wheel PORSCHE 911 GT2 2008 5.G Information Manual

· 15 · · 14 ·The 911 GT2 |
The 911 GT2
Drive is transmitted through a pre-
cision six-speed manual gearbox.
Rear-wheel drive provides driving
dynamics that are similar to those
of a racing car. In the 911 GT2,
Porsche also uses a special system
for conventional manual transmis-
sion: the Launch Assistant (see
page 38) – for maximum accelera-
tion from a standing start.
For a sporty but still comfortable
drive, particularly for this type of
sportscar, the standard suspension
features variable damping providedby Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM, see page 48).
This active damping system offers
a wide range of benefits including
greater performance and comfort.
Also standard is Porsche Stability
Management (PSM, see page 50).
For the first time, the integrated
control systems for lateral and lon-
gitudinal dynamics, stability control
(SC) and traction control (TC) can
be fully disabled in two stages for a
more natural drive. This means thecar can also be enjoyed to maxi-
mum effect on the racetrack.
The one-piece 19-inch GT2 alloy
wheels of the 911 GT2 are fitted
with road-legal sports tyres as
standard. In size 325/30 ZR 19 on
the rear, these are 20 mm larger
than on the 911 Turbo. The special
tread and compound enable
tremendous lateral acceleration
and higher cornering speeds as
well as precision handling and
turn-in characteristics on either
road or racetrack. A range ofsetup options is available for
racing use, including ride height,
camber, toe angle and front/rear
anti-roll bars.
Developed in motorsport, and
standard on the 911 GT2 is the
Porsche Ceramic Composite
Brake (PCCB, see page 58).
The discs are made from specially
treated carbon fibre and are
approximately 50 % lighter than
comparable metal alternatives.
The results: better brake perfor-mance, greater agility and lower
fuel consumption.
Sports bucket seats (see page 72)
with folding backrest, integral
thorax airbag and manual fore/aft
adjustment, are fitted as standard.
A perfect driving position is essen-
tial in a car with the performance
potential of the 911 GT2. The latest
Porsche Communication Manage-
ment (PCM, see page 76) is also
fitted as standard. This features
a new 6.5-inch touchscreen for
intuitive control.We believe that you don’t have
to exploit the full potential of
the 911 GT2. But you may well
choose to.

· 16 ·· 17 ·
The 911 GT2 |The 911 GT2
being forced into the turbos,
there is less resistance from
the compressors and therefore
less back-pressure in the
exhaust, which means greater
engine performance.
The engine cover, featuring
the GT2 logo, is made from
lightweight glass-fibre reinforced
plastic (GRP). Twin titanium
tailpipes are elegantly incorpor-
ated within the rear apron design.
Warm air is vented from the braking power, with large air
intakes for improved air flow to
the central radiator and front
brakes. The integral air outlet
ahead of the front lid makes a
major contribution to front-enddownforce. The airstream from the
central radiator is channelled up
over the car, forcing the front end
downwards, thereby enhancing
balance and steering response.
The importance of air in the per-
formance of the 911 GT2 is also
apparent from the large intake
openings in the rear side panels
which supply the intercooler units.The most impressive view is also
the one that others will see most
of all: the rear. The fixed rear wing
with integral lip spoiler ensures
optimum stability at speed.
As the car accelerates and you’re
pressed into your seat, air is
forced through the intake openings
on the rear wing uprights and into
the engine turbocharging system.
This ‘ram air’ effect has a key role
to play in the exceptional efficiency
of the engine. Since air is already Power. Torque. Acceleration. All in
plentiful supply. Nothing else can
match that energy – except the
car’s design. A single glance is all
it takes to realise that fact.
The front end is aerodynamically
adapted for the high thermal
load of the engine and increased
Aesthetically. Aerodynamically. Resistance is futile.
Designing the 911 GT2.engine compartment via cooling
slits at the rear.
The combined effect of all these
aerodynamic modifications is a
drag coefficient of just 0.32 as
well as positive front and rear
downforce. Behind the wheel,
that means better grip, better
directional stability and excep-
tional handling characteristics.
Technically and visually, the
result is the same: a breathtaking
driving machine.

