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The Porsche they called the "widowmaker" is back, bristling with technology that is almost certain to make it the fastest production-line 911 model ever built.
These are the first undisguised photos of the new race-bred GT2, which is based on the 997 model line-up and will go into production in Germany within the next few months.
The car was pictured during cold-weather tests in Scandinavia. Unofficial reports say its 3.6-litre six-cylinder bi-turbo boxer engine will produce around 390kW (530bhp) and 680Nm of torque.
It is expected to propel the lightweight GT2 from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 320km/h (200mph). The rear-drive GT2 is likely to weigh around 100-150kg less than the all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo, partly due to the use of more carbon-fibre components.
Clues to the car's identity are the absence of fog lights in the front bumper - unlike the Turbo - the redesigned front spoiler lip, and the huge rear wing, which is similar to that used on the previous GT2.
The rear wing base is said to be production-ready, but the wing itself may be changed for a newer design.
The GT2 gets ceramic composite brakes from the Carrera GT, the wider rear flares of the Carrera 4/Turbo range, and intercooler ducts in its rear fenders. It breaks cover in the week that the Luxury Institute in New York named Porsche the world's most prestigious premium brand.
The independent market-research institute questioned over 1600 US high earners with an average annual income of US$313,000 ($414,734) and assets of around US$3.3 million.
Says Porsche North America CEO Peter Schwarzenbauer of the finding: "Customer perception is everything in the luxury auto segment. With our products, we have lived up to customer expectations in every way."
