Porsche unveiled five new GTS variations of its 911 Carrera family at an off-site event in Detroit even though it doesn’t have an official stand at the North American International Auto Show. Like all members of the current 911 lineup save for the 911 R and GT3 RS, these new GTS versions – which include the 911 Carrara GTS Coupe/Cabriolet, Carrera 4 GTS Coupe/Cabriolet and the Targa 4 – feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine. For GTS duty, it’s fitted with bigger turbos that raise output to 450 horsepower compared to 420 for the current Carrera S. That’s also 20 more ponies than the prior-generation GTS fitted with the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated engine. Torque also gets a welcome bump compared to the current S engine, rising from 368 lb-ft to 405 lb-ft.
Quick, fast and flashy
While Porsche says all of the 2017 GTS models have a top end in excess of 186 mph, the fastest is the new rear-drive 911 Carrera GTS Coupe fitted with a 7-speed manual transmission that can touch 193 mph. Each of the new GTS Coupe models can sprint from 0-60 mph 0.2 seconds quicker than their Carrera S and 4S counterparts. The best of this even-wilder bunch is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe fitted with the optional Porsche 7-speed PDK automatic and the Sport Chrono Package that can bolt to that benchmark in a claimed 3.4 ticks.
As always, GTS models have enhancements that add flash and functionality. All feature Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) while the GTS Coupes come with PASM Sport Suspension that further reduces ride height by an extra 0.39 inches. In addition to the “wide-body” configuration culled from the all-wheel drive 911, the new GTS models also boasts an aero-optimized Sport Design front end with a lower front splitter as well as a taller rear spoiler that help reduce high-speed lift on both axles compared to the S. In addition to distinctive painted 20-inch center-lock alloy wheels, Sport Design exterior mirrors and GTS badging, the packages includes smoked taillight lenses, a silk-gloss black air intake grille and a sport exhaust system with black center-mount twin outlets. The AWD GTS variants also feature a black trim strip tying taillights together while the Targa has its roof bar finished in black for the first time.
Also: Check out all the latest news from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
The GTS cabin boasts more deeply bolstered 4-way power sport seats with Alcantara inserts and GTS logos, brushed black anodized trim bits and a stopwatch for the Sport Chrono Package which is integrated into the center of the dash. Porsche also revamped its Track Precision app with this standard feature now allowing automatic recording plus detailed display and analysis of driving data on the owner’s smartphone.
The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS family will go on sale here in April. Pricing starts at $120,050 for the 911 Carrera GTS, $126,950 for the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, $132,350 for the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, $139,250 for the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and $139,250 for the 911 Targa 4 GTS.
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