As a completely Porsche-obsessed enthusiast who’s worked in the car business for years, I’m fortunate to have driven and experienced hundreds of cars in a variety of different settings. As a result, there seems to be one question I get asked more than any other: “What’s your favourite car?”. My answer is always the same: there are a LOT of cars I love – and I probably have 10 “favourites” rotating through my brain at all times, depending on the mood and driving occasion. Sometimes my favourite car is simply whatever I’m in right now. I think the same is true for most real enthusiasts – you can’t pick just one. But – deep down – everyone does have that one car. The car you’re more infatuated with than any other, the car you most aspire to own, the car that’s made the biggest impression on you over the years, and the car you fantasize about driving the most. Money no object. For me, that car is, and always has been, the Carrera GT.
But what’s it really like to meet your hero for the first time?
To make a long story short…it was awesome. As soon as I saw the enclosed car hauler pulling into the parking lot, I knew exactly what was inside, and the adrenaline started pumping. I dropped everything to go help unload. The car was slowly winched down, I scribbled a quick signature, and it was time to drive.
I contorted myself over the carbon door sill – which sits high due to the monocoque chassis – and into the bucket seat. Aside from the seat sitting a bit awkwardly upright, the car is actually quite comfortable once you’re inside, with all controls thoughtfully located to maximize focus on the driver. I pressed down on the floor-hinged clutch, a fairly heavy and oddly long pedal, then fired up the engine.
Having driven and owned many Porsches of the 996 era, the Carrera GT felt instantly recognizable – yet distinctly unique. So many little cues and switchgear carried over from the standard lineup (the gauges, the turn signals, the seat belt “ding”), but also so many unusual changes that quickly remind you that you aren’t in an old 911 anymore. With an upgraded exhaust fitted on this particular car, the engine barked to life with a cold start unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Insanely loud with a strong, sharp idle. A quick rev and you instantly feel the effects of the lightweight carbon clutch and flywheel.
Knowing how notoriously finicky the Carrera GT could be, I did a lot of research to prepare for this drive. I understood the clutch had to be treated differently, and I knew the car was quick to bite you if you weren’t focused. I released the clutch slowly, without touching the gas pedal, and allowed the car to begin moving forward on its own – this is critical to avoid accelerated clutch wear (which by the way, is ~$35,000 to replace). As soon as the clutch was fully engaged, I cautiously applied throttle, and off we went.
With the lack of weight, low-end torque, and unique clutch/flywheel design, the car builds revs at an incredible rate. You quickly need to prepare for 2nd gear. Clutch in, shift quickly and smoothly, clutch out. The revs drop very fast between shifts, so quick precision is essential.
With each gear change, comfort builds, and the car behaves more Porsche-like. The harder you drive the car the more seamless the shifts become. It’s immediately apparent that this car is not designed for traffic – it is desperate to be wound out on the open road.
First turn, heading out of the city, downshift to 2nd and roll onto the throttle. Tires still cold. The rear end steps out slightly and quickly snaps itself back into place. A great reminder that the car is in charge here. Hands now sweating. The sticky tires and lack of sound deadening mean you hear every single rock hitting the undercarriage as you carry along down the road. With the roof off, you can clearly hear a very mechanical symphony from the engine, right behind your head, followed by the overwhelming F1-car-like howl from the exhaust as revs climb.
The steering is fairly heavy, somewhat 996-like in feel – but quicker and sharper. The handling is distinctly mid-engined – and easy to manipulate with the throttle. The responsiveness of the gas pedal and power delivery are immense – the pedal is light and very easy to modulate with little movement. The car is eager to jump out from under you with little notice. Shifting is smooth and precise. The 917-inspired wooden shift knob helps remind you that this is no ordinary street car. EVERYONE is looking at you as you carve the streets (especially on the small-town streets of London, Ontario).
After less than 20 minutes in the car, I felt like I needed to take a break. Driving this car quickly and smoothly requires immense focus and involvement. Every sense is wholly engaged. Your heart rate is up, and the world around you has disappeared. It doesn’t help that a subtle reminder keeps bouncing around your head that this is a nearly $2 million car.
Very few cars have the ability to involve the driver to the degree of the Carrera GT. The sound, the smell, the throttle response, the power, the sharpness of every input, and the underlying sensation that you’re operating a machine that very well could kill you. All senses are amplified even further with the roof removed. The result is a complete and absolute escape from reality. I have never felt so focused on a drive in my life, working hard to make sure every up-shift or down-shift is just a little bit more perfect than the last. Driving the Carrera GT is like playing a very challenging yet rewarding game of golf – while being chased by an angry bear.
I love my job. </>
