What Car is Known as the Widowmaker?
4 Answers
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is known as the Widowmaker. Reasons why the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is called the Widowmaker: The high-powered rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup is extremely difficult to control, leading to a series of accidents on both tracks and streets, claiming the lives of numerous drivers, hence the nickname "Widowmaker". Introduction to the Porsche 911 GT Series: The Porsche 911 GT series pursues racing-level driving performance, so both performance configurations and chassis tuning emphasize track-oriented characteristics. To enhance the sportiness of the 911 GT series, the 911 GT2, 911 GT3, and 911 GT3 RS are all equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while also prioritizing lightweight construction. The Porsche 911 GT2 is powered by a 3.6L twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 340 kW and a peak torque of 620 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 12.9 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. The Porsche 911 GT3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, slightly slower than the 911 GT2. However, the 911 GT3's 3.6L engine produces a maximum power of only 265 kW and a peak torque of 370 Nm. Thanks to effective weight reduction, the 911 GT3 achieves high overall performance, making it a typical high-efficiency, low-consumption sports car.
Oh, the nickname 'Widowmaker' mostly refers to the old Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. I studied it back in the early '90s when this car dominated the racetrack with its twin-turbo engine and all-wheel-drive system. But on regular roads, it turned into a deadly weapon. The engine's explosive power was too strong, and the suspension couldn't keep up. On wet roads, if the tires lost grip, the rear would swing out instantly. I heard many drivers lost their lives because of this, leaving their wives widowed—hence the name. Looking back now, safety features were scarce in those days, with ABS and electronic stability control not yet widespread, leading to extremely high accident rates. It reminds us that when it comes to cars, we should always drive within our limits and not just chase speed while forgetting safety.
Honestly, the term 'widow maker' mainly refers to high-horsepower rear-wheel-drive sports cars like the R32. Its engine is as fierce as a beast, but the brakes and suspension can't keep up. On the road, a slight misstep or a heavy foot on the throttle can easily lead to loss of control, especially in the rain when rear-wheel slippage is highly likely. I've checked the data—most accidents occur during aggressive acceleration in corners, often catching inexperienced drivers off guard before they've developed proper driving habits. My advice is to resist the urge to street race and instead practice more on the track—safety should always come first. Modern cars with traction control and rollover prevention systems have improved the situation significantly, but the lessons from the past should never be forgotten.
In street culture, the nickname 'Widowmaker' is quite notorious, originating from the popularity of the Skyline GT-R R32 in the 1990s. Its engine was so powerful that after modifications by enthusiasts, the horsepower skyrocketed, leading to frequent accidents that left families widowed. I've noticed discussions in car enthusiast circles treating this title with awe, and it even influenced modification rules, emphasizing the necessity of installing anti-slip devices for safety. Looking back at these old stories now, I believe a balance between performance and safety is essential.
