Saturday, August 30, 2008

9ff GT9 in Details

Breaking the 400 km/h (249mph) barrier is no simple task and Porsche specialist tuner, 9ff, from Papenburg Germany have done so with honour. However, despite celebrated claims of breaking the world-record for road-going vehicles at 409 km/h, our research tells us this ain't so.

Regardless, after a couple years of GT9 coverage, 9ff has finally revealed all of the sumptuous technical details, production and pricing of its 400 km/h projectile.

Starting with its powerplant, the 996 Turbo sourced motor has been bored out to 4.0-liters which includes reworked turbos, dry sump oil lubrication system, titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and a 24 carat hard gold plated induction plate. The result is 987 PS / 726 kW at 7,850 rpm. The maximum torque of 964 Nm is reached at 5,970 rpm. Transmission is race prepared sequential unit.

The suspension is electronically adjustable aluminium shock absorbers in connection with double spring rate McPherson front axle and horizontal push-rods at the 5-link rear axle. Brakes disks are ceramic sandwiched by front 6- and rear 4-piston calipers. Special brake pads and an individually engineered race-ABS complete the system.

Lastly, the body is a Frankenstein of sorts, taking the front end of the Porsche GT3 model with a tubular steel-grid and developed a chassis made of very strong yet lightweight carbon and Kevlar fibre.
Vital to reaching speeds over 400 km/h, the under-body casing integrates a wind diffuser which generates additional downforce and stability at high speeds. Additionally, the low height of only 1,180 mm presents an increased aerodynamic profile while giving striking exotic look.

9ff will produce only 20 units of the GT9 for the price of 498,000 Euros.