief designer, Harm Lagaay, the design team created a vehicle that still looks brand new to this day. In our video on our channel (YouTube.com/AMMEDIANY) we take a look at one of these extremely rare machines, a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT finished in ‘GT Silver’. Between the 603hp 5.7 L (5,733 cc) 980/01 DOHC V10, the 6-speed manual transmission, and the intriguing history, the Carrera GT will forever be an icon!
How many made? 1,270 built
Engine: 5.7 L (5,733 cc) 980/01 DOHC V10 - 603hp
Debut: 2000 Paris Motor Show
Top Speed: 205mph
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly