With its roaring V10 engine and timeless design, the Porsche Carrera GT continues to captivate. But did you know that 21 years after its debut, it’s back in the spotlight? Thanks to recent upgrades, this iconic supercar proves it can still impress, even when compared to modern-day machines.
With ultra-modern tires, the Carrera GT recently set a new record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit!
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The importance of tires in motorsports
In the early 2000s, the Carrera GT was already a performance beast, capable of completing a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap in 7 minutes and 28 seconds. At the time, this was groundbreaking. But as technology advanced, so did tires. Recently, Porsche equipped the Carrera GT with Michelin tires, made by one of the world’s best tire manufacturers. Custom-made for the Carrera GT, the results were stunning. In a test conducted by Sport Auto magazine, the Carrera GT shaved a remarkable 16 seconds off its original lap time, clocking in at 7 minutes and 12 seconds. While it’s not as fast as hybrid hypercars like the Mercedes-AMG One, which currently holds the record, it’s still impressive for a car from the 2000s. This progress highlights the enormous impact tires have on performance, especially on a highly technical car like the Carrera GT. These new tires not only enhance lap times but also make the car more predictable and less dangerous to drive.
An over 20-year-old hypercar
The Carrera GT is starting to show its age. Recently, Porsche initiated a recall for the car. The issue? The spherical joints on the front and rear suspension arms risked corrosion due to the steel used at the time. Even though only one car out of the 489 sold in the United States exhibited this defect, Porsche took a cautious approach. The company developed a stronger stainless steel part with a higher chrome content to address the problem. During this period, some cars had to remain at dealerships—a rare situation for cars this exclusive. Porsche didn’t hold back in pleasing its customers: in addition to new parts, they offered up to $3,240 in maintenance credits and a brand-new set of Michelin tires.
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Porsche offers Michelin tires to Carrera GT owners
Porsche’s commitment to the Carrera GT goes beyond the technical recall. Owners also received Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, specifically developed for this supercar. These new tires are a game changer for taming a car known for its demanding nature, especially with its advanced technical features and raw power. This update is especially welcome given that aging tires were implicated in several high-profile accidents, including the tragic one involving actor Paul Walker. With modern tires, the Carrera GT can now fully unleash its potential while offering greater safety. And that’s not all: the parts supplied for the recall represent an investment of $109,000 per car—almost a quarter of its original price when new. This is yet another testament to Porsche’s dedication to its customers and the quality of its after-sales service. The moral of the story: if you own a supercar, never neglect the quality and maintenance of your tires. It’s an essential component that can become outdated. And as shown more than 20 years later, it’s still making headlines at the Nürburgring.
This article explores how the Porsche Carrera GT, despite being over two decades old, continues to evolve through technological advancements and the dedication of its manufacturer. Whether in terms of performance or safety, this legendary supercar remains a benchmark. Thanks to its new tires and Porsche’s meticulous care, it proves it can still rival much more modern cars, all while delivering an exceptional driving experience.
