MOVES AT MILLBROOK
On reflection nursing a headache from the previous night's activities was probably not the best way to turn up for a first drive in the fastest road-going 911 Porsche has ever built. Still here we were rolling up the drive of the Flitwick Manor Hotel for a long awaited go with the new GT2.
Here we go!
Porsche GB now has 3 of the 42 in total GT2's that it will eventually bring into UK (all sold BTW). The one I was destined to drive was the same colour as I have spec'd, Carrera White for myself and it did look fabulous. I was happy! The rims were black with the outer lip retaining the natural alloy colour, giving a 2 tone effect. Some of our American cousins, who naturally get their cars before us (?), have decided to repaint their rims all black "" much better IMHO - but specing a ÂŁ900 option and then paying again for repainting does seem a little extravagant so one decision has already been made for me!
All lined up!
As I was introduced to my steed, the morning mist began to clear and the sun gleamed through a light cloud covering (atmospheric stuff eh?) "" a perfect day for a drive in the country. First on-the-road impression is that the car is a pussycat, docile and tractable, the suspension doesn't feel much harsher than the turbo's to be honest -tyre noise is increased and is really quite intrusive. But this not a GT car "" it's a true sports car so there do have to be some compromises. What I
can say is that there is none of the banging or crashing over the potholes, usually associated with radical track-orientated machines.
Once inside Millbrook, this schizophrenic Porsche adopts its second persona. It's a true driver's car. There's power in abundance and torque availability a 40' Artic would be more than happy to have. First call was to the high speed bowl where 135 mph saw the GT2 firmly glued to the concrete by its aero package and ground effects. No more drama than a trip up the M5 at the legal speed limit!
Next on to the mile straight, where the latest gismo, launch control, is explored. This is an ECU-led system, not dependant on clutch slip so in theory it can be used ad infinitum without wrecking the transmission "" although Porsche are at pains to warn you that repeated use does strain major components! (So presumably that means the warranty is void if you use it then!) Basically you switch the "Ëśputer mode to show turbo boost, depress the clutch and throttle simultaneously. The engine plateaus at 5K, the boost builds up past 0.7 bar and you drop the clutch. No-one can do a standing start quicker and that's a proven fact. The only problem now is changing gear quick enough to beat the rev limiter. Second to third is a bit tricky and can't be snatched. I missed it a couple of times but it's nothing that can't be overcome with familiarity. Terminal speed is a phenomenal 175mph from a standing start, only previously equalled by me in a car with paddle shift and full throttle gear changes. In 4th gear the car accelerates from 20""147 mph and in 6th gear from 30""204 mph proving the massively flat torque curve.
Not much room for the shopping.
Onto the ABS braking zone. This is a watered section of varying surfaces. Suffice it to say that the GT2's sophisticated systems will stop it in the shortest possible time irrespective of the road surface. It can even cope with varying adhesion surfaces under each wheel. The brakes are outstanding. The pedal is firm and confidence-inspiring with progressive retardation and plenty of "feel"Âť. At 40 MPH on a dry road, GT2 will stop in its own car length!
Highlight of the session is the Alpine Circuit. The tight, twisting route provides swoops, crests and bends aplenty. It really gives the car's suspension and road holding a workout. Needless to say, GT2 remained flat, unruffled and glued to the paving. Suspension travel may be its only limiting factor as it did lift a wheel or two on a couple of occasions, but this is "in extremis"Âť circumstances unlikely to be duplicated in the real world.
Finally, back on to the high speed bowl where consistent lapping at 160 mph left the car unfazed, apart from a traction control warning light that needed resetting once we were back on terra firma so to speak.
My overall impressions? The car is awesome "" a triumph of technology and engineering for Porsche and a delight for potential owners. It's a proper car and a serious piece of kit. Undoubtedly the finest 911 I have ever driven, but because of its focus it may not suit everyone. Is it worth 30K more than the turbo? A resounding yes if you value purity of purpose. The main competition comes from Lambo's Superlegerra at ÂŁ165K and Ferrari's 430 Scuderia at ÂŁ172K so both are very much more expensive.
My thanks to go to Ian Holter, my Porsche driving consultant, a top bloke, who indulged me above and beyond his line of duty and to my pal and demon Porsche seller, Dan Gooda (known as Pers) from my OPC who was great company during the trip; also to Dealer Principal, Kev Turner and Exeter PC for their hospitality.
Regards,
Clive
Some old git in an "I'm the Stig" T shirt!
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