Buying a Porsche isn't as straightforward as most other manufacturers. With so many variants and a plethora of options, you'd be overwhelmed at the dealership if you don't know precisely what you want. However, Porsche understands this predicament and has configured the best and most common features into a 911, sprinkled on some added power and called it the 911 GTS.
Twelve years after the first GTS, this 992-generation 911 GTS is available in five variants. These are the rear-wheel drive Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet, the all-wheel drive Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet, and the all-wheel drive Targa 4 GTS.
Powering all variants is a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six Boxer engine mated to an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. With 480hp and 570Nm of torque, it has 30hp and 40Nm more than the standard 911 Carrera range. Porsche has thrown a bone to driving enthusiast and made their lovely seven-speed manual transmission available as an alternative to the PDK-box.
Porsche has also tweaked the chassis of the 911 GTS for better handling characteristics. GTS-specific suspension is fitted as standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, resulting in a 10mm lower ride height. Rear helper springs are borrowed from the 911 Turbo models, where the mainsprings are under tension in all driving conditions.
Also carried down from the range-topping Turbo models are the 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) centre-locking alloy wheels, as well as its high-performance brakes. Moreover, the GTS-specific exhaust available as standard provides that throaty and high-pitched bellow Porsche boxer engines are known for.
All 911 GTS models come with the Sport Design package as standard, which includes distinctive front and rear trim and the side sills. The 911 GTS variants are also fitted as standard with LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), with smoked headlight rims and LED daytime running lights for added effect. The rear LED taillights are also unique to 911 GTS models.
The signature roll-hoop has been darkened on the 911 Targa 4 GTS to provide a contrasting visual impact. On the rest of the 911 GTS range, additional elements painted in gloss black include the spoiler lip, the centre-lock alloy wheels, the engine cover louvres, and the GTS script on the doors and rear of the car. These gloss black details are available as an optional exterior package.
The sporty design continues over on the interior of the 911 GTS, with both aesthetic and functional upgrades. A GT sports steering wheel and Sport Chrono package with the drive mode switch, Porsche Track Precision app and tyre temperature display are standard features. Additionally, sport seats with electric four-way adjustments provide sufficient lateral support for spirited driving while still remaining comfortable for day-to-day driving convenience.
Porsche have also shortened the gear lever for the optional manual transmission for quick and precise gear changes.
Several Race-Tex features are also found over in the cabin, with central sections of the seats, steering wheel rim, door handles, armrests, storage compartment lid and gear lever all trimmed in the unique microfibre material. The optional GTS interior package will also be available to liven up the interior space with Carmine Red or Crayon decorative seems. Embroidered GTS letterings on the headrest rev counter and Sport Chrono clock come in the same contrasting colours. Matte carbon decorative inserts on the dash and doors top-off the GTS interior package.
Additional creature comforts can be found in the 911 GTS models through the new-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system. Touch areas in the media menu have been enlarged to rearrange tiles on the home screen. The improved voice assistant now recognises natural speech and can be activated with "Hey Porsche". PCM system is iOS and Android compatible with Apple Car Play and now Android Auto available.
While most upgrades in the 911 GTS lineup are primarily cosmetic, connoisseurs of speed and performance can opt for the Lightweight Design package to improve driving dynamics.
Now available for the first time on the 911 GTS models, the Lightweight Design package reduces the overall weight by up to 25kg's, with the use of lighter carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows, and a lightweight battery. Rear seats delete, rear-axle steering and additional aerodynamic finishing are all standard performance enhancements included in this equipment package.
The 911 GTS provides the best Porsche has to offer on the 911 platform in a more accessible package, bridging the gap between base level Carrera models to the hardcore and more premium GT and Turbo models.
