PORSCHE 911 GT2 (996) 2001-2006 Photos, engines & full specs

The wizards from Porsche decided that even the Turbo version was too light when compared with what the brand stood for. So, after a debate, they came out with the mighty GT2 version.

The 996 Porsche GT2 was introduced in late 2002 and it was built according to the FIA standards for the GT2 racing category. That said, the car had to have a two-wheel-drive system and the engine was restricted to displacement and power. In order to receive that racing approval, the car-maker had to build a street version. And that's how the fastest 996 Porsche was born.

From the outside, it featured a complex aerodynamic package, with a carried-over front bumper from the Turbo, but modified to increase the cooling with an air-exhaust on top of it. A lip-spoiler was added under its apron. Part of its bodywork, with the enlarged rear quarter-panels was taken from the Turbo. A huge rear wing was placed to add some downforce at high speeds.

Inside, the car was stripped by almost anything that wasn't necessary. The rear seats were gone, the AC was an option and the infotainment unit was kept to a stereo. For the interior trims, carbon-fiber elements were placed on the center console and stack, and on the instrument cluster. The race-bucket seats were signed by Recaro and they featured two large holes for a race-harness. Unlike the GT3 RS, it wasn't fitted with a roll-cage.

The engine was carried-over from Porsche Turbo, but it was enhanced to produce more power. The only available transmission was a 6-speed manual, and the suspension was stiffened. Despite all the racing technologies involved, the car was a great companion even as a daily driver.