🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

Carrera GT

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

980

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Porsche Carrera GT is a halo supercar positioned at the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance, representing a direct competitor to exclusive hypercars of its era. It embodies track-bred technology for road use.

Key Competitors:

Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Ford GT, Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.

Design Philosophy:

Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a focus on lightweight construction and driver engagement.

Materials:

Extensive use of carbon fiber composite monocoque and body panels for exceptional rigidity and low weight.

Driving Dynamics:

Race-derived suspension, ceramic composite brakes (PCCB), and a direct, analogue driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

All owner-operated systems, controls, safety features, and basic maintenance. Excludes detailed repair procedures and diagnostic codes.

Page Count:

Approx. 200-250 pages (typical for this era/model)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Dashboard And Controls:

Detailed explanation of all switches, buttons, indicators, and their functions.

Interior Features:

Operation of climate control, audio system, seats, and other interior amenities.

Exterior Features:

Lighting, wipers, mirrors, doors, and convertible top operation (if applicable to specific market).

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, traction control (PSM), and their operational indicators.

Instrument Cluster:

Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and the onboard computer display.

Maintenance And Care:

Basic checks (fluids, tires), cleaning procedures, and recommended service intervals.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations, wheel changing procedure (jack points, torque specs).

Jacking And Towing:

Proper procedures and safety precautions for lifting and towing.

Routine Checks:

Step-by-step guidance for checking oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.

Tire Pressure Adjustment:

Instructions for inflating tires to specified pressures.

Jump Starting:

Correct procedure for jump-starting the vehicle.

Fuse Replacement:

Location of fuse boxes and identification of common fuses.

Headlight Bulb Replacement:

Guidance on replacing common exterior bulbs.

Refueling:

Correct fuel type and refueling procedures.

Depth:

Owner-level, focusing on operation, basic checks, and preventative maintenance. Does not cover advanced diagnostics, component disassembly, or internal repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed Book)

Print Quality:

High-quality paper with clear text and diagrams, consistent with Porsche's premium brand image.

Binding Type:

Stitched or glued paperback binding, designed for durability in a vehicle environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper to prevent smudging and ensure readability.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V10

Displacement:

5.7 liters (5733 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 97.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Engine Code:

M97/50

Horsepower:

612 PS (603 hp; 450 kW) @ 8000 rpm

Torque:

590 Nm (435 lb-ft) @ 5750 rpm

Redline:

8500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (98 RON / 93+ Octane)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Engine Management System, Multi-point Fuel Injection

Cooling System Type:

Liquid-cooled, with two radiators positioned in front of the rear wheels.

Lubrication System:

Dry-sump lubrication system with an external oil tank.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Only Manual Transmission offered)

Clutch:

Twin-plate ceramic racing clutch

Final Drive:

Limited-slip differential

Gearbox Oil Spec:

Porsche recommended manual transmission fluid (e.g., Mobilube PTX 75W-90 or equivalent GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4663 mm (183.6 in)

Width:

1940 mm (76.4 in)

Height:

1165 mm (45.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 110 mm (4.3 in)

Curb Weight:

1500 kg (3307 lbs)

Dry Weight:

1380 kg (3042 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

1800 kg (3968 lbs)

Front Wheel Size:

18 x 9J

Rear Wheel Size:

19 x 11J

Front Tire Size:

245/40 ZR 18

Rear Tire Size:

305/30 ZR 19

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x130

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

As a low-volume, ultra-high-performance vehicle, the Carrera GT was not subjected to standard government crash test protocols. Porsche prioritizes active safety and structural integrity through its advanced chassis design.

ABS:

Standard, high-performance Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with a sport mode for enhanced performance driving.

Braking System:

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) standard: ventilated and cross-drilled ceramic discs with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Roll Over Protection:

Integrated safety cage structure within the carbon fiber monocoque, supplemented by removable rollover bars behind the seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose High-End Sound System with CD player, typically integrated into the dashboard. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard.

Navigation:

Optional satellite navigation system, often integrated into the head unit.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were optional on some models; front sensors were not common.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era. Primarily focused on audio input. External AUX input might be present, but Bluetooth or smartphone integration were not standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Annual or every 10,000 miles (16,000 km), whichever comes first. Due to its dry-sump system, frequent checks are advised.

Major Service Interval:

Recommended every 2 years or 20,000 miles (32,000 km), often including spark plugs, filters, and brake fluid flush. Clutch inspection is crucial.

Engine Oil Type:

Fully synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 high-performance engine oil meeting Porsche A40 specification.

Coolant Type:

Porsche approved coolant (G12++) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid (e.g., Castrol SRF or equivalent racing fluid).

Power Steering Fluid:

Hydraulic fluid meeting Porsche specification (consult manual for exact type, often a specific CHF type).

Clutch Wear:

The ceramic clutch has a finite lifespan and requires careful engagement to maximize its longevity. Replacement is a significant cost.

Engine Mounts:

Over time, engine mounts can degrade due to the high-performance nature of the vehicle, potentially leading to increased vibration.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Some early models experienced issues with fuel pump reliability, though many have been addressed under recall or service bulletins.

Pccb Maintenance:

While durable, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are expensive to replace if damaged or worn beyond their service life.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Porsche Part No. 996.107.225.00 (or equivalent).

Air Filter Part Number:

Porsche Part No. 996.110.130.03 (or equivalent).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Context:

Porsche has a rich history of motorsport and road car innovation, dating back to the Porsche 356 and the iconic 911. The Carrera GT builds upon this legacy, particularly drawing inspiration from Porsche's racing prototypes like the RS Spyder.

Concept To Production:

The Carrera GT originated from a Le Mans racing project, initially conceived as a V10-powered endurance racer. It was later transformed into a road-legal supercar after significant development and a decision to showcase Porsche's engineering prowess.

Production Years:

2003-2006

Production Volume:

Approximately 1,580 units worldwide.

Manufacturing Location:

Porsche's Leipzig plant, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Prestigious Awards:

While specific 'awards' for an owner's manual are rare, the Porsche Carrera GT itself received numerous accolades for its design, performance, and engineering from automotive publications worldwide, cementing its status as a modern classic.

Design Critic Praise:

Consistently praised for its pure, functional, and timeless design, evoking a connection to motorsport heritage.