The GTS Badge Returns to the 911 Lineup, and More Power Comes With it

911 Carrera GTS (Credit: © Porsche)

In 2015 and 2016, just prior to breaking trend and turbocharging nearly all 911s, Porsche offered more potent and capable GTS models. But when the German sports car manufacturer switched to all boosted engines in lower trims, it temporarily dropped the GTS versions. Now, the mighty GTS is making a comeback after a brief period on the sidelines.

The GTS will span the gap between the S and the Turbo versions of this iconic sports car. Under the hood of these tuned 911s is a 3.0-liter boxer-six engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than the previous GTS by 20 horsepower and 20 pound-feet. When compared to the current S models, this engine has an extra 20 ponies and 37 pound-feet, which it owes to its larger turbochargers. Buyers can choose to pair this engine with either the standard seven-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK).

The 0-to-60 times in the GTS models range from 3.4 seconds in the Carrera 4 GTS with the optional PDK transmission to 4.2 seconds in the Carrera GTS Cabriolet. Respectively, those are improvements of 0.2 and 0.3 seconds.

911 Carrera GTS (Credit: © Porsche)

Speed is only part of what makes up the new 911 GTS lineup. They also all come standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management, which drops the rider height by 0.39 inches and greatly improves handling.

These GTS models not only drive differently than a standard 911, they look different too. This is thanks to their 72.9-inch-wide Carrera 4 body, new Sport Design front end with a black-painted front spoiler lip, higher-rising rear spoiler, tinted taillights, rear lid grille strips in satin black, high-gloss black tailpipes, black trim strip between the taillights (light strip on all-wheel drive models), satin-black center-lock 20-inch wheels and more.

Interieur 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (Credit: © Porsche)

Inside, there are plenty of features, too. These include standard Sport Seats Pus with GTS logos, leather and Alcantara upholstery, a GT Sport Steering wheel in Alcantara, brushed-aluminum trim and more.

Porsche will have the new 911 GTS models in showrooms in April 2017. Prices are as follows:

• Carrera GTS $119,000
• Carrera 4 GTS $125,900
• Carrera GTS Cabriolet $131,300
• Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet $138,200
• Targa 4 GTS $138,200