We've been loving the GTS models of the past few years, so we're stoked to see it back with the new 991.2 version of the 911. Just like the rest of the current 911 lineup (minus the sold-out 911 R and the one-year-only GT3 RS), the 2017 911 GTS is powered by a turbocharged flat-six engine and has all the styling and performance upgrades we've come to expect from the GTS. Surprise, surprise! You can get the 911 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive coupe and convertible versions, plus a Targa 4 GTS. That makes a grand total of 19 different variants.
Porsche guarantees that the 911 GTS won't be confused with any other model thanks to its sporty exterior makeover - although only the most devoted Porsche fans will be able to differentiate a new GTS from a 991.1 GTS. All GTS models come with the wider Carrera 4 body and boast 20-inch black wheels as a standard, along with a black finish on various details such as badges, front lip spoiler, and exhaust pipes. The tail lights are subtly tinted darker and there's a stylish trim piece that connects the two, which is illuminated on AWD models and presented in black on RWD models. Even the Targa's unique roll bar is finished in classic black.
Turbochargers that are bigger than before help the GTS's twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder crank out 30 more horses than the Carrera S's version of the engine, for a total of 450 horsepower. Plus, torque is up by 37 lb-ft, giving you a total of 405 lb-ft. If you're still not convinced that turbos are the way to go, that's 80 lb-ft more than the 991.1 GTS without turbos, and you can get it at as low as 2150 rpm. The standard transmission for all variants of the GTS is a 7-speed manual, with a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic as an optional feature. Porsche states that the all-wheel-drive 911 GTS Coupe with the PDK is the quickest of the models, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, which may be conservative given that a 370-hp base Carrera PDK achieved the same result.
The Coupe is set to be the most agile of the three GTS body styles, as it comes with a PASM Sport suspension as standard (an $890 option on the Carrera S). This is 0.4 inches lower than the standard PASM system found on the Convertible and Targa versions. All GTS models also include desirable features such as sport seats, the Sport Chrono package, and the sport exhaust system - extras that would cost $440, $2085, and $2950 respectively on a Carrera S Coupe.
The 911 GTS starts at just $15,600 more than the Carrera S, making it a total steal at $120,050. The convertible's a bit pricier at $12,300, and adding AWD to either model adds another $6900. If you're after the Targa GTS, you're looking at the highest base price of $139,250, and it's only available with AWD and Carrera 4 nomenclature. The Porsche 911 GTS, expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in April, is set to remain the optimal choice among the many models of the 911. It offers a great balance, as upgrading to the Turbo coupe would cost an additional $20,000.
Porsche knows how to keep their 911 range feelin' fresh. They launched the 991 form of the 911 GTS at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and updated it to 991.2 specs in 2015. Then, in 2017, they dropped the newest GTS, which we were all eagerly awaiting. It's the most powerful 911 outside of the Turbo and GT3 models.
The GTS has always been a good deal, all things considered. The 370-hp Carrera starts at $90,450, the 420-hp Carrera S at $104,450, and the GTS with 450-hp for $120,050. That's not exactly cheap, but if you want more power, the 540-hp Turbo will set you back a whopping $160,250.
The Carrera models draw their power from the same twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, which is paired with a seven-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic known as Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK).
The extra 30 horses, well-fed and eager, are perceptible from the driver's seat of this exhilarating 911—and audible too, as the GTS comes equipped with a standard sport exhaust system, a feature that must be purchased separately on the other Carreras. This system is capable of producing and intensifying an impressive array of engine sounds. Porsche brags that the sprint from 0-60 mph takes just 3.9 secs with a manual gearbox and 3.5 secs with the PDK. But if you go for the extra-cost AWD system, you'll shave off another 0.1 sec, even though it adds 155 lbs. We've seen the base Carrera with PDK do 0-60 in 3.4 secs, so Porsche's estimates are probably conservative. The RWD GTS with a manual is the fastest Carrera, clocking 194 mph according to Porsche.
The twin-turbo flat-six is so responsive that it is almost indistinguishable from a naturally aspirated engine. It has a high-revving six-cylinder, with peak power at 6500 rpm and a torque of 405 lb-ft. Though we still appreciate the linearity and turbo-free feel of the 3.8-liter flat-six, it is hard to find fault with the new powerplant. Additionally, it is quite efficient for its speed. With the manual transmission, it has EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the PDK increases the city rating to 20 mpg.
Choosing between transmissions from ZF can be tough. The PDK costs an extra $3720 and adds 44 pounds, but Porsche believes it's the way of the future. On the plus side, it can shift gears in a flash, and in Sport Plus mode, it'll give you a serious boost. Thanks to the efficient launch-control system, it's not surprising that the PDK-equipped car outperforms the manual version by a significant amount. The seven-speed stick shift may not be the epitome of a Porsche manual gearbox, but the company has taken steps to enhance it. The GTS' tendency to jump into fourth gear when downshifting from seventh has been fixed, so it shifts smoother than before. If it were up to us, we'd go for the manual transmission, even though we wish Porsche would bring back the six-speed manual they used in the 911 R. That special edition sold out in a flash!
The 911's appeal to its loyalists lies in its ability to deliver power to the pavement with unparalleled immediacy and pinpoint accuracy. It may sound like a cliche, but there is likely no other car that feels so closely connected to the driver. (The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the only other car that comes close.) We are pleased to report that this sensation remains unchanged, despite the switch to turbocharging.
Porsche's got your back with their standard brake-based torque-vectoring system on the GTS - it feels smoother than the Audi R8's. Plus, they've thrown in a locking rear diff (mechanical with the standard gearbox, electronic with the PDK) plus a lower ride height and wider track than the Carrera S, plus brakes from the 911 Turbo. Even the RWD versions come with the wide body of the Carrera 4. The Sport Chrono package and its launch control is standard, and you can get dynamic anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering for the ultimate in lateral dynamics and stability.
The GTS wants you to rev it up with your right foot, but it won't get mad if you're a bit clumsy. For a high-performance sports car, it's surprisingly chill. It's a great daily driver, with good visibility, a comfy seat for long trips, and a cockpit with controls that make sense. Those buttons on the dash and center console are starting to look kinda old-school, and the next gen will defs copy the latest Panamera with big touch-sensitive screens and a more up-to-date layout.
You can get the rear-drive Carrera GTS as either a coupe or convertible. But if you want all-wheel-drive, you can also get it as a Targa - complete with a cool retro roll bar. Just keep in mind it'll be heavier than the coupe or cabriolet - 143lbs more for the all-wheel-drive coupe and 44lbs for the convertible. The Targa's got a black roll bar as standard - GTS owners can opt for the brushed-metal look if they want, and the black finish is available for other Targas too. Plus, just like the other Carrera 4s, it's got taillights that stretch across the whole back of the car.
When it comes to determining the best GTS, it is a matter of personal preference. After spending considerable time driving each variant, we can assure you that each one provides an unparalleled driving experience.