New Vehicle Technology HIGHLIGHTS Porsche Carrera GT

The German automaker employed the highest of high technologies and applied for 70 patents in developing the supersport model.

Porsche's new Carrera GT could have been called the Technology-because that is what it is all about. Almost every aspect of this road-going car's design has been subjected to a level of scrutiny seldom seen in the automotive industry. In some ways, the design is more akin to that of a fighter aircraft, with the accent on use of advanced materials, a highly efficient powerplant, and subtle aerodynamics.

Production begins this fall in the German city Leipzig, and the company expects to manufacture a maximum of 1500 units. The 5.7-L V10 engine is some 200 cm³ larger than the racing engine on which it is based, and produces 450 kW (603 hp) and 590 N·m (435 lb·ft). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 3.9 s, and from 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) 9.9 s. Top speed is about 330 km/h (205 mph).