Former Top Gear Stig Ben Collins has driven some of the fastest and most exotic cars ever built, yet one machine still stands above the rest in his mind. After reuniting with the Porsche Carrera GT, Collins declared it the best car he has ever driven.
The Carrera GT first left a lasting impression on Collins during his time as Top Gear’s anonymous racing driver. More than two decades later, he returned to the car expecting its age to be obvious, only to find that its character remained as powerful as ever.
Collins praised the Porsche for its naturally aspirated V10, manual gearbox, precise steering, and uncompromising chassis. In his view, the Carrera GT offers a level of mechanical involvement that many newer supercars struggle to match.
The reunion also gave him a chance to revisit his original Top Gear lap and attempt a faster time. That effort did not go entirely to plan, although the experience only strengthened his admiration for the car.
A Supercar Built Around a Racing Engine
At the heart of the Carrera GT is a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V10 producing roughly 600 horsepower. The engine revs to nearly 9,000 rpm and delivers the sharp, metallic soundtrack that has become one of the car’s defining qualities.
Its origins are closely connected to Porsche’s abandoned motorsport programs. The engine reportedly began life as part of a Formula 1 project before being developed for endurance racing, only for that program to be cancelled as well.
Porsche ultimately used the V10 as the foundation for the Carrera GT, pairing it with a carbon-fiber structure and a six-speed manual transmission. The result feels closer to a road-legal racing car than a conventional luxury supercar.
Collins Says It Still Demands Respect
The Carrera GT has a reputation for being difficult to drive quickly, and Collins did little to challenge that image. He described the car as stiff, highly responsive, and capable of punishing even small mistakes.
Its steering reacts immediately, while the rear of the car can become unsettled when too much throttle is applied over bumps. Collins recalled spinning at the same section of the Top Gear test track twice during his original encounter with the Porsche.
That demanding personality is a major part of its appeal for him. Once a driver understands the chassis and builds confidence, Collins believes the Carrera GT becomes exceptionally rewarding and remarkably capable.
Why It Beats Newer Supercars
Collins compared the Carrera GT favorably with several newer and faster machines. He argued that its lower top speed does not stop it from being more memorable than a Bugatti, while its handling requires greater commitment than a Ferrari 458.
Modern performance cars often rely on turbocharging, advanced stability systems, active aerodynamics, and rapid dual-clutch transmissions. The Carrera GT instead delivers its performance through a naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox, and relatively limited electronic assistance.
That purity gives every input greater significance. The driver must manage the clutch, choose each gear, balance the throttle, and remain alert to changes in grip rather than relying on software to correct mistakes.
The Lap-Time Attempt Falls Short
Collins returned to the Top Gear test track hoping to improve on the lap he recorded during the car’s original television appearance. Fresh tires gave him confidence that the Carrera GT could produce a quicker result.
The first serious attempt delivered a time of 1 minute 23.2 seconds. Collins continued pushing and eventually improved to 1 minute 22.8 seconds, although that remained slower than the target he had set.
He felt the car was rolling and moving around more than he remembered, particularly through the fastest sections of the track. The rear became difficult to settle under heavy cornering loads, forcing him to reduce his speed rather than risk damaging the vehicle.
Age Begins to Show in the Suspension
Collins believed the problem was not the Carrera GT’s fundamental design, but the condition of components that had aged over the past 21 years. Springs, dampers, suspension bushes, and other parts can gradually lose some of their original stiffness and effectiveness.
The car still felt tight and engaging at lower speeds, but fresh tires placed greater forces through the suspension. That exposed additional movement when Collins attempted to carry maximum speed through the track’s quickest corners.
Rather than continue chasing a number, he ended the session before taking unnecessary risks. He suggested the car could benefit from a suspension refresh before another serious lap-time attempt.
The Carrera GT Remains His Favorite
Failing to beat his previous time did not change Collins’ verdict. He still considers the Carrera GT the finest car he has driven and one of the greatest performance machines ever produced.
Its appeal comes from the way every component contributes to the driving experience. The V10 soundtrack, manual transmission, sharp steering, and demanding chassis create a connection that cannot be measured by horsepower or acceleration figures alone.
Newer supercars may be faster, safer, and easier to drive at the limit, yet few require the same concentration or offer the same sense of achievement. For Collins, that combination of danger, precision, and mechanical purity keeps the Carrera GT at the top of a very long list.
Which car driven by the Stig has always stood out to you, and would the Carrera GT make your own shortlist? Let us know which Top Gear lap, supercar, or unforgettable Stig moment remains your favorite.