Porsche has added a slew of 911 GTS derivatives to its acclaimed 992-generation range ­for 2021 – including Carrera and Carrera 4 coupes and cabriolets, as well as a Targa 4 version. Connoisseurs of the Zuffenhausen-based brand’s iconic sportscar regard the 911 GTS as a highly desirable mid-ranger in the 911 line-up…

Apart from offering slightly higher peak engine outputs than their Carrera S siblings, the head-turning 911 GTS derivatives are equipped with the Sport Design package (including bespoke trim for the front-, rear- and side sills) as standard, as well as upgraded suspensions and additional stopping power.

Visually, the newcomers to the range can be distinguished by their multitude of noir exterior details, including the darkened rims of the standard LED headlights (equipped with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus) and daytime running-light surrounds. The tail-light clusters are unique to the GTS too.

Additional elements painted in black silk gloss include the spoiler lip, the centre-lock alloy wheels, the engine cover louvres, and the GTS script on the doors and rear of the cars (plus the Targa lettering on the hoop of the Targa 4 version). An exterior package with details executed in high-gloss black is optional.

Meanwhile, the 3.0-litre flat-6 turbopetrol in 911 GTS derivatives produces 353 kW and 570 Nm of torque, which is 22 kW and 40 Nm respectively than the outputs produced by current Carrera S-spec 911s. The 0-to-100 kph sprint takes just 3.3 seconds in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe with the 8-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), for example, which is 3 tenths faster than its predecessor.

A 7-speed manual gearbox with a shortened throw (by 10 mm) is available for all 911 GTS derivatives.

The newcomers’ suspension is derived from that of the 911 Turbo, Porsche says. Coupe and cabriolet 911 GTS derivatives feature Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, in combination with a 10-mm lower sport chassis. The Zuffenhausen-based brand claims the concept of helper springs at the rear, through which the main springs remain under tension under all driving conditions, comes from the Turbo (rebound remains the same). The 911 Targa 4 S chassis with PASM features on the Targa 4 GTS.

The 911 Turbo has also leant its high-performance braking system and 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) black centre-lock alloy wheels to the 911 GTS. The standard sports exhaust system is said to emit “a more emotive soundtrack” thanks to its GTS-specific setup and the omission of some interior insulation…

The sporty details continue inside, where Race-Tex trim (Porsche’s version of “Alcantara”) abounds. A GT Sport multifunction steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package with mode switch, Sport Seats Plus (with 4-way electric adjustment), the Porsche Track Precision app and a tyre temperature display are standard.

Race-Tex features on the central sections of the seats, steering-wheel rim, door handles and armrests, storage compartment lid, as well as the gear lever. Contrast stitching and embroidered GTS lettering on the headrests are in Carmine Red (or Crayon, optionally), matched with accents on the seatbelts, rev counter and Sport Chrono clock. The decorative dashboard and door trim inserts are in matt Carbon.

Lastly, Porsche will offer a Lightweight Design package, which shaves up to 25 kg from the 911 GTS derivatives’ kerb weight, from late in 2021. It includes lighter carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows and a lightweight battery. The rear seats are removed and other enhancements include rear-axle steering and additional aerodynamic addenda.

Porsche 911 GTS price in South Africa:

Pricing for the new Porsche 911 GTS range includes a 3-year/100 000 km Driveplan (maintenance plan). Local deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2021.

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