· 20 ·· 21 ·The 911 GT2 |
Drive
At Porsche, our aim is not to
increase power – except through
increased efficiency. Which is
why we began with the 911 Turbo
when developing an engine for
the 911 GT2. Its power is com-
bined with rear-wheel drive for
racing-car driving dynamics. But
how is it possible to improve onan engine that is already so close
to perfection? How did we introduce
even greater potential – and the
character of a racing engine? The
answer: by increasing efficiency.
This was mainly achieved by four
crucial components, one of these
being the six-cylinder twin-turboboxer unit with flow-optimised
turbines featuring Variable Turbine
Geometry (VTG, see page 28)
and larger compressors on the
intake side. Together with
VarioCam Plus (see page 26), they
boost performance while reducing
emissions over the entire engine
speed range. Also with the innovative expansion intake system
which works on highly efficient
principles that are contrary to all
previous methods (see page 32).
In addition, the new lightweight
rear silencer made from titanium
enhances performance by producing
less back-pressure through the
exhaust system.
Oil is evenly distributed under all
load conditions (e.g., high-speed
cornering) thanks to a dry-sump
lubrication system with external
tank. After passing through the
engine, the oil is cooled by means
of a dedicated oil-water heat
exchanger. Both of these systems
are proven in competition use.
The water-cooled flat-six twin-turbo
engine with four-valve technology
in the rear of the 911 GT2
generates a mighty 390 kW
(530 hp) from a 3.6-litre
displacement at 6,500 rpm.
Maximum torque of 680 Nm is
achieved at low rpm and sustained
across much of the engine
speed range. It is available
between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm
and the resulting acceleration is
quite literally breathtaking.
300 500 550
600
650
700 750 800
850
280 300 320 340 360
380
400
2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
350 400
450
1000
Power (kW)
Engine Speed (rpm)
180 200 220 240 260 420
900
Torque (Nm)
390 kW (530 hp)
680 Nm
The benchmark sprint to 100 km/ h
(62 mph) is completed in
3.7 seconds; 200 km / h (124 mph)
requires just 11.2 seconds.
Maximum speed – if you really
want to put it to the test – is
329 km / h (204 mph). Even more
impressive is the power-to-weight
ratio of 361 hp per tonne and
the specific power output of
147 hp per litre. Fuel economy
is also exceptional for a car
with such high performance.
There is nothing ordinary about
the 911 GT2 and it exceeds even
the highest expectations. In
other words: everything you’d
expect from the most powerful
road-going 911.
911 GT2 : 680 Nm from 2,200 to 4,500 rpm, 390 kW (530 hp) at 6,500 rpm 3.6-litre twin-turbo boxer engine
The greatest strength comes from within.
Engine.

