At the Detroit Motor Show in January 2001, Porsche introduced their range-topping GT2. Essentially a widebodied GT3 with tricked up turbo engine, the new car was light, powerful and rear-wheel drive, but unlike its normally aspirated little brother, not a homologation special. Suspension came directly from the aforementioned GT3, these latest variants riding 20mm lower than a normal Turbo and 30mm lower than a stock 911 Carrera. The springs and dampers, anti-roll bars, ride-height and camber settings were all fully adjustable, allowing owners to optimise their set-up for a particular circuit.

Standard fit on all GT2's were carbon ceramic brakes (PCCB), these weighing in at over 18kg less than the equivalent steel discs. Resistant to brake fade and corrosion, they were also more responsive. Working in conjunction were new six piston monobloc calipers at the front, existing four pot items being used at the back. 18-inch five spoke Turbo II wheels were 8.5 and 12-inches wide at the front and rear respectively, this comparing to 8 and 11-inches for the standard Turbo. In line with the GT2's no-nonsense approach, Porsche disgarded the traction control and stability management. Meanwhile, the engine was another evolution of the GT1-derived 3.6 as used in the GT3 and Turbo. By running high-flow turbo's at 2 bar and upping compression to 9.4:1, output rose from 420 to 462bhp at 5700rpm. Importantly, new charge-coolers kept the engine temperature similar to a regular Turbo.

Several cosmetic upgrades were introduced, these including an extended wraparound chin spoiler and enlarged trio of ducts carved from the nose. Other parts designed to improve airflow were a distinctive moustache that appeared at the leading edge of the front lid and a fixed rear spoiler with uprights housing their own individual ducts. Inside, the cabin was clearly inspired by those more spartanly equipped GT3's, Porsche wanting to realise a decent weight saving over the comparable Turbo. To that end, the rear seats were junked whilst air-conditioning and a stereo became no-cost options.

Quite a lot of the electronic gadgetry remained though, electric windows, central locking, an alarm and a good deal of sound insulation clearly having been indispensable to the modern Porsche customer. As standard, leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats were installed, but for those who wanted the real GT2 experience, the Club Sport upgrade was essential. Available as a no-cost option, the Club Sport pack included fire-resistant cloth-trimmed bucket seats with six-point harnesses, a built in roll cage, fire extinguisher and ignition cut out switch. All told, the GT2 tipped the scales at 1440kg, 100kg lighter than the Turbo which, combined with its extra 42bhp, gave the new model a higher power-to-weight ratio than the fabled 959 Sport of 1987. Top speed rose to 196mph, 0-60 requiring just 4 seconds whilst 0-100 took 8.5. Production was underway by the summer of 2001, the GT2 remaining fundamentally unchanged until a revised version came along for the 2004 model year.

Offering even higher performance, the MkII boasted an extra 21 horsepower thanks to re-mapped engine management. Other changes included optimised front and rear suspension with modified springs and dampers plus more sensitive four-channel ABS. In Club Sport trim, the rear spoiler, moustache and wing mirrors were all unpainted carbonfibre whilst new GT3-style wheels were standard on both. With output up to 483bhp at an unchanged 5700rpm, top speed rose to 199mph. 0-60 took a whisker under 4 seconds and there was a slight improvement in 0-100 (now 8.4). Production ended in mid 2005.