- CGT test drive -
german car mag AMS is one of the first mags that`s been able to test drive the CGT.
well to sum it all up nothing really special, it`s a summary of what we already know, concerning to the history, design, techs like engine, chassis and handling. sadly, again nothing about a comparison with its competitors, there are just some new infos but neverthenless i`ll try to point out the main things of the article in AMS and some other interesting tech details from the technical journal " Auto Technology"
so it`s not only the engine power that distinguishes a supercar, it`s all about how to reduce the weight on the one hand, but to have a powerful engine on the other hand.
and this`s been the main goal for the engineers in Weissach and they did their job better than any other manufactorer.
no other production Porsche has been stronger, faster, better...
aerodynamics:
the two roof halvings, that need the whole trunk in the front of the car ( 76 ltr. ), are generating the downforce that is needed, that the car is still stable at speeds of 185mph +. although this results in a not very impressive Cd value of 0.39, o the other hand the car is extremely stable even at top speed because it generates +400kg downforce at 205mph.on the one hand the main amount of the downforce is assured by the harmoniously integrated rear wing that automatically extends at a speed of 75 mph, on the other hand by the rear diffuser-shaped under body of the car.
engine and drivetrain:
the CGT`s engine is 214kg light, mounted midship on a , 40-valve V-10 with VarioCam variable valve control, titanium connecting rods and an aluminum twin-flow intake manifold and dry sump lubrication is fitted behind the cockpit of the Carrera GT is based on a 5.5- litre V10 normally aspirated engine which, as an all-out racing machine, might well have been featured in the Le Mans 24-Hour race. now, the engine capacity has been increased to 5.7 litres in the road car by enlarging the cylinder bore to 98 millimetres or 3.86". through its performance alone, the Carrera GT clearly stands out as a super sports car for the road. Maximum output is 450 kW or 612 bhp at 8000 rpm, while maximum torque is 590 Nm or 435 lb-ft at 5750 rpm. Top speed, in turn, is 330 km/h or 205 mph at 8400 ( !!! ) rpm. and as for acceleration, the Carrera GT really enters a new dimension, rocketing from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaching 200 km/h in a mere 9.9 seconds. the optimised 68° V-angle of the cylinders, together with the crankshaft lowered to the lowest possible level, gives the engine a very low centre of gravity. this tight V-angle and the steep ducts within the engine block are necessary in order to provide enough space for the car's variousaerodynamic features, such as the air flow ducts and the diffuser. Porsche's engineers have chosen the 10-cylinder concept with 500 cc per cylinder since this configuration offers optimum conditions for the cylinder charge cycle.
the brakes of the CGT are also ahead of the game incorporating the use of ceramics: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). perforated and internally vented like metal brake discs, they weigh 50% less, further reducing unsprung masses. together with an innovative brake lining, PCCBs spontaneously generate extremely high and constant deceleration friction coefficients. with the first-ever application of an 8-piston brake calliper in front and 4-piston calliper at the rear in Porsche Monobloc design, brake performance advances well into motorsport dimensions. the ultra-light magnesium forged wheels improve handling, thanks to different sizes on front and rear axles. Wheel dimensions (19 inches up front, 20 inches in the rear), permit brake disc diameters of 380 mm - 50 mm more than on the 911 TT.
Porsche's engineers have benefited from their experience with PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, developing this material to an even higher standard for use in a two-plate dry clutch, the PCCC Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch. the particular fortes of ceramics are enormous strength, low weight and, in particular, an exceptional service life. the two ceramic clutch plates made of carbon fibre and silicon carbide measure only 169 millimetres or 6.65" in diameter, as compared to a clutch diameter of up to 380 millimetres or 15.00" on regular production cars.
chassis:
the CGT features a race chassis with two double wishbone axles. it is designed for agile performance, superior handling and high safety even in extreme situations. push rods are used on the rear axle for the first time on a road car. these allow the positioning of struts on the transmission and permit fine-tuning of the chassis as well as aerodynamically advantageous air ducting in the engine, transmission and rear axle area. additionally, they reduce overall weight and the unsprung masses for still better performance. with adjustable spring mounts on all wheels, wheel load can be perfectly balanced.
the engine and transmission rest on three mounts within the support frame made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bolted onto the chassis. this support frame is part of the car's overall composite structure, teaming up with the chassis to form the backbone of the Carrera GT. the purpose of this unique construction is to keep the car sturdy and stiff in every respect, without adding to its weight. The threepoint mounting concept reduces the trans-mission of noise and vibration and serves at the same time to protect the car's occupants in the event of a collision. the carbon fibre structure is enhanced with H400 stainless steel deformation elements at the front and at the back. the bumper system is made up of an extra--strong aluminium
crossbar and impact tubes. Porsche's development engineers have attached particular significance to the suitable protection of the 92-litre fuel tank, finding the safest place for the tank, which is made of deep-drawn aluminium, within the monocoque between the passenger cell and the engine compartment. for the first time in a production car, the seat shell is made of
composite carbon fibre – or, to be specific, a non-splintering aramide fibre able to expand more flexibly than carbon fibre as such. the use of this material is a further example of the intelligent choice of various materials for different components, demonstrated at first sight by the reduction in weight: while a regular Porsche seat weighs more than 20 kilos or 44.1 lb and the bucket seats in the GT3 weigh 13.1 kilos or 28.9 lb each, the seats in the CGT each weigh in at a mere 10.7 kg or 23.6 lb. (rs).
handling and driving:
starting the CGT`s engine sound like an F1 race engine, beginning with some high revs, but the falling back to idling speed. but also when driving the CGT, the engine has a very agressive, high frequency sound just like a formula 1 race car. applying the clutch is a bit tricky due to the standing pedals, walter röhrl advises to keep the heel on the ground and apply the pedal like a whip. also the PCCC is a bit plucky, but after a few launches it`s no problem any more. even with TC and PSM off the CGT accelerates like a bullet because of its excellent diff lock. on wet road, it`s highly recommended not to switch the stabillity electronics off.
with the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2, that has two different rubber components on the inner and outer side, the CGT should be able to reach 1.45gs :shock:
i`ll tell you something more about handling after my test drive on the 21st of oct...
some pics of the article in AMS:
I hope it will be a hit 
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