The Quintessential Sports Car

Written by Nicolas Bates

Porsche has done it again. The 2010 Porsche 911 GT2 is even more technologically advanced than the last. Who would’ve thought they were capable of thinking what they thought? Probably not even them. While, technically, a luxury sports car, the 2010 GT2 will make you feel like you’re driving a non-production race car with amenities. Oh, the possibilities.

The 2010 GT2 boasts 530 hp with roughly 500 lb-ft of torque in a chassis with a curb weight of 3,175 lbs. And guess what? No all-wheel-drive to suck up more of your precious power. That’s right, folks, Porsche has opted for a rear-wheel drive set-up. Some may be upset at that fact, I certainly think it was a smart choice. Porsche is stating 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and 0-100 in 7.4 seconds. I can’t even seem to finish a yawn in that amount of time. But wait, there’s more: no sloppy paddle shifters. That’s right, a real-deal, 6-speed gearbox for your high rpm shifting. The power is brought to you by a 3.6 liter, 6-cylinder twin turbocharged boxer motor with variable valve timing. Both turbos are equipped with variable turbine geometry, which optimizes flow into each of the compressors.

The 2010 GT2 still has its basic design, as it’s still a part of the 997 family. You can still count on its gorgeous lines and large vents throughout the body. Jump into the cockpit and you will see an interior that begs to be used. Light weight, race style seats let you perch yourself into the car, which has a very basic, simple gauge cluster. What else do you need though? Just analog gauges to inform you of basic engine functions. No hoo-ha here. But when it comes down to it, the cluster is not really “basic.” You can check your oil level via digital dash report. Are you .2 quarts low? Your cluster will tell you. Get this: at no additional charge, you can opt for the Clubsport Package, which adds a roll cage to the rear of the car coming up to the front seats, a fire extinguisher, and preparation for a master battery switch. The front seats will now be covered in flame retardant material. Not too bad at a $0 price tag.

The GT2 got a facelift for 2010 and now has a redesigned front bumper. It is now home to larger scoops, which accommodate the cooling of a central radiator and the large, standard ceramic brakes. The intake opening at the rear of the car force-feeds air into the car’s intercoolers. If you follow the smooth, curvy lines to the back of the GT2, you will find a larger rear, two-tier spoiler. The spoiler is also equipped with vents on each side, which force feed air to the rear of the vehicle. The GT2 comes equipped with a standard titanium exhaust system, which, Jack Murphy of Beverly Hills Porsche thinks cannot be outdone by any aftermarket company or tuner. I bet he is right. The GT2 will surely jerk your head back into the carbon fiber surfaced seats with its launch control system enabled. Doing 30 mph in a residential area one minute and bending corners at 65 mph through a canyon the next? They thought you might be doing that and the GT2’s air ride suspension system will adjust itself based on how you are driving the car. Don’t worry about your vital engine parts not being properly lubricated as you take the car’s stiff chassis left and right at breakneck speeds because it is equipped with a dry-sump lubrication system with an external tank. I think you get the point: you don’t just “pay” for a Porsche. You pay for amazing advancements in technology.

Some exotics of this caliber have the muscle for the go, but seem to be directed towards the folks that only want show. Not the 2010 GT2. This car was built to be driven, and driven hard. This car begs to be taken to its limits and has the technology to do it right. And, if you have the cash, I highly suggest picking one up. So choice, so choice.

For more info go to:
Porsche.com