· 26 ·· 27 ·
The 911 GT2 |Drive
VarioCam Plus
Engine cooling.
The engine of the 911 GT2 features
cross-flow water cooling with fully
integrated coolant management.
This technology ensures a consis-
tent flow of coolant to each of
the engine’s cylinders. Waste
heat from the oil is transferred to
the coolant via two oil/water heat
exchangers. The coolant is routed
through twin radiator modules
ahead of the front wheels and a
centrally placed unit in the nose.
VarioCam Plus.
VarioCam Plus is a variable valve
timing system on the inlet side
which also features two-stage valve
lift. The benefits it provides include
greater power and torque at all
engine speeds, as well as excellent
running characteristics, better fuel
economy and fewer emissions.
Essentially, VarioCam Plus makes
two engines out of one. The first is
geared for normal road driving, thesecond for high-performance use.
The system switches seamlessly
between the two as the driver
inputs change. All operations
are controlled by the engine
management system. The results:
emphatic acceleration and
smoother running.
The two-stage lift mechanism
on each inlet valve consists of an
electro-hydraulically switchable
tappet. Each of the 12 tappets con-
sists of two concentric parts – anouter ring and a central shaft –
which can be locked together by
means of a pin. The system can
then vary the valve lift by using
two large profile cams on the outer
ring or a smaller cam lobe on the
central shaft. The timing of each
valve is steplessly controlled by
means of an electro-hydraulic
rotary vane adjuster at the head
of the corresponding camshaft.
To improve responsiveness during
warm-up in cold weather, VarioCam
Plus will select the higher valve
lift setting and retard valve timing.
At medium revs and low engine
loads, the lower valve lift setting
is activated and timing advanced in
order to reduce fuel consumption
and emissions. The economy of
the engine is particularly enhanced
at lower engine speeds. For maxi-
mum power and torque, the higher
lift setting is selected and the tim-
ing of the valves is advanced.This results in copious torque
and exceptional fuel economy,
particularly in comparison with
much larger engines offering
similar power output.

· 31 · · 30 ·
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The 911 GT2 |Drive
1. Turbine casing
2. Movable guide vanes
3. Turbine wheel
4. Electric motor for guide
vane adjustment
5. Guide vane adjuster
6. Compressor casing
7. Compressor wheel
8. Recirculation valve
9. Oil inlet
10. Coolant inlet
Guide vanes open Guide vanes closed
Guide vanes open Guide vanes closedTurbocharger guide vane adjuster
To overcome this problem, the
twin water-cooled turbochargers
on the 911 GT2 feature Variable
Turbine Geometry (VTG). With
this technology, the gas-flow
from the engine is channelled
onto the turbines via electronically
adjustable guide vanes. By chang-
ing the vane angle, the system
can replicate the geometry in all
types of turbo, large or small,
and thus achieve the optimum
gas-flow characteristics. The guide
vanes are controlled by the engine
management system. The result
is a high turbine speed – and
therefore higher boost pressure –
even at low engine rpm. With
more air available, the combustion
is increased, yielding greater
power and torque.
Special features on the 911 GT2
include flow-optimised turbines
and larger compressors which
generate a higher boost pressure.
Maximum torque is
achieved at
low rpm and sustained across
much of the engine speed
range.With 680 Nm available between
2,200 and 4,500 rpm, the
resulting acceleration is nothing
less than phenomenal.
When the boost pressure reaches
its maximum value, the guide
vanes are opened further. By
varying the vane angle, it is
possible to generate the required
boost pressure at all engine
speeds. As a result, there is no
need for excess pres
sure valveson the intake side as found
on
conventional turbocharged
engines.
This delivers impressive
engine efficiency and lower
fuel consumption.

· 39 · · 38 ·
The 911 GT2 |Drive
The six-speed manual gearbox in
the 911 GT2 is specifically
designed for the high engine
performance. The individual ratios
are carefully matched to the spe-
cific characteristics of the engine.The gear-lever throw is short and
precise, enabling fast and
accurate gearshifts.
A typical feature of the 911 GT2
is the Launch Assistant – for maximum acceleration from a
standing start. The clutch and
accelerator are depressed when
the vehicle is stationary.
When a
boost pressure of approximately
0.9 bar is displayed in the instru-ment
cluster, release the clutchas
quickly as possible and maximum
a
cceleration automatically ensues.
Normally on a turbocharged vehicle
with manual gearbox, the boost
pressure under acceleration from
a standing start is relatively low.
The turbo effect is delayed as
the engine gathers speed and
the boost pressure starts to build.On the 911 GT2, this initial delay
is reduced. While the car is still
stationary, the fuel injection is
modified to help the engine reach
maximum output earlier. The boost
pressure is significantly increased
and the engine readied for a faster
start.
A specially designed traction
control system adapts the acceler-
ation procedure automatically
in the ECU to ensure optimum
traction. The clutch remains
engaged. This reduces load and
prevents high clutch wear. The
power is transmitted directly to
the road via the rear axle.
The gearbox is combined with
a cable linkage and dual-mass fly-
wheel offering added comfort and
precision. The close ratio spread
enables powerful acceleration
within the optimum engine power
band.
Steel baulk rings on gears two to
five ensure a precise gearshift
action even under extreme loads.Cooling is provided by an add-
itional oil-to-water heat exchanger
and spray lubrication. Both of
these features are essential for
durability in endurance racing
conditions.
Other standard features include
a limited-slip differential with
asymmetrical lock factor. Offering
better traction and handling
when exiting a corner, it applies a
higher proportion of drive torque
to the loaded outer rear wheel.
The term ‘asymmetrical’ means
that one lock factor is applied
when cornering under power
(28 %), and another when braking
for a corner (40 %).
Maximum response to minimum effort.
Transmission.

