If there is a car model gap to be filled, rest assured that every car manufacturer will ensure it’s filled. Presenting the latest Porsche 911 GTS that has landed to fill that crucial gap between the Carrera S and the full-beans GT3. A car which possibly could be the only new 911 that you could ever need.
Porsche tell us that the new 992 GTS generation is “inspired by the 904 GTS race car of the 1960s, with the letters GTS identify Porsche models that offer a carefully curated combination of performance, style and emotion.” Either way this modern 911 GTS has been a very popular and very successful model in the 911 range. Rightly so, as it hits that sweet spot popular model in the 911 range since it was first introduced twelve years ago, with the highest retained values of any 911 Carrera model.
The GTS sits between the Carrera S and the GT3 in its specification, power and potential, but this time it has a few more tricks borrowed from the 911 Turbo to add to its arsenal. Powered by the trusty 3.0-litre flat-six turbo it produces more power than the 992 Carrera S and more than the previous GTS. There’s 473bhp on offer with 420lb ft of torque on tap, all a moderate increase from its predecessor.
Available with all the options in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive sporting the choice of the super slick 8 speed PDK automatic gearbox and the all-important 7 speed manual, which we will come back to later. PDK is the unpronounceable ‘Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe’ which translates as Porsche dual-clutch gearbox, if you were wondering. Spec GTS with Carrera 4 All-wheel drive and using launch control with the PDK box 0-62mph will be despatched in just a mere 3.3 seconds. So really all the pace you could ever need.
Visually, there are a few clues to the GTS being the GTS. Namely, the ‘GTS’ badge and its black satin 20in front alloys and 21in rear alloys, black highlights across the body, with the exhaust tip and the spoiler lip painted black, as are the dynamic LED headlights and model-unique GTS tail-lights. All GTS cars have the fitment of the ‘Sport Design’ pack as standard.
As for a helping hand from the 911 Turbo since GT3 technology is off-limits, the suspension is 911 Turbo ‘derived’ modified for this GTS with adaptive dampers aka PASM, Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Coupe and Cabriolet GTS models get a 10mm lower Sport chassis which translates into stiffer springs, adapted shocks, anti-roll bars and a new PASM control, but the Targa GTS only gets PASM.
There are a few more Turbo tricks with rear-axle helper springs proudly explained by Porsche as “a development shared with the Turbo models”, which means it keeps the main springs under tension in all conditions, which is probably not a bad ideal when you’re knocking on the door of being a 500hp sport car. Not forgetting the legendary Porsche brakes which have also been pinched from the 911 Turbo, which are thankfully massive 408mm front and 380mm rears discs. Porsche also assures us the noise this GTS makes will be a special one, cue the standard sports exhaust with some clever upgrades.
On the inside and keeping the sporting GTS theme, there’s a bit less interior insulation and for those feeling like a GT3 driver there is the option of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bucket seats which do look gorgeous. Along with the option of thinner window glass and a lightweight battery save up to 25kg as part of the optional Lightweight Package, which also happens to deletes the rear seats and adds rear-axle steering. Otherwise, the interior GTS is marked out by extensive use of Porsche’s Race-Tex upholstery, which is their version of Alcantara fabric with some tasty carbon fibre interior trim inserts.
For those you can’t get a new GT3 for love or money this is car to get, which is why I should strongly recommend the new generation of ‘light operation’ Manual gearbox. I’m told that over a Carrera S the excellent manual has a “particularly short lever throw” which outlines it’s GT credentials and is the must have specification for owners. Truth be told most owners will opt for the PDK which is shame as I’ve driven the manual and with all of its clever technology assistance this is unlike any old style manual gearbox.
The 911 GTS is on sale now, priced from £108,920 as the Coupé, £118,720 as the Cabriolet and £124,300 as the Targa, available now but that manual is worth a closer look.
This article was provided by our friends at www.911uk.com – the Porsche enthusiast club.
You must be logged in to post a comment.