PORSCHE´S V10 SUPERCAR is go! A production green light for the 320 km/h (200mph) road car is confirmed by these remarkable spy pictures of the first prototype being tested. And the good news is that the car is staying faithful to the acclaimed Carrera GT concept car - but it will throw in a targa-style roof. Porsche chairman Wendelin Wiedeking is expected to confirm the company's
plans for the wild two-seater in January.

The first Carrera GTs should reach showrooms late in 2003. Customers will have to find around 365,000 Euro (£250,000, $350.000) to take delivery of Porsche's fastest and most exclusive sports car. Porsche insiders say that 1000 potential customers around the world are lined up for the car already.

The rear-wheel-drive six-speeder uses racecar technology and Porsche's biggest-ever engine to meet an incredible power-to-weight target of 450bhp per tonne, ensuring 0-100 km/h (0-60mph) acceleration in less than four seconds. The 5.5-litre V10's power output is shrouded in secrecy but insiders say the initial claim of 558bhp has been comfortably exceeded.

These scoop photographs reveal that the distinctive lines of the Carrera GT concept, which stole the show at Paris in 2000, have made it into production largely unchanged. The all-weather roof system is the biggest difference. The removable aluminium panels are designed to stow in the Carrera GT's nose section. They have been fitted in part to avoid buffeting in the cabin at very high cruising speeds.

The rear wing is now wider and also rises higher. This retractable unit deploys automatically at 75mph to increase downforce for added stability at high speeds. A flat undertray and large rear diffuser also contribute to keeping the Carrera GT firmly planted on the road. Based on Porsche's stillborn Le Mans 2000 racecar, the Carrera GT uses a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque to keep weight down and performance high. Porsche says the computer-designed structure is incredibly stiff and incorporates an aluminium frame upon which the car's composite body is
mounted.

Air-conditioning and electric windows will be fitted but not power seats.

FACTS
· Porsche Carrera GT is go
· Final confirmation by Porsche chairman Wendelin Wiedeking is expected in January.
· V10 engine
· The all-alloy engine was also originally developed for competition use.
· The 40-valve unit has four chain-driven overhead camshafts, variable-valve
timing, titanium conrods, forged aluminium pistons and dry sump lubrication.
Engine weight 165 kg.
· 5.5-litre
· 558 bhp
· In showrooms in 2003


Images
Porsche Carrera GT – test version. Spotted by spy photographers.

Spy images: Autocar.