· 44 ·· 45 ·The 911 GT2 |
Chassis
Rear axle Front axle
The 911 GT2 chassis is designed
for racecar-like performance on
every type of tarmac from motor-
way to track. The car rides about
25 mm lower than the 911 Carrera
and its lightweight build has
reduced overall weight as well as
the unsprung masses. Agile and
responsive, it is stable and secure– particularly during cornering
manoeuvres.
The front suspension with its
special wheel mounts has
McPherson spring struts with
the wheels mounted individually
on trailing arms and wishbones.
Each front wheel is preciselylocated, ensuring excellent
handling and directional stability
in all road and track scenarios.
Brake spoiler elements provide
efficient cooling for each of the
front brake units.The rear axle assembly consists
of subframe-mounted multi-link
suspension featuring LSA con-
struction (Light, Stable, Agile).
This lightened design featuring
an aluminium cross-member
is an important factor in the
exceptional dynamics of the car.
Ride height, camber, toe angle
and anti-roll bar settings can
all be adapted to individual circuit
characteristics, as befits a racing
Porsche.There is virtually no unwanted
movement between the suspen-
sion and body, thanks to special
features such as metal bearings
with ball joints on the front strut
mounts and rigid cross-members
at the rear. This reduced elasticity
and improved wheel location
enable better handling and turn-in.
The 911 GT2 has an electronic
variable damping system as
standard – Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM,
see page 48).
This variable
damper system offers two basic
setup modes, ‘Normal’ and
‘Sport’.
Racetrack. Motorway. Wherever the road goes.
Chassis.

· 47 · · 46 ·
The 911 GT2 |Chassis
The 911 GT2 runs on one-piece
19-inch GT2 wheels with anti-
theft protection and wheel
centre caps featuring the GT2
logo. The wheels are extremely
light for their size due to their
special lightweight construction.The resulting reduction in unsprung
masses improves driving dynamics
and performance. Thanks to the
generous internal diameter of the
wheel, large brakes can be fitted
on the front axle. The wheels run
flush with the exterior of the carand come with special sport tyres
as standard.
The wheel dimensions are
8.5J x 19 ET 53 with 235/35 ZR 19
tyres (front) and 12J x 19 ET 51
with 325/30 ZR 19 tyres (rear).The 19-inch sports tyres provide
a large road contact patch.
They offer greater traction
under acceleration and braking,
greater precision in both handling
and manoeuvrability, as well as
higher cornering speeds on dry
road surfaces. In short: even
greater driving pleasure. Note:
increased risk of aquaplaning due
to lower tread profile.Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM),
included as standard equipment,
provides early warning of tyre
pressure loss. The driver is
informed via the on-board com-
puter display as well as a separate
indicator light. A tyre repair system
consisting of tyre sealant and
compressor with separate tyre
pressure gauge is also standard.19-inch GT2 wheel
Less weight. More road contact.
Wheels.

· 49 · · 48 ·
The 911 GT2 |Chassis
The 911 GT2 is fitted with Porsche
Active Suspension Management
(PASM), an electronic damper
adjustment system. This active
damping system offers continuous
adjustment of individual damping
forces based on current road
conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two
basic setup modes: ‘Normal’ and
‘Sport’. ‘Normal’ mode is designed
for general road driving and wet
circuit use. ‘Sport’ mode enables
greater lateral acceleration and
increases traction on the race-
track.
In either mode, the system
responds to changing loads by
automatically applying the optimum
rate on each individual damper
from a range of predefined options.Various sensors are used to
monitor the movement of the body
during acceleration, braking and
cornering manoeuvres, as well as
on poor road surfaces. The PASM
control unit then evaluates this
data and modifies the damping
force on each individual wheel in
accordance with the selected
mode. The results are a reduction
in pitch and roll as well as con-
sistent road contact on all four
wheels.
If ‘Sport’ mode is selected using
the PASM button identified by a
damper symbol, the suspension is
set to a harder damper rating that
is specially designed for perform-
ance driving. If the quality of the
road surface falls below a certain
threshold, the system immediatelychanges to a softer rating within
the ‘Sport’ setup range. This
adjustment enhances occupant
comfort as well as traction and
grip. When the road surface
improves, PASM automatically
reverts to the original, harder
rating.
Rebound in ‘Sport’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve closedRebound in ‘Normal’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve open
Compression in ‘Normal’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve open
Compression in ‘Sport’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve closed
Redefining ‘normal’.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

· 51 · · 50 ·The 911 GT2 |
Chassis
Some things never change,
including driver expectations of
a 911 GT2 : sports-oriented
performance, a direct response
and impressive power.
So Porsche Stability Management
(PSM) has been specially adaptedfor the 911 GT2. In addition to
ABS, the package includes two
automatic driver aids: stability
control (SC) and traction control
(TC).
Stability control (SC), which is
responsible for lateral dynamics,uses a range of sensors to moni-
tor the direction, speed, yaw
velocity (speed of rotation around
the vertical axis) and lateral
acceleration of the car. Using
this information, it is possible to
calculate the actual direction of
travel at any given moment. If thecar begins to oversteer or under-
steer, selective braking is applied
on individual wheels to restore con-
trol in critical driving scenarios.
Traction control (TC), with its
integrated ABD (automatic brake
differential), ASR (anti-slip regula-
tion) and EDC (engine drag-torque
control) functions, is responsible
for the longitudinal dynamics of the
car. Configured for sports-oriented
driving, traction control improveshandling under acceleration on
surfaces with inconsistent grip.
It also prevents the rear from
‘stepping out’ if a wheel loses
traction under full power. The
trigger threshold is relatively high,
which means it is rarely employed
in normal dry conditions.
A unique feature of PSM on
the 911 GT2 is that the control
interventions are delayed and
can be disabled completely in
two stages – for deliberate per-
formance handling.
Stage 1 disables the stability con-
trol (SC) via the ‘SC OFF’ switch in
the centre console. In ‘SC OFF’
mode, the control system does
not intervene if the car goes off-
course in the lateral direction,
which means the throttle can
be used to help steer the car.
Traction control (TC) is still active
in this mode.
Stage 2 disables the traction con-
trol as well via the separate
‘SC+TC OFF’ switch, giving the
driver full command of the vehi-
cle. Another unique feature is the fact that stability control
remains disabled in stages 1 and
2 even when the ABS is required
under braking. Specially develop-
ed for the 911 GT2, this revised
system strategy means the car
can also be enjoyed to maximum
effect on the racetrack.
The anti-lock braking system
(ABS 8.0) is integrated in PSM
and remains active, irrespective
of which settings have been
selected. ABS ensures a relatively
short braking distance and thus
enhanced safety.
It’s good to know who’s in control.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM).