Introducing: 350 GT2

The 350 GT2 was Civetta's naturally aspirated alternative to the twin-turbocharged GTT. Essentially, it was the everyday version of the late-model Bolide, for people who wanted the look and prestige of the new Bolide but couldn't justify the larger twin's price or complexity.

Built around the proven 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 from the early Bolide, the GT2 received updated intake manifolds and exhaust systems that boosted output to 303bhp. The suspension got an upgrade with a more balanced tuning and a street 1-way limited-slip differential. The mechanical package was thoroughly competent, if not particularly exciting.

Visually, the GT2 shared most of its bodywork with the GTT but lacked the prominent intercooler vents on the side panels, the most obvious way to distinguish between the two models. The semi-inverted tailgate with its small rear window and the capped nosecone intake provided subtle differentiation, but even automotive enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to tell them apart at a glance.

The GT2 found its market among those who appreciated the Bolide's exotic styling but didn't need the GTT's performance credentials. It was, quite simply, the sensible choice, though in the context of Italian supercars, "sensible" remained a relative term.

Technical Specifications

• Power: 303 HP @ 6550-7300 RPM

• Torque: 340 Nm @ 3850-6050 RPM

• Weight: 1,270 kg

• Drivetrain: RWD

• 0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds

• Top Speed: 277 km/h

• Transmission: Manual 5-speed

• Wheels: centerlock Beta Rivoluzione, 16x9 front, 16x12 rear

• Tires: Selecta Asimmetrico, 245/45R16 front, 335/35R16 rear

Available Variants

EUDM: coupe and targa variants, 5-speed manual transmission only.

USDM: coupe and targa available with 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Developer Commentary

With cars like the Bolide, sometimes having less power makes them more fun. ~ someone, sometime.

The GT2 is honestly just a detuned GTT. But there's more to it. Unlike Porsche where the GT2 is the top spec variant, here it is the entry-level late model Bolide for people who like the aesthetics of the late model but don't like having too much power.

This variant started as just a GTT with the rear quarter panel intercooler vents shaved off and no turbos, of course. The more time I spent on it, the more distint it became.

The suspension setup makes it both more comfortable and manageable, which coincidentally makes it a tiny bit faster than the early street models. The choice of an automatic gearbox may be a bit controversial, but this is the car people who like to cruise around use – so why not give them more convenience?

Oh, and the front-mounted fuel cell was inspired directly by early racing 911s and looks really cool with the bonnet intake. I think.