| New Model Preview | Frankfurt Motor Show | Porsche 911 GT2 |

Although we all knew that a GT2 version of the 997-generation Porsche 911 would rear its manic head at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, even Porsche was surprised when a full copy of the car's sales brochure appeared on a US website before it had a chance to tell anyone about the car. Hence, we suspect the official pictures and press release were hurried out. That's what we have here.

The GT2 moniker came from the endurance racing class of the same name and Porsche first used it on the 993 GT2 for homologation purposes. The 996 GT2 was purely a road car, and an extreme one at that, featuring a more powerful version of the Turbo's engine, yet dropping its four-wheel drive. The latest car to wear the badge adopts the same formula.

Based on the current 911 Turbo's 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, the GT2's unit has been significantly changed. Key to the upgrades are larger compressor wheels and new turbine housing design in the twin turbochargers, providing more boost than before. Peak power has been increased from 480bhp to 530bhp, making the GT2 the most powerful 911 Porsche has produced for road use. Maximum torque is 502lb.ft, which is already available on the 997 Turbo (for ten seconds at a time) when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package. In the GT2, that level is available between 2,200rpm and 4,500rpm.

You won't be surprised to hear that performance is electric, with 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 204mph, but we suspect that the mid-range urge will be even more of a shock to the system.

Given the current political focus on the environment and efficiency, Porsche does well to point out that the GT2 actually manages to use less fuel than the 911 Turbo, despite the extra power. The improvement in efficiency has come about thanks to a new expansion-type inlet manifold, not usually used with turbocharged cars. Porsche claims a significant 15% reduction in fuel consumption at full load.

Other fuel-saving techniques quoted include reduction in mass, though let's face it; these measures are intended to add to the driving experience too. Items worth mentioning are the titanium exhaust system and the standard PCCB braking system, between them saving about 30kg. The quoted kerbweight for the GT2 is 1,440kg.

Visually, the new GT2 differs from its four-wheel drive brother subtly, with the deletion of fog lights and a new bonnet lip at the front and new rear spoiler and bumper at the rear.

We've been told that the GT2 will go on sale in November, with prices in Germany starting at €189,496 and £131,070 in the UK. Full specification details have not been released yet, but it looks like the GT2 will come equipped with such niceties as satnav and traction control. There are likely to be a band of hardcore enthusiasts out there that will disagree with that, but the rest of us mere mortals should find comfort in the fact...

Shane O' Donoghue - 17 Jul 2007