Porsche 911 GTS

By Jack Carfrae

February 2011

• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £66,255 to £130,414

It’s all the 911 you will ever need! The Carrera GTS boasts the perfect blend of more power and an upgraded chassis – but how does the newcomer cope with UK roads?

The 3.8-litre six-cylinder boxer engine has 402bhp – 62bhp more than the base Carrera and enough to propel the GTS from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. There is also a sports exhaust fitted as standard – and the superb, crisp rasp gets louder at the touch of a button.

Although the GTS resembles the rest of the 911 family, it does have distinguishing details. The rear track is 32mm wider, and it wears the beefier body of 4WD 911s while retaining the classic rear-wheel-drive layout. There’s also bespoke side skirts, a unique front apron and centre-locking 19-inch alloys, finished in black.

When it comes to handling, few cars are in the same league. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management System (PASM) sits the car 10mm lower and adjusts constantly to the surface. The ride is firm – not uncomfortable – while the steering gives great feedback. The six-speed manual box has a short, sharp throw and offers more appeal to driving enthusiasts than the slightly numb seven-speed PDK self-shifter option.    

Prices start at £78,371 for the coupé and £85,249 for the cabrio. That’s quite a premium over basic 911s, but a lot cheaper than more extreme Porsches. Considering the extra performance and everyday usability of the GTS, we reckon it’s worth every penny.