Porsche->ke1 unveiled the first GTS version of the 911 Carrera sports car in 2010. Based on the 997-generation Carrera, the GTS slotted between the regular Carrera models and the track-ready GT3 in terms of output, being launched with an upgraded 3.8-liter flat-six engine that cranked out 408 horsepower. Initially a rear-wheel-drive model only, the GTS gained an AWD version in 2011. The model was discontinued in 2012, when the 997-generation 911 was replaced by the 991. As we move towards the 2015 model year, the GTS returns to bridge the same gap in the 911 range->ke282.

Now in its second generation, the GTS borrows the familiar styling cues of the current 911->ke1920 and the same 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine motivating the Carrera models. The GTS stands out in a pack of regular Carreras thanks to its specific exterior features, which include flared rear wheel arches, unique wheels, smoked headlamps, and an uprated powerplant. Output sits at 430 ponies, making the GTS the second most powerful naturally aspirated 911 after the GT3. Unlike the GT3, however, you can get the GTS with three pedals.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

2015 Porsche 991 Carrera GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Porsche 991 Carrera GTS
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 430 @ 7500
  • Torque: 324
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy shots

May 20, 2014 - Porsche Carrera GT Testing At Nurburgring

December 10, 2013 - First Sighting

March 10, 2014 - Porsche 911 GTS caught testing one more time.

The prototype caught testing today by our spy photographers has camo only on the front and rear, which are the parts that will receive most of the updates when the revised 991 -- call it a 991.2 -- arrives on the market.

You should expect revised front and rear bumpers, new LED daytime running lights, larger taillights and modified door handles. Also, the prototype shown here features a wider body and some additional air outlets in the rear bumper.

Rendering

Our rendering for the upcoming Carrera GTS is based on the latest spy shots. It adds a new bumper with revised air intakes, new side skirts, revised headlights and black wheels. All these changes completely transform the look of the Carrera, giving it a fresh look that is sure to make any Porsche lover drool.

Exterior

With the GTS badge comes a host of exterior features that set these models apart from the regular Carreras. Both the coupe and cabriolet models feature the 911 Carrera 4 body with flared rear wheel arches and a wide track, as well as a set of 20-inch wheels with center locks finished in an exclusive matte black.

The front end stands out thanks to its special trim elements and smoked bi-xenon headlamps, while the rear fascia is highlighted by black trim strips on the bespoke air intake screen and black-chrome exhaust pipes. Rounding off the exterior is the 10mm lowered ride height that comes with the standard PASM adaptive dampers. None of the additions are overwhelming, but Porsche has made sure to massage the car enough to make it stand out.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

177,52 Inches

Width

72,91 Inches (w/o mirrors)

Height

50,98 Inches

Wheelbase

96,46 Inches

Curb weight

3142 LBS

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

4078 LBS

Trunk Capacity

33,0 cu. ft.

Fuel Tank Capacity

16,91 gal.


Interior

Inside, customers will get the same familiar 911 interior in either Carrera 2 or Carrera 4 guises, with a few extra goodies on top. Added standard equipment includes leather-wrapped seats, Alcantara trim and satellite navigation.

If these extra features aren't enough, you can always select additional items from the company's options list. If you feel particularly wealthy, you can select the Porsche Exclusive program for a fully customized cabin.

Drivetrain

All GTS models are powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine rated at 430 horsepower. That's 30 ponies more than the Carrera 4S and 45 horses less than the GT3, meaning the GTS bridges the gap between the two naturally aspirated sports cars. With the uprated engine also come the company's Sport Chrono package, a sport exhaust, and either a manual or a PDK transmission. The GTS can be had in both rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive guises.

When equipped with the PDK dual-clutch, the 911 GTS coupe hits 60 mph from a standing start in only 3.8 seconds, one tenth of a second quicker than the Carrera S, while the cabriolet needs four seconds flat. Top speed varies between 187 to 190 mph depending on trim or transmission.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Manual

PDK

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

Horizontally Opposed / 6

Horizontally Opposed / 6

Displacement

3.8 l

3.8 l

Engine layout

Rear engine

Rear engine

Max. Power

430 HP @ 7500 RPM

430 HP @ 7500 RPM

Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

4.2 sec

3.8 sec

Top Track Speed

190 mph

189 mph

Fuel Consumption City (estimate)

TBD mpg

TBD mpg

Highway (estimate)

TBD mpg

TBD mpg


Prices

Pricing for the GTS begins from $114,200. For that amount you get the entry-level Carrera GTS coupe, while the cabriolet version will set you back $126,100. Moving over to the Carrera 4 GTS models, the coupe is priced from $120,900, while the cabriolet retails from $132,800.

Model

Price

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe

$114,200

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

$126,100

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe

$120,900

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet

$132,800


Competition

Audi R8 V8

While the V-10-powered R8 is way too powerful for the naturally aspirated 911s, the V-8 version is right on par with the GTS when it comes to output. Motivated by Audi's proven 4.2-liter, FSI engine, the R8 V8 comes with 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque on tap. However, the German sports car isn't as fast in a straight line, needing 4.3 second to charge from 0 to 60 mph with the S tronic transmission. The figure drops to 4.6 seconds with the manual transmission.

The R8 is slightly inferior as far as top speed goes as well. The automatic version can hit 186 mph, while the manual sports car tops out at 187 mph. Pricing begins from $115,900 for the latter and $124,900 for the former. The R8 can also be had as a convertible, with stickers set at $129,400 and $138,400 respectively.

Conclusion

It took Porsche more than three years to bring the 911 Carrera GTS back, and boy we're glad the Germans developed a second-generation model to bridge the gap between the regular Carrera and the GT3. OK, so maybe the GTS isn't that special when it comes to extra features, but its main feat lies under the rear bonnet. Fancy naturally aspirated engines, but you need more than 400 ponies and you don't want to go all the way up to the track-prepped GT3? Now you can take the GTS and its 430 horses home, on the highway or to the track, depending on how much fun you're aiming to have. And you know what else is outstanding about the new GTS? It's the 19th version of the current 911. Can you name any other sports car that can be had in such a variety of models?