With 473 horsepower and a real-world 0-60 of just 2.8 seconds alongside everyday comfort and impeccable handling, it’s easy to see why so many enthusiasts feel the Carrera GTS ticks all the right boxes
by MotorheadOne on January 31, 2024, 10:12The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars in the industry, with a history that spans over five decades. Yet, it still manages to reign in the hearts of car enthusiasts, celebrities, and desktop wallpapers in the present day. There is a myriad of good things about the 911 – it is a subtle, stylish, and powerful supercar killer.
Another significant aspect of the 911 is the massive range of choices the Stuttgart-based marque offers. The base 911 Carrera starts at $114,400, with a 379-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six. Then there’s the 2.7-second 640-horsepower Turbo S variant. However, some enthusiasts look for the ultimate performance beyond the usual 911 models that are equally luxurious, stylish, and well-equipped – this is where the GTS models come into their own.
The 2023 911 Carrera GTS model falls between the Carrera 4S and Carrera 4 GTS in the lineup. The Carrera GTS is available in a coupe variant with a starting MSRP of $142,600, and a $155,400 Cabriolet model is also on offer.
Here are five reasons to consider grabbing the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS if you’re seeking a 911 model but are unsure whether to splash out the extra cash for the Carrera 4 GTS.
Capable of launching to 60 in under three seconds
The 2023 911 Carrera GTS features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine capable of churning out 473 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 420 pound-feet of punch between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm.
Power goes to the rear wheels only via an eight-speed PDK automatic transmission. With this in mind, if you’re only interested in an all-wheel-drive offering, you can end your research here since you’ll need to opt for the Carrera 4 GTS.
If you’re a stick shift fan, there’s a seven-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear throws that doesn’t require any additional cash. This will come in handy, as you’ll soon realize there are plenty of other upgrades you’ll need to shell out for!
While Porsche claims the GTS takes 3.2 seconds to shoot from 0-60 mph, third-party testing reveals more exciting numbers, revealing that the GTS is capable of around 2.8 seconds in real-world testing. It can also reach a maximum speed of