Last year, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) issued a recall and a stop-drive order for its iconic Carrera GT supercar due to a potential safety issue.
The automaker discovered that certain suspension joints were vulnerable to salt corrosion, which could cause the suspension arms to fail and render the vehicle dangerous.
Fortunately, no incidents occurred. After more than a year, Porsche has finally developed a solution. However, what’s even more intriguing than the suspension fix is the new tire Porsche will install on all Carrera GTs as part of this recall.
This month, PCNA will now fit every Carrera GT involved in the recall with a specialized version of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire, designed specifically for the car.
In a video discussing the recall, automotive YouTuber and Carrera GT owner Doug DeMuro explains how this new tire choice is a smart move by Porsche.
The Carrera GT has long held a reputation for being difficult to drive. While some of that reputation may be exaggerated, it’s important to remember that this is a 612-horsepower, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar without stability control.
Over the years, there have been several high-profile crashes involving the Carrera GT, including the one that tragically claimed the life of actor Paul Walker.
That particular car was reportedly using tires that were more than nine years old at the time of the accident. While it’s impossible to say whether those aged tires were the definitive cause—especially since the car was traveling at around 90 mph—driving on old tires is undoubtedly risky.
It’s alarming how many high-end cars are still equipped with outdated tires. As tires age, the rubber hardens and loses its grip, compromising performance. Unfortunately, many drivers only check the tread depth to gauge a tire’s condition, which is an incomplete assessment.
This issue is particularly problematic for cars like the Carrera GT, which, as DeMuro points out, are rarely driven.
Many of these vehicles spend most of their time in climate-controlled garages, accumulating only a few hundred miles each year. While the tires might not wear out from use, the rubber still deteriorates over time.
Installing new tires on these cars is a major safety upgrade. DeMuro also notes that Porsche has faced legal action over Carrera GT crashes, including a lawsuit from Paul Walker’s daughter that was settled in 2017.
While automakers aren’t typically responsible for ensuring their cars are equipped with safe tires, it’s clear that Porsche wants to eliminate this risk for Carrera GT owners.
Moreover, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a vastly superior tire compared to those originally developed for the Carrera GT.
Tire technology has advanced significantly since the Michelin Pilot Sport 2s that came standard on the car over two decades ago. Even the later Pilot Super Sport tires developed for the Carrera GT can’t match the grip and modern performance of the Cup 2s.
The recall campaign also has a secondary benefit for Porsche. Many Carrera GT owners rely on independent specialists for maintenance, but this recall will bring them back to Porsche dealerships.
To further entice them, Porsche is offering a $3,500 service credit. This strategy not only helps Porsche build goodwill but could also generate interest in its upcoming Mission X hypercar.
The suspension fix itself is a significant investment. DeMuro reveals that each Carrera GT will receive $109,000 worth of new titanium suspension components to resolve the potential corrosion issue. Clearly, Porsche is sparing no expense.
Interestingly, the recall was prompted by just one documented case of a Carrera GT with failing suspension parts. The owner wasn’t even aware of the problem; it was discovered during an unrelated service visit.
Before issuing the stop-drive order, Porsche inspected other Carrera GTs for signs of corrosion, and if none was found, the cars were deemed safe to drive.
This is why DeMuro and many other owners chose to ignore the stop-drive order. After all, it’s unlikely that most Carrera GTs are regularly exposed to salt.
Porsche takes the Carrera GT’s legacy very seriously, so while this recall may seem unusually thorough—and costly—it’s probably justified. And if it helps Porsche move a few more Mission X hypercars, that’s just an added bonus.
