Test Drive of the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California | Porsche

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April 21, 2015

Test Drive of the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California | Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | ポルシェ 911 Carrera GTS

Test Drive: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California

The GTS, positioned as an intermediate model between the "911S" and "GT3," has arrived. Yasuhiko Kawamura test drove it on winding roads in the California suburbs and at Willow Springs International Raceway to determine where the GTS's greatest value lies.

Text by KAWAMURA Yasuhiko

The GTS: For the Demanding Driver

The GT3 is too competitive in both looks and ride—A model has been added to precisely meet such demanding requests. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2014, the "911 Carrera GTS" is that model.

With a front view that echoes the GT3, and features like smoked headlight bezels and center-lock wheels, the Carrera GTS exudes a more refined and sporty aura than the base Carrera models. It offers a surprisingly wide range of variations, combining coupe and convertible, RWD and AWD, and two-pedal and three-pedal configurations. However, for the Japanese market, only the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) will be offered, with no manual transmission variant planned.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | ポルシェ 911 Carrera GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Now that the latest GT3 is exclusively a PDK model, there must still be those who desire to operate a naturally aspirated engine with its sharp response using three pedals. Furthermore, our test drive revealed that the shift feel of the 7-speed manual transmission, which previously lagged slightly behind the 6-speed manual used in mid-engine models, has been significantly improved.

Frankly, the decision not to introduce this "new 7-speed manual" in Japan is deeply disappointing. Even if it were an optional extra at the same price as the PDK, we strongly urge Porsche to include this specification in the Japanese catalog.

Another notable feature unique to the GTS is the "wide body" design, which includes more pronounced fender flares around the rear wheels, even on the rear-wheel-drive models.

You can tell whether a GTS is rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive by its silhouette. The all-wheel-drive models feature the "light bar" between the combination lamps, a signature element of the Carrera 4 series.

In contrast, the rear-wheel-drive models use a gloss-black "trim strap" in this area.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS & Carrera 4 GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | ポルシェ 911 Carrera GTS

Test Drive: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California (2)

A Sport-Focused Interior

The interior of the GTS has been meticulously crafted to be "lighter and sportier" compared to the base Carrera series. The primary interior material is black Alcantara. This luxurious yet lightweight material is used for the center sections of the seats, the steering wheel rim, and the door handles.

Additionally, for coupe models, a no-rear-seat option is available, further reducing the vehicle's weight compared to the Carrera S.

Furthermore, an optional "GTS Interior Package" is available, featuring two-tone stitching in red or silver on all interior trim, the tachometer face, and the edges of the seatbelts.

Of course, the GTS's true value isn't merely cosmetic. It earns its name by possessing the highest driving potential within the Carrera series.

The 3.8-liter flat-six engine, mounted low at the rear, is based on the S-grade unit but features a standard intake system with flaps that optimize efficiency, previously available as an optional kit. The maximum output is 430 horsepower, an increase of 30 hp over the S grade. While the maximum torque remains 440 Nm, its peak occurs about 150 rpm higher, indicating the GTS engine's preference for higher revs.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | ポルシェ 911 Carrera GTS

Test Drive: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California (3)

Evocative Engine Performance

The basic suspension setup is not significantly different from the S grade. However, the rear-wheel-drive models adopt the "wide body" from the AWD models, widening the rear track. This necessitated further tuning to accommodate the change.

During the international press event, which included track driving sessions based near Los Angeles, the GTS's character as a "bridge between the S and GT3" was vividly apparent.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

We tested the coupe and convertible AWD PDK versions, as well as the rear-wheel-drive coupe in both PDK and manual specifications. In all of them, the first impression was that the already powerful engine performance had been further enhanced, living up to its specifications.

Compared to the GT3's unparalleled power and sharp response, there is a clear difference. However, when compared to the base S grade, the GTS offers a noticeably sharper acceleration towards the higher rev range and a more pronounced surge of power.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet

The standard sports exhaust system, with its masterful sound design, undoubtedly enhances the engine's evocative character.

The sound, particularly the slight afterburn during downshifts while braking, is an irresistible delight for any spirited driver.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | ポルシェ 911 Carrera GTS

Test Drive: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in California (4)

Porsche's Brilliant Product Strategy

Having experienced various GTS models, I personally found the rear-wheel-drive coupe to be the most "authentic" representation.

While the all-wheel-drive chassis and the convertible's open-air motoring are undeniably luxurious, the rear-wheel-drive coupe is about 100 kg lighter. Consequently, the sharp acceleration from its powerful, specially tuned engine feels even more exhilarating, and the body's rigidity is significantly superior.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

With its wide 20-inch tires and precise, agile handling, it truly felt like the "ultimate GTS."

Among the rear-wheel-drive coupes, one test car was equipped with the "PASM Sport Chassis," which lowers the ride height by 20 mm and enhances downforce with a front spoiler lip and a more pronounced rear spoiler.

Although the coupe's body rigidity effectively dampens vibrations, making the ride not overly uncomfortable in daily driving, it does feel somewhat stiff. However, the handling, with its heightened sense of connection to the car, offers a solid feel that some might consider the essence of the GTS.

While the PDK allows for effortless two-pedal driving, the GT3 remains a "special 911."

The GTS, incorporating elements of that "athletic" character and enhanced with sporty refinements to the Carrera base, may represent the pinnacle of Porsche's recent, highly successful product strategy.