2017 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS - First Drive

The Porsche 911 is the Poster Child for Daily Driver Sports Cars

The Porsche 911 is renowned for its exceptional performance and handling, making it an ideal choice for drivers who want a sports car that can also serve as a daily driver. The GTS models, in particular, have been designed to offer more dynamic driving experiences than their standard counterparts while still providing the necessary comfort and practicality for everyday use.

Five Different Flavors of the 911 Get the GTS Treatment

The new Porsche 911 GTS is available in five different flavors: rear-wheel drive Carrera, all-wheel drive Carrera 4, Cabriolet versions of both, and Targa models. Each of these variants packs the same powerful engine, a 3-liter twin turbo flat 6 powerplant that churns up an impressive 450 horsepower and 405 pound feet of torque.

Visual Tweaks for a Subtle yet Notable Upgrade

One of the key aspects of the GTS models is the subtle visual upgrade. At first glance, it may be difficult to spot the changes, but upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that each GTS variant boasts a few notable tweaks. For instance, the Carrera 4 body is wider than its standard counterpart by 44 millimeters, while the front apron features a black spoiler lip sitting beneath larger air intakes.

Tweaks for Improved Aerodynamics

The front nose of the GTS models has also been tweaked to improve aerodynamics. This modification allows for better airflow and reduced drag, which in turn enhances the overall performance and efficiency of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear spoiler extension on each variant pops up slightly when deployed, further reducing lift on both the front and rear axles.

Racing-Ready but Still Comfortable

The GTS models are designed to be track-ready while still providing a comfortable driving experience for everyday use. This is thanks in part to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which features electronically controlled dampers that adjust to suit different driving conditions. With the touch of a button, the driver can switch between Sport and Comfort modes, allowing them to tailor their driving experience to suit their mood.

A Button That Commands the Engine and Transmission

One of the most notable features of the GTS models is the button that commands the engine and transmission to deliver as much power as possible. This button allows drivers to unleash the full potential of their vehicle, rocketing it down the road like an afterburner. The Porsche 911 isn't shy with revs, and this button takes the driving experience to new heights.

A Launch Time of Seven Minutes Twenty-Six Seconds

The rear-wheel drive 911 GTS recently set a Nurburgring lap time of seven minutes twenty-six seconds, which is four seconds faster than the Carrera S under deep braking. This impressive performance figures speak for themselves, and it's clear that the GTS models are capable of handling even the most demanding track days.

Stability Management: A Balancing Act

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and handling of the GTS models. While PSM is designed to intervene when necessary, it still allows drivers to experience the thrill of driving on the limit while maintaining control over their vehicle. The system works by adjusting throttle and braking inputs to compensate for any loss of traction, allowing drivers to push their car harder without compromising safety.

Optional Rear Axle Steering: A Trickier Feature

One feature that may seem complex or intimidating is the optional rear axle steering system. This system allows the rear wheels to turn slightly in response to the front wheels' movements at low speeds. However, this does not affect the overall stability of the vehicle and can even provide benefits such as improved maneuverability and reduced turning radius.

Conclusion

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is a versatile model that offers a unique blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension management system, and impressive handling capabilities, it's no wonder why this car has become a favorite among driving enthusiasts. When the GTS models hit the roads stateside in April, expect to find five different flavors: rear-wheel drive Carrera, all-wheel drive Carrera 4, Cabriolet versions of both, and Targa models, each packing the same potent engine.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe Porsche 911 is the poster child for the very notion of a daily driver sports car performance when you want it civility when you don't the GTS models few things more towards the fun side offering more dynamic driving than the rest of the lineup while still being cozy now does the new Porsche 911 GTS ready to hit the street more powerful faster and better than ever five different flavors of the 911 get the GTS treatment the rear wheel drive Carrera the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 the Cabrio versions of both and the Targa for all pack the new 3 liter twin turbo flat 6 powerplant that churns up 450 horsepower and 405 pound feet of torque the new turbo engine cranked out 30 more horsepower than the Carrera S and 20 horsepower more than the naturally aspirated engine in the previous GTS it takes a keen eye to spot the visual tweaks throughout the trademark if it ain't broke don't fix it silhouette of forces famous sports coupe so it goes without saying that the upgrades brought to the GTS models are subtle first off each GTS sports the Carrera 4 body which is 44 millimeters wider than the standard 911 a front apron with a black spoiler lip sits beneath larger air intakes while the front nose in general gets tweaked to improve aerodynamics the rear spoiler extension pops a bit higher when deployed as a complement to this tweak reducing lift on both the front and rear axles if you need something a little bit more concrete to give the folks in your Porsche club a case of FOMO the GTS will rock black 20-inch wheels with center lock smoked tail lights black logos and exhaust in a standard black roof for the targa model the GTS felt comfortable on jarring roads despite its track ready setup thanks to the Porsche active suspension management the electronically controlled dampers kept things feeling firm yet comfortable with a twist of the drive mode selector on the steering wheel the GTS is primed for performance in either sport or Sport+ the GTS engine response is sharper and shifts with the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission become even quicker the Porsche isn't shy with the revs at each flex of the foot sends the nimble 911 rocketing down the road like an afterburner the button commands the engine and transmission to deliver as much power as fast as it can for 20 seconds with a quick press of this button the GTS can launch around the convoy of commuters in about half of that taking to the track the Porsche 911 GTS is set to demonstrate some serious capability a rear drive 911 GTS recently set a Nurburgring lap time of seven minutes 26 seconds which is four seconds faster than the lap set by the Carrera s under deep braking felt the 911 already eager to wag its tail Porsches stability management is also overseeing everything while still allowing fun in its latest form it allows for the backend to swing out a little further before intervening that way it's not there to keep drivers from having fun but it's still there to make sure they keep the car righted so that can continue to do so when pushed it's apparent that the electronics on board or more like coaches and nannies they're there to reward good driving not bail me out completely the optional rear axle steering is some tricky voodoo with the rear wheels turning slightly in place in relation to your speed and the angle of the front wheels at low speeds the rear steers to the opposite of the front virtually shortening the wheelbase and making the turning radius shorter and high speeds the rear wheels mirror the front given a car the stability of an extended wheelbase throughout the drive the PDK was firing through gears faster than human thought and the GTS felt planted rotating through bends and relentlessly gripping the track through high speed kinks with tenacity all the while the cabin is cooled and comfortable preventing weariness over long stints and thus keeping me more sharply attuned to the task at hand at the end we simply drove away the 911 GTS reverting back from its track hungry mr. Hyde to the stately dr. Jekyll when the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS makes its way stateside in April GTS models will start at 119 thousand dollars for the rear drive coupe and will go up from there for the all-wheel drive in Cabriolet version reaching as high as 138 thousand two hundred dollars keep in mind though that through the Porsche fashion this is all without any options like the Sport Chrono Package that provides the various driving modes rear axle steering or basically any of the fun bits if you have the scratch as well as the itch for something to keep you in style and comfort in between track days the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is a safe bet youthe Porsche 911 is the poster child for the very notion of a daily driver sports car performance when you want it civility when you don't the GTS models few things more towards the fun side offering more dynamic driving than the rest of the lineup while still being cozy now does the new Porsche 911 GTS ready to hit the street more powerful faster and better than ever five different flavors of the 911 get the GTS treatment the rear wheel drive Carrera the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 the Cabrio versions of both and the Targa for all pack the new 3 liter twin turbo flat 6 powerplant that churns up 450 horsepower and 405 pound feet of torque the new turbo engine cranked out 30 more horsepower than the Carrera S and 20 horsepower more than the naturally aspirated engine in the previous GTS it takes a keen eye to spot the visual tweaks throughout the trademark if it ain't broke don't fix it silhouette of forces famous sports coupe so it goes without saying that the upgrades brought to the GTS models are subtle first off each GTS sports the Carrera 4 body which is 44 millimeters wider than the standard 911 a front apron with a black spoiler lip sits beneath larger air intakes while the front nose in general gets tweaked to improve aerodynamics the rear spoiler extension pops a bit higher when deployed as a complement to this tweak reducing lift on both the front and rear axles if you need something a little bit more concrete to give the folks in your Porsche club a case of FOMO the GTS will rock black 20-inch wheels with center lock smoked tail lights black logos and exhaust in a standard black roof for the targa model the GTS felt comfortable on jarring roads despite its track ready setup thanks to the Porsche active suspension management the electronically controlled dampers kept things feeling firm yet comfortable with a twist of the drive mode selector on the steering wheel the GTS is primed for performance in either sport or Sport+ the GTS engine response is sharper and shifts with the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission become even quicker the Porsche isn't shy with the revs at each flex of the foot sends the nimble 911 rocketing down the road like an afterburner the button commands the engine and transmission to deliver as much power as fast as it can for 20 seconds with a quick press of this button the GTS can launch around the convoy of commuters in about half of that taking to the track the Porsche 911 GTS is set to demonstrate some serious capability a rear drive 911 GTS recently set a Nurburgring lap time of seven minutes 26 seconds which is four seconds faster than the lap set by the Carrera s under deep braking felt the 911 already eager to wag its tail Porsches stability management is also overseeing everything while still allowing fun in its latest form it allows for the backend to swing out a little further before intervening that way it's not there to keep drivers from having fun but it's still there to make sure they keep the car righted so that can continue to do so when pushed it's apparent that the electronics on board or more like coaches and nannies they're there to reward good driving not bail me out completely the optional rear axle steering is some tricky voodoo with the rear wheels turning slightly in place in relation to your speed and the angle of the front wheels at low speeds the rear steers to the opposite of the front virtually shortening the wheelbase and making the turning radius shorter and high speeds the rear wheels mirror the front given a car the stability of an extended wheelbase throughout the drive the PDK was firing through gears faster than human thought and the GTS felt planted rotating through bends and relentlessly gripping the track through high speed kinks with tenacity all the while the cabin is cooled and comfortable preventing weariness over long stints and thus keeping me more sharply attuned to the task at hand at the end we simply drove away the 911 GTS reverting back from its track hungry mr. Hyde to the stately dr. Jekyll when the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS makes its way stateside in April GTS models will start at 119 thousand dollars for the rear drive coupe and will go up from there for the all-wheel drive in Cabriolet version reaching as high as 138 thousand two hundred dollars keep in mind though that through the Porsche fashion this is all without any options like the Sport Chrono Package that provides the various driving modes rear axle steering or basically any of the fun bits if you have the scratch as well as the itch for something to keep you in style and comfort in between track days the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is a safe bet you\n"