I need to get a few things straight before I actually delve into this post:
- If you are a Porsche Carrera GT owner, you MUST take me for a spin in it!
- If you are a Porsche Carrera GT owner, you a probably familiar with the words “OH NO!,” followed by some expletives, as your priceless supercar goes into a spin.
- If you are a Porsche Carrera GT owner, you probably cannot wait to buy the new 918 Spyder coming on sale on September 18.
Now, I will give you some history on the Porsche Carrera GT. Way, way back in 1998, the FIA rules changed, outlawing certain designs that the factory-backed racing teams were designing. Porsche’s new design was originally intended to race at Le Mans in 1999, but the rules were changed. Porsche, understandably, was livid. The car was packed with technology – they had a twin-turbocharged flat-six borrowed from the 911, but decided it wasn’t powerful enough. So, they took the 5.5L V10 from a scrapped 1992 project, and pushed the planned competition season back to 2000. The V10 needed more power. So, they bored and stroked it out to 5.7 liters. After just two days of testing, Porsche cancelled the project. Mainly due to interest in the Cayenne SUV that was to be co-developed with Volkswagen, Porsche cancelled the program, due to the need of engineering expertise in the motorsports program.
Porsche did keep the project alive, but barely. They took the 5.5L V10 and shoved it into a concept car that was shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, but it was intended to be used as a display to attract people to their stand. Interest and a surprising influx of revenue allowed Porsche to make the decision to build the car. Development was started on a road-legal version that would be produced in small numbers at the new Leipzig, Germany plant.
Production was started in January, 2004. The cost: $448,000 USD. When production ended in May, 2006, 1,270 cars had been produced.
What I want to talk about is the new tires that Porsche has developed for the car. Porsche and Michelin developed a tire with NO on it. The tire will be used on the new 918 hypercar, as well as being a replacement for the Pirellis currently on many Carrera GT’s. The NO refers to the new tread compound, which promises higher stability at top speed, better lateral grip, and a longer life. Even while being thrashed at the track, tire life will be extended by up to 20%, and on the road, up to 10%. I’m assuming that also refers to your life, as well! Justin Bell, a revered race car driver, said that driving a Carrera GT at top speed will turn a 40-year-old into a 75-year-old. It’s that scary at speed!
The Unmuffled Auto News 
Here’s a very current tire story:
Grandma picked up a very large screw in her tire. The tire repair shop removed the screw and plugged the tire.
While getting the car serviced at the dealership she was informed that the plugged time had a slow leak and that she should get a new tiire. Upon her inquiry she was informed the cost was $195.
She then went to a tire shop she has used many times in the past and was quoted $295 for the tire.. She said she’d think about it.
While speaking with her brother she mentioned the tire stuff. He sent her to a distant relative in the tire business and said to mention his name.
This tire guy said he’d like to know how the dealership could know the tire had a slow leak without taking the tire of the car and testing it. He then told her that she should never let anyone plug a tire but the should patch it instead and if it couldn’t be patched only then buy a new tire.
He then patched her tire and charged her $22.
So, I don’t care about Porsche’s tire problems….I’ve got my own.
Love from Zayzee
PS: Just today Colin and I saw a FABULOUS powder blue Lamborghini LP 700 with license plates from QATAR parked outside the Peninsula Hotel in the same spot where you and I saw the two tone gray Bugatti on the same day we saw the two tone black and yellow Bugatti parked on Rodeo Drive in front of Bijan. He took pictures to send to you……PLEASE…..don’t tell me you want one.
I’m sorry to hear that. Dealers like to charge a lot, as they can get away with it. If you haven’t looked at them yet, I recommend reading the Car Salesman Confidential blogs on motortrend.com. They give an insight on dealers and why they do what they do. Tire shops are the same – they overcharge to the point of insanity because they are one of the few places that sells tires!
I can’t wait for the pictures! Why can’t I tell you I want TWO????
Perhaps I am a bit unfeeling, but I think if you can afford to own a Porsche, you can afford to deal with the problems.
That’s true. But, when you have a $448,000 super car from 2004-2006, new tires are kind of hard to find.
I traded in my Porsche, but I still have problems ( Abby )!
Since when did you have a Porsche? I know that you ruined Zayzee’s!
The only NO we have related to Porsche, is if we can buy one! Glad the tires make it clear!
Hey – used Porsche’s can sometimes be found for under $15,000!