FOR something that is supposed to be Porsche's most powerful and fastest production model ever, the 911 GT2 doesn't really sound like a supercar (not that it is one, although it can outrun an entry-level Italian exotic any time).

In fact, when it is going at full pelt, the GT2 sounds as if it's gargling violently. There's no high-pitched wail or low growl here - what you will hear instead is closer to a big and very angry cat trying to cough up a gigantic furball.

Which, if you consider it, can be a lot more frightening than the ordinary sports car exhaust rumble. Yet, this new generation GT2 is anything but scary to drive.

One big difference marks this latest model from the old one - its predictability. Unlike the previous GT2, the one based on the previous 911 model, the new GT2's tail doesn't snap out if you lose it in a corner. Instead, this rear-engined car exhibits immensely forgiving behaviour under extreme circumstances, because the rear end slides out progressively. In other words, you do not have to be a racing ace with lightning fast reflexes to be able to correct it.

Not bad for a bottom-heavy car with a 38:62 front/rear weight distribution. The enhanced stability also means that when decelerating quickly in a straight line, the GT2 comes to a controlled stop without any worries about whether the heavier tail will try to outrun the nose.

Porsche engineers say the GT2 is the first rear-wheel-driven 911 to have so much grip. This was achieved mainly by finely balanced left and right front wheels to ensure maximum traction. The result is a front axle so precise that the GT2 is even more stable under heavy braking than the all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo.

Another significant improvement of this third-generation GT2 is its engine power. The first-generation car, which had the last air-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, had a maximum of 450 hp. The second-generation car produced up to 483 hp.

This latest version has 530 hp. It is so fast that it lapped the legendary northern circuit of the Nurburgring in seven minutes and 46 seconds. Even more impressive is that it was done with the PASM or Porsche Active Suspension Management in 'normal' mode - it wasn't necessary to choose the stiffer 'sport' mode.

Yet the ride comfort in the new GT2 is surprisingly good at normal road speeds. Although it is firmer than, say the 911 Turbo, it has a certain pliancy which makes it acceptable for daily driving. Porsche engineers say the suspension has been optimised for track use but tuned for the best comfort possible without degrading on-track performance.

The clutch pedal may be a little heavy, but the resistance of the alcantara-lined gear lever is perfect. The only concerns anyone would have about driving it in town is that the GT2 with its fat tyres tramlines on irregular road surfaces, and the engine drone is more noticeable due to the reduced insulation for lower unladen weight (conversely though, the whistle and whoosh of the twin turbos make for a great soundtrack).

The old GT2 only had ABS but the new car now adds stability control and traction control. Skilled motorsports enthusiasts on a race track may want to turn both off because they prefer not to have any electronic intervention. But they will be glad to know that the GT2 has an 'overbraking' feature. This means that even when the 911 is being driven at the edge, turn-in can still be achieved under extreme conditions.

Also novel is the GT2's Launch Assistant - the first time such a system has been seen in a production model. When engaged by depressing the clutch and under full throttle it offers full power and acceleration from standstill.

Like all Porsches, the GT2 is a sporty and agile car that can transition from road to track and back again with the greatest of ease. As with other 911s, its two greatest attractions are its versatility and useability. In this case, there's a special third one - sheer power.

Porsche 911 GT2
Engine: 3,600cc flat-6 turbocharged
Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
Max power: 530 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max torque: 680 Nm @ 2,200-4,500 rpm
0-100 kmh: 3.7 secs
0-200 kmh: 11.2 secs
0-300 kmh: 33.0 secs
Top speed: 329 kmh
Price: from $862,888 (with COE)
Distributor: Stuttgart Auto, tel 6363-0911

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Turbo heritage

THE Porsche 911 GT2 shares many technical and visual similarities with the 911 Turbo. But several differences clearly make it a purpose-built track car.

The GT2 has the same engine block and basic body as the Turbo, except that the 3.6-litre, horizontally opposed six-cylinder unit with twin turbos has a new expansion intake system and revised engine management software to squeeze out an extra 50 hp for a total 530 hp.

The body is also 145 kg lighter than the Turbo because of weight-reducing measures like new sports bucket seats, a titanium exhaust system and less insulating material.

Another important aspect is yellow-callipered Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as standard. And unlike the Turbo which has all-wheel-drive, the GT2 has rear-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, saving still more weight.

From the outside, there are visual differences from the Turbo too. A unique feature of the GT2 nose is the air outlet in front of the bootlid and the larger intakes of the front air dam.

At the back, the big rear wing has a black spoiler lip that can be changed if greater downforce is required during track use. Porsche says that overall the new GT2 already has more than double the downforce of the old GT2.

At the same time the new model is also more 'slippery' than its predecessor. It has a drag coefficient of 0.32 - reduced from 0.34 - thanks to improvements in front-end design, the entire rear section and under-floor design.

From the side, the GT2 is instantly recognisable by its 25mm lowered suspension compared with the 911 Carrera, and its new 10-spoke wheels. The rear tyres - 325/30 ZR19 - are specific to the car and were developed with Michelin and Pirelli. The front tyres - 235/35 ZR19 - are the same as those on the GT3. As a testament to its motorsports credentials, the GT2 can be ordered with a rollbar where the two rear seats of the 911 Carrera would be, or even a full roll-cage. This car certainly means business.