Looking at the massive center-lock BBS wheels underneath those riveted wheel arches makes one giddy. With its widened track and complete absence of amenities, the GT2 Evo oozes unmistakable purpose—a sort of purpose which borders on crude. That’s part of the charm of this old-fashioned brute.
The 993 spent a relatively short span of time on the world stage, but it represented a significant transition in the design theory behind many of the 911-based racing cars. The 993 GT2 racing variant was turbocharged, small, and very raw. With the 996, a more restrained machine in so many ways, Porsche strayed away from forced induction and cooled the motor with water.
The video is not able to be embedded here, but you can click here to watch it on YouTube. It’s definitely worth the click.
The 993 kept some of that brutal charm, and the GT2 Evo variant—a car designated for GT1 racing—took the game a lot further. A second story to the already massive wing, an improved front bumper, and a broad splitter helped keep the car planted at speed. The addition of bigger turbochargers, reined in by restrictors, bumped the output to 600 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. That pavement-rippling power—sent through a quick-shifting six-speed manual with a rifle-bolt throw—got the 2,400-pound GT2 Evo up to those speeds a bit faster.
The GT2 Evo blends purpose and panache better than most—especially when it’s painted in Mint Green.
From the footage, we can see that relentless acceleration, strong brakes, a precise gear change, and great traction are its strengths. We can also see how it is a car which can be somewhat reluctant to turn in, but at least wheelspin at corner-exit is never an issue. Granted, these laps are somewhat restrained, and understandably so, but they’re still fast enough to test the balance of this intimidating car.
Though its nose is not the pointiest around, the car seems to neutralize a little at higher speeds (2:50).
The subdued engine note almost dulls the impression of the car, but it is a savage, demanding car. A lift off the throttle gets the rear well out of shape (1:08), but it’s caught and the drift doesn’t diminish the GT2‘s ability to turn power into propulsion. Though it’s a bit feisty at slower speeds, few cars can accelerate off a corner quite as quickly.
Just imagine what this animal would be like with its restrictors removed.
It’s an old-school 911 and it tries to swap ends with a prolonged lift off the throttle. One must have quick hands with this car.