Porsche 924 Carrera Gt Gitanes

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In the realm of automotive engineering, few vehicles capture the spirit of homologation specials quite like the Porsche 924 Carrera GT. Developed as a racing-inspired road car, this remarkable machine emerged from Porsche’s strategic efforts to elevate their entry-level sports car into a competitive motorsport platform. The 924 Carrera GT represented a pivotal moment in Porsche’s history, bridging the gap between mass-market production and high-performance racing.

The Genesis of a Motorsport Legend

Originally conceived as a joint project between Volkswagen and Porsche, the 924 started life as an affordable sports car with modest performance credentials. By 1979, Porsche recognized the need to transform this platform into a more aggressive, competition-ready vehicle. The Frankfurt Motor Show became the launching pad for this ambitious project, where Porsche unveiled a prototype that would eventually become the Carrera GT.

Technical Innovations and Performance

The 924 Carrera GT was no ordinary sports car. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, the vehicle produced an impressive 210 horsepower, a significant leap from the standard 924 Turbo’s output. Key technical improvements included:

  • Intercooler for enhanced engine cooling
  • Forged lightweight pistons
  • Hardened camshaft lobes
  • Strengthened transmission with 911-sourced components

Distinctive Motorsport Design

Visually, the 924 Carrera GT was a radical departure from its predecessor. Porsche employed lightweight polyurethane panels to create aggressive, wide-arched bodywork that immediately signaled the car’s racing intentions. Distinctive features included:

  • Broad fender extensions
  • Large intercooler intake scoop on the hood
  • Flush-mounted windscreen
  • Prominent rear spoiler

Racing Pedigree

Porsche’s commitment to motorsport was evident in the 924 Carrera GT’s development. The company built 406 examples specifically to meet Group 4 racing homologation requirements. In 1980, Porsche entered three 924 Carrera GTs at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the best car finishing an impressive sixth overall in the GTP class.

Limited Production and Rarity

The exclusivity of the 924 Carrera GT was further enhanced by its limited production. Only 400 road-going examples were produced, with 75 of those being right-hand drive models for the UK market. Porsche offered the car in three distinctive colors: Guards Red, Black Metallic, and Diamond Silver Metallic.

Performance Specifications

Top Speed 153 mph (246 km/h)
0-62 mph 6.4 seconds
Engine 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4
Power Output 210 horsepower

While the 924 Carrera GT might be overshadowed by its more famous successors, it remains a crucial chapter in Porsche's motorsport heritage. The car demonstrated Porsche's ability to transform an affordable sports car into a competitive racing machine, setting the stage for future models like the legendary 944.

How many Porsche 924 Carrera GTs were produced?

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406 examples were produced, with 400 being road-going models and 75 of those being right-hand drive for the UK market.

What made the 924 Carrera GT special?

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It was a homologation special designed for Group 4 racing, featuring significant performance upgrades over the standard 924 Turbo, including wider bodywork, an intercooler, and 210 horsepower.

Did the 924 Carrera GT compete in motorsport?

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Yes, Porsche entered three 924 Carrera GTs at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the best car finishing sixth overall in the GTP class.