Porsche 911 GT2 (1999-2007) Review

On the road

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The 911's comparatively compact dimensions make the GT2 much easier to punt along British roads than most of its mid-engined rivals. Though meaty, the actions of the clutch, gearlever and steering put no great strain on the muscles of the driver. Having such a torquey powerplant means there's not much gearshifting to do, if you don't want to. On the other hand, all that torque being pushed through the rear wheels forces you to concentrate 100 per cent of the time, lest you prod the throttle too hard and send the tail sliding around out of control. And as for driving in the wet... It's hard not to have fun in a car this quick. The sheer, brutal force of its full-throttle acceleration is addictive, although it's also interesting to leave the GT2 in top gear (sixth) and marvel at how effective the torque is at building up speed. You need to keep an eye on the speedo, though, as it's all too easy to be doing 150 mph without realising it. The lack of any form of traction control means you have to be supremely careful with the accelerator, because while the GT2 has plenty of grip, the amount of energy that can be pumped through the rear wheels can unstick the tyres very quickly. You have to drive the GT2 with respect and with your mind on the job, which ultimately adds to the pleasure of it.

The GT2 will do 0-100 mph in less time than it takes a VW Golf GTI to do 0-60 mph - a mere 8.5 sec. And such is the strength and depth of its performance that its 196 mph top speed is comparatively easy to reach. It has so much torque (pulling power) - 457 lb ft of it - that its mid-range acceleration is stunningly gutsy even in top (sixth) gear; you just floor the throttle and it takes off. The engine note is harder, crisper and louder than that of the Turbo, yet never intrusive.