Front echoes styling of '60s '71eRS Spyder; production car to get large roof.

The set-up used on a Le Mans car doesn’t look much different, although Achleitner promises the ride will be more acceptable that of the ultra-stiff 911 GT1, with greater ride height, longer travel and softer springing. “We are concentrating a lot of effort on striking a good compromise with the suspension. I’m confident it will be a crucial part of the car’s appeal,” he says.

Not that the tyres will contribute much in the way of low-speed compliance. The massive 265/30 ZR19 front and 335/30 ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are being developed specifically for the new Porsche with an emphasis more on outright grip than comfort.
Achleitner is aiming at achieving lateral grip of 1.4g, which would offer sensational cornering ability. At the risk of detracting from ultimate feedback and driver involvement, Porsche has settled on a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system.

Carrera GT has retractable rear spoiler that rises at speeds above 120kph.

Porsche has a habit of producing cars with sensational stoppers, so it’s no surprise to see the Carrera GT offering up something special in this area. Huge 380mm cross-drilled ceramic discs (50mm larger than those soon to be made available on the 911 Turbo) are employed at each corner in combination with eight-piston aluminium monoblock calipers up front and similarly fashioned four-piston calipers at the rear. This is all backed up by a twin-circuit anti-lock system.

Porsche claims the application of eight-piston calipers is a first on a road car. It seems to have forgotten they were used on the 911 GT1. In fact, there appear to be few differences between the braking systems on the two cars, save for the incorporation of ceramic in place of cast iron discs, a move which promises to bring about a crucial reduction in unsprung masses.

High-quality leather and shiny aluminium dominate the interior, providing a luxurious cabin feel that’s rarely seen on a supercar. A digital colour screen within the binnacle displays the vital information, while a neat multi-function steering wheel houses buttons for an in-built stopwatch function which Porsche intends offering to those customers keen to take their Carrera GT to track days.

Although weight is considered crucial to help the car achieve its performance goals, Porsche foresees the addition of features such as air conditioning, a CD system and a full set of airbags. The concept car even boasts a pop-up digital camera between the seats that allows you to film yourself behind the wheel.

Officially, the Carrera GT is still a concept awaiting the production green light, although it is likely to be built on a dedicated production line at Porsche’s new manufacturing base in Leipzig - the same facility earmarked to build the Cayenne off-roader. Our price estimate of £400,000 uses the £460,000 911 GT1 as a guide.

Neat detailing in and out; sensational stoppers in the form of huge 380mm cross-drilled ceramic discs backed by twin-circuit anti-lock system.

“When our marketing people ascertain there is sufficient demand, we’ll move to establish a production run of around 500 cars,” Wiedeking said at the car’s premiere. Given the stir it has created, this appears a foregone conclusion. There’s little doubt founder Ferdinand Porsche would have approved.