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| Most Innovative Vehicle: Porsche Carrera GT |
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By John Henley
Staff Writer
(Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 1:15 PM) |
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This wasn't even close to being a contest. The Porsche Carrera GT is nothing short of an engineering masterpiece, and it clearly demonstrates Porsche's superior technologies, aiming to knock the Enzo squarely on its ear.
You'd be hard pressed to find any other vehicle (including open wheel race cars) that features carbon fiber as functional and integral as it is beautiful as the Carrera GT's. The racing inspired two-piece chassis (the front monocoque mates to the rear shell in a manner similar to a CART car) is comprised entirely of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP, and a Porsche innovation that's patent pending), and much like a racecar, the drivetrain (mid engine, rear transaxle) is a load-bearing member of the chassis, providing structural support and rigidity.
Aside from the gorgeous CFP chassis and aerodynamically perfect bodywork, there are other innovations such as the world's first ceramic composite clutch, ceramic disc brakes, front and rear double-wishbone push-rod suspension, forged magnesium wheels, and of course, that wonderful, 612-horsepower, normally aspirated V-10 that's chock full of titanium and other exotic metals...again, the list could go on and on, but space is limited.
Despite its hard-line engineering, the Carrera GT's cockpit is warm and inviting, and dare we say, "comfortable"? Yes, even our super-sized editors fit comfortably inside the supercar's seats - a true testament to this cars promise to provide real world comfort and world-class performance. Considering an Enzo or an SLR? You'd be silly to. At $440,000 the Carrera GT is a bargain, delivering unbelievable technology and engineering superior to anything this side of the world's most exclusive racing circuits.
"Call my wife and tell her we're selling the house to buy a Carrera GT," said Litscher.  |
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