Autoweek Carrera GT article

scphelps1 · scphelps1's Garage

I don't think anyone has posted this, yet, so here goes.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=03665042

A journalist blew an engine on a missed shift! OUCH! I wonder if he still has his "privileges".

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

OUCH. One missed shift and another guy wrapped his around a lightpole?

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-20-2003, 07:28 AM

The Aprilia RSV Mille comes from the factory with a "slipper clutch" to prevent rear wheel hop when downshifting. Could this not be adapted to mitigate mechanical over-revs?

If so, why doesn't the GT have one if it costs $440k???

Neilk · 10-20-2003, 07:49 AM

Wasn't it mentioned in Pano that the Carrera GT that the clutch will fail rather than cause a blown engine during a mis-shift? If not, I would hate to be that journalist.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Boy this does sound like an Enzo rival....right down to the full CF chassis. Can't imagine what it would cost to fix an accident in one of these bad boys. Complete new chassis? Put those welders away.

Also, despite what the article said their was an Enzo example at Pocono 2 weeks ago for the Ferrari Owners club meet. I believe it had a combo manual / F1 Paddle option. So you can choose which type of shifting you're in the mood for.

masraum · 10-20-2003, 09:05 AM

Why in the world would you put a slipping clutch in a car like the CGT? It seems to contradict everything the car stands for. It's not designed for john smith to replace his volvo or buick station wagon, it's designed for people looking for the ultimate performance in a road car (people who can afford it too). It's not designed like the regular 911 for susy yuppy to be able to tool around while drinking her double non-fat latte, so the soft cushy stuff would be an unnecessary compromise.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 10-20-2003, 09:26 AM

A relavent quote from Independance Day:
"I gots to get me one of these!"

Bothari · 10-20-2003, 09:45 AM

EVO also printed their opinion, and the writer, Meaden, seemed to like it a lot. Considering he also drove the other supercars in this months test (Enzo, Zonda & Koenigsegg) and he doesn't sound as enthusiastic about them, it seems that porsche has done a good job.

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-20-2003, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by masraum
Why in the world would you put a slipping clutch in a car like the CGT? It seems to contradict everything the car stands for. It's not designed for john smith to replace his volvo or buick station wagon, it's designed for people looking for the ultimate performance in a road car (people who can afford it too). It's not designed like the regular 911 for susy yuppy to be able to tool around while drinking her double non-fat latte, so the soft cushy stuff would be an unnecessary compromise.

1) Hmm...slipper clutches are used in WSB literbikes....I wouldn't put them in the "latte-sipper" category. And hey, look at that, Aprilia wins RACES (none-too-subtle dig at a company that doesn't race anymore).

2) If Porsche were interested in "ultimate performance" they would've put in real (not "tiptronic") paddle shifters. Shifting in milliseconds via paddles is likely to beat a stick in a bucket.

Randy Webb · 10-20-2003, 03:02 PM

"tool around while drinking her double non-fat latte,"

Masraum, I take you are not a cupholder owner...

Does the C-GT have cupholders? Inquiring minds want to know...

I think the C-GT is like the 964, a "high" volume development mule you can sell to a few hundred rich folks, then pull that technology down into the regular models. I'd like to see some of the stuff in then next Boxster...