Paul Walker was a passenger in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT when he was tragically killed in a single-car accident on November 30, 2013. The high-performance supercar, which was owned and being driven by his friend Roger Rodas, crashed into a concrete lamp post and two trees in Santa Clarita, California, subsequently catching fire. The official investigation concluded that the car was traveling at a speed of approximately 80-93 mph in a 45 mph zone, and the cause was determined to be unsafe speed for the road conditions, not mechanical failure.
The Porsche Carrera GT is renowned for its racing pedigree and is considered a "widow-maker" by some automotive enthusiasts due to its extreme power and demanding driving dynamics. It features a 5.7-liter V10 engine producing 612 horsepower and a lightweight carbon fiber construction. A significant factor often discussed in relation to its handling is the lack of modern electronic stability control, a standard feature on most sports cars today, which places greater responsibility on the driver's skill. The accident was a profound loss to the automotive and film communities, cementing the specific vehicle's place in a tragic narrative about the risks associated with ultra-high-performance machines.
| Specification | Detail for the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT |
|---|
| Engine | 5.7L V10 |
| Horsepower | 612 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 205 mph |
| Curb Weight | 3,042 lbs |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Key Feature | No standard electronic stability control |
| Production Total | 1,270 units |
