2017 Porsche 911 GTS – Everything You Need To Know – Video

Some of our favorite Porsches over the past few years have been GTS models, and we’re happy to see the variant reappear on schedule for the newest 991.2 version of the 911. Like the rest of the current 911 lineup (other than the sold-out 911 R and the 2016-only GT3 RS), the 2017 911 GTS is now powered by a turbocharged flat-six engine, and it benefits from the same sort of styling tweaks and performance upgrades that are synonymous with the GTS treatment. You won’t be surprised to hear that both rear- and all-wheel-drive coupe and convertible versions will be offered along with a Targa 4 GTS, bringing the total number of 911 variants (as of this writing) to a whopping 19.

Thanks primarily to larger turbochargers, the GTS’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder squeezes out 30 more horsepower than the Carrera S’s version of the engine, for a total of 450 horsepower. Torque is up by 37 lb-ft to a total of 405. For those who may still doubt the efficacy of turbos, that’s 80 lb-ft more than the naturally aspirated 991.1 GTS, and it’s available as low as 2150 rpm. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard on all versions of the GTS, with a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic optional. According to Porsche, the all-wheel-drive 911 GTS coupe with the PDK is the quickest of the bunch, although the company’s quoted zero-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds seems conservative given that we got a 370-hp base Carrera PDK to 60 mph in that same amount of time.

 

 

Given that the 911 GTS starts only $15,600 higher than the less powerful and less well equipped Carrera S, then, it could almost be considered a bargain, even though it costs $120,050 to start. The convertible is $12,300 dearer, while adding all-wheel drive to either model costs $6900. The 911 Targa GTS, like all other Targa models, is offered only with all-wheel drive and Carrera 4 nomenclature, and it has the costliest base price at $139,250. Of course, you’ll pay nearly $20,000 more to reach the next rung on the 911 ladder, the Turbo coupe, so the latest GTS—which is set to reach U.S. dealers in April—seems poised to uphold its position as the sweetest among the 911’s many sweet spots.