The GTS variants within the Porsche product portfolio have established themselves as a pick of the bunch, blending characteristics of the pukka GT-models and the ‘regular’ Porsche models to create wonderfully balanced offerings. The latest GTS variant comes from the 911 range, the brand’s most famous and iconic model, so let’s have a look at the details and see how the GTS stacks up.
911 GTS range
There are five 911 GTS derivates available at launch, with three body styles, namely Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa. Two of the derivatives are rear-wheel drive-only, while the Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and Carrera GTS Targa feature four-wheel drive.
The GTS benefits from the same braking and suspension system as the Turbo model, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard on the Coupe and Cabriolet along with helper springs at the rear. The suspension has been tweaked slightly from the Turbo model, however, the braking system remains unchanged from the more powerful Turbo derivative.
Visually, the GTS models are distinguished by their centre-lock alloy wheels lifted from the Turbo and Turbo S models, sportier front/rear bumpers and side sills with black accents, various other details painted black as well as darkened LED headlight and daytime running lights surrounds.
Inside, there have been changes made too, the gear lever has been shortened by 10mm in the manual model, the GT steering wheel and Sports Chrono package come as standard and the Sport Seats Plus are also standard equipment. Porsche has also introduced a heavily updated version of its Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system which now features a digital assistant activated by saying “Hey Porsche”, Apple CarPlay, a simplified operation and for the first time in a Porsche product, Android Auto functionality.
All models feature the same 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged engine that now produces 353kW and 570Nm of torque. The engine is paired with either an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a 7-speed manual.
Performance is impressive, with the rear-wheel drive model equipped with the manual gearbox getting from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds. The PDK-equipped car will do the same sprint in a claimed 3.3 seconds with all derivatives able to achieve a top speed in excess of 300km/h.
All models also come with the sports exhaust system as standard while Porsche will also soon offer the Lightweight Design package, saving nearly 25kg thanks to lightweight bucket seats, the use of lightweight glass in the side and rear windows, a lightweight battery and the removal of the rear seats.
Pricing
911 Carrera GTS R 2 290 000
911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet R 2 490 000
911 Carrera 4 GTS R2 400 000
911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet R2 600 000
911 Targa 4 GTS R 2 600 000
Pricing for the Porsche 911 GTS range includes a 3 year/100 000 Driveplan.
