The Carrera GT has quite the widowmaker reputation — just like the original 911, which was known to call out inexperienced drivers in an explosion of oversteer. In this episode, Jason explores the origins of the CGT — and how its engine came from an ego-driven F1 flex from the company’s head of engine development proving to his boss that he could, in fact, build a Formula 1 engine. And how its chassis came from Porsche's Le Mans prototype, the LMP2000, that was cancelled so that its budget could instead be used to turn the Volkswagen Touareg into a Porsche Cayenne.
Is the Carerra GT dangerous? It’s hard to tell - all of the original road tests praised its neutral, forgiving handling. But then, Jay Leno spun one at nearly 190 mph; Walter Röhrl, who tuned the car’s suspension, is said to have crashed one at the Nürburgring. There have been other high-profile crashes, including the tragic one that killed actor Paul Walker.
Some theories think the original Michelin tires had an unusually short shelf life, but Michelin made an all-new tire for the car in 2013, and still there are reports that the car’s limit behavior is “diabolical.”
The McLaren F1, that other all-carbon 600-plus horsepower mid-engine, manual-transmission, no-driver-aid supercar, has also been accused of being difficult to manage. Elon Musk crashed his. Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) crashed his twice. And there have been plenty of other reported crashes, but Porsche made twenty times as many CGTs as McLaren made F1s, so there’s far greater likelihood that we’ll hear about the Carrera GT crashes.
With (comedic) guest appearances from (fake) Hans Mezger, Horst Hachart, Herbert Ampferer, Wendelin Wiedeking, and voiceover by (fake) Arnold Schwarzenegger, we learn how the CGT really came to be. And how its clutch can survive 16,000 race starts. (Advisable only when the owner isn’t around.)
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ISSIMI’s “Spotlight” series gives automotive enthusiasts and collectors an in-depth look at rare, interesting, and important cars. “Spotlight” is an editorial wiki video that, first and foremost, provides context, answering the question “why is this car important?”
With his trademark balance of insight and comedy, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa combines the facts with editorial insight, allowing the audience to walk away with a cursory understanding of each featured car. Wherever possible, Spotlight will include driving footage and acceleration footage with high-quality audio to provide a first-person experience of sight, sound, and motion that words alone never could.
ISSIMI is an enthusiast-owned, full-service specialist offering sales, consignment, collection management, service, and consulting to discerning enthusiasts and collectors. Specializing in complex transactions that include international services for exceptional cars, ISSIMI’s San Francisco Bay Area and Europe-based teams of experts pride themselves on transparency and knowledge. ISSIMI also produces enthusiast editorial media, including “Spotlight,” “Jason Cammisa on the Icons,” “The Carmudgeon Show,” and “Proper Care & Feeding of Cars.” Some of the vehicles featured in these editorial products, including the subjects in this Spotlight video, may be listed for sale through ISSIMI’s platform. Please check www.ISSIMI.com for more information.
