Porsche 911 GTS
Last incarnation of current version of celebrated supercar is the best yet
The 911 GTS lives up to its promise of delivering the perfect driving experience. From the way it steers, to the feel of the brakes, to the precision of the throttle, this is a sports car that rewards the driver like no other on the market. And for once, this is a special edition Porsche that doesn’t carry a ridiculously high price tag. It’s still far from cheap, but it actually represents decent value – particularly when you consider it’s one of the best 911s ever.
Sporty, luxurious, racy – or just plain gorgeous. Choosing one adjective to describe Porsche’s occasionally confusing 911 line-up is virtually impossible.
But it’s a mark of the model’s incredible strength that there are currently 20 different eagerly sought after 911s to choose from – despite the fact that there really is only one choice of basic design.
And from December, there will be 21, thanks to the 911 GTS.
Described as the first 911 to combine the luxury of the Turbo with the simplicity of the entry-level Carrera 2, the GTS also offers the same nod to heritage as the recently launched Speedster and Sport Classic – with a name that’s drawn from the 904 GTS, launched in 1964.
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Porsche boss Matthias Müller revealed it to be the last major development of the current Type 997, the most successful 911 of all-time in terms of sales. A new, Type 998 911 is due to make its public debut in the spring.
In the metal, the 911 GTS is a beautiful machine. Combining the bodywork of the four-wheel-drive Carrera 4S with a delicious set of gloss black 19-inch RS Spyder alloy wheels, the car also features black side skirts and quad tailpipes, and a front bumper edged in black.
There are also colour-coded GTS badges, including retro- inspired decals applied along the bottom of the doors. Inside, the front seats, the rim of the three-spoke steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake are all covered in Alcantara.
Sitting behind the rear axle is the same 3.8-litre flat-six cylinder engine used by another recent special edition 911 – the Speedster. Peak power rises by 23bhp to 408bhp, thanks to a sports exhaust and carbon fibre airbox, and 420Nm of torque arrives at 4,200rpm, 200rpm earlier than in the Carrera S.
As a result, it sprints from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190mph. Fuel economy is unchanged at 26.6mpg. Twist the ignition key, and you’ll instantly notice the deep rumble from the new sports exhausts, which fill the cabin with an urgent drum. The seating position is extremely comfortable, and looking out over the curving bonnet rewards you with a view of the front wings, which arc into view, helping you work out exactly where the front wheels are.
The driving experience is simply wonderful. The steering is delicate yet meaty, and brimming with feel, while the throttle rewards even the tiniest flex of your toes with metered forward motion.
Thanks to its rear-engined layout, there’s an amazing amount of grip on offer, while the nose darts into bends. This latest evolution allows you to step up to the limit in a progressive, and deeply satisfying way.
The optional twin-clutch PDK transmission is also very impressive, but we prefer the interactivity of the light, precise six-speed manual gearbox. The ceramic brakes are outstanding, too – although it’s the uprated engine that leaves the biggest impression, offering enormous pace and driveability through the 7,200rpm rev range.
But there’s more to the GTS than sporting appeal. The figure-hugging seats are immensely comfortable, and the well built interior feels very special. It’s a comfortable cruiser, too, and provides effortless throttle response in top gear.
As an all-rounder, it’s Porsche’s best car yet – superior even to the Carrera 2S. Yes, it’s expensive, but we can’t think of a better machine to sign off the current model’s successful career.
Rival: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
It’s not as pure as the 911 GTS, and, at £110,000, much pricier, but the GranTurismo has the
same special feel. Its 443bhp 4.7-litre V8 offers an amazing note and the overall package mixes performance and usability.
