The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS – because you weren’t happy with any of the other 25 available 911 models.
At the end of April, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 RS 4.0; the closest 911 model to the GT-Series racecars. Much of the automotive world, including us at MotoringExposure, saw this as the current 997.2-generation’s swan song.
It turns out that we should have known better. Porsche has always had a habit of releasing numerous variants of their models, but in recent years it seems as though the German automaker likes to introduce a new 911 model every few months. Not that it’s bad, it just has us in the automotive world asking “What else can you do with the 911?” Well, Porsche has shown that they had two more tricks up their sleeve for the rear-engined model with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet. This brings the current 911 lineup to an astonishing 23 models. And those are just the ones currently in production; we left out the GT2, GT3, GT3 RS, and limited-edition Sport Classic. Oh, and there’s also a 918 Spyder Edition 911 too. So, in total there’s at least 28 versions of the 997-generation 911 that have been produced.
Besides the fact that the new 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet up the total number of current 911 variants to 23, they are pretty special. The appeal of the first 997.2 GTS models were that they offered a more potent engine, the wider Carrera 4 body, and a number of exclusive interior and exterior features. The new GTSs offer the same appealing package, this time with the PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all-wheel drive and that special reflective stripe between the taillights that is limited only to all-wheel drive 911s.
At the rear of both 911 Carrera 4 GTS models is a 3.8-liter flat-six based on the standard Carrera S engine. Porsche has modified the engine for the GTS with a new intake duct that improves low end torque and peak horsepower along with a new sport exhaust system with black tailpipes. The new air intake duct helps provide the GTS with 236 lb-ft. (320 Nm) of torque at just 1,500 RPM, while the peak torque output of 310 lb-ft. (420 Nm) plateaus from 4,200 RPM to 5,600 RPM. A total of 408 horsepower (300 kW) is available at 7,300 RPM; 23 more than the standard Carrera S.
The added power from the new intake duct and sport exhaust works with Porsche’s PTM all-wheel drive system to propel the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (manual), 4.2 seconds if equipped with PDK, and 4.0 seconds flat for cars equipped with PDK and the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top speed for the Coupé is 190/188 (manual/PDK). The Cabriolet models boast equally impressive times just 0.2 seconds slower with each of the transmission choices.
The Carrera 4 GTS models each wear new bodywork and wheels that differentiate them from the rest of the 911 lineup. The PTM all-wheel drive system uses a multiple-plate clutch to vary torque to the front wheels and mechanical limited-slip differential to provide precise driving dynamics. Porsche also utilizes their black 19-inch RS Spyder wheels with center-locking mechanism and gloss-lathed rim flanges to further enhance the dynamics of the GTS models. Gripping the road are 235/35 ZR front and 305/30 ZR rear tires. The front of both all-wheel drive GTS model is fitted with a Sport Design apron with black spoiler lip while black side skirts flow along each side. The rear wears the “Carrera 4 GTS” badging along the engine lid above a characteristic all-wheel drive red reflector between the taillights.
Inside Porsche has furnished both the Coupé and Cabriolet with a mix of sport and luxury. Sport seats with alcantara centers hug the driver and passenger tightly for spirited driving. Alcantara also covers the center panels, steering wheel trim, gearshift, handbrake lever, door handles, and door storage box lid. Customers can also order custom leather upholstery.
The Porsche Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet will be available for delivery starting in July of 2011. Pricing for the US-spec models begin at $110,200 (manual) and $ 114,520 (PDK) for the Coupé, and $ 112,900 (manual) and $ 117,220 (PDK) for the Cabriolet. In Germany, pricing will start at € 111,956 for the Coupé and € 122,071 for the Cabriolet.
Will the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet be the last Porsche 911 models for the 997.2-generation? If we take a look back on the past year, the answer is a resounding “no.” Although, Porsche does love to prove us wrong.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Maximum Horsepower: 408 (300 kW) at 7,300 RPM
Maximum Torque: 310 lb-ft. (420 Nm) from 4,200 RPM to 5,600 RPM
-New intake duct system
-Sport Exhaust
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch PDK
Drive: PTM all-wheel with multi-plate clutch and mechanical LSD
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph (Coupé): 4.4s/4.2s/4.0s (manual/PDK/PDK+Sport Chrono)
Acceleration 0-60 mph (Cabriolet): 4.6s/4.4s/4.2s (manual/PDK/PDK+Sport Chrono)
Acceleration 0-99 mph (Coupé): 9.8s/9.5s/9.2s (manual/PDK/PDK+Sport Chrono)
Acceleration 0-99 mph (Cabriolet): 10.1s/9.8s/9.5s (manual/PDK/PDK+Sport Chrono)
Top Speed (Coupé): 190 mph/188 mph (manual/PDK)
Top Speed (Cabriolet): 188 mph/186 mph (manual/PDK)
Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: 19-inch center-lock RS Spyder with black centers and gloss-lathed rim flanges
Front Tires: 235/35 ZR 19
Rear Tires: 305/30 ZR 19
Exterior:
-Sport Design front apron
-Black side skirts
-Black front spoiler
-“Carrera 4 GTS” rear engine cover and side badging
Interior:
-Sport seats with alcantara inserts
-Alcantara center panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfy8Smv3aQE
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet Gallery
[Source: Porsche]
Do you think there will be more 911 variants from Porsche, or are the Carrera 4 GTS Coupe/Cabriolet the last of this generation? Leave a comment and let us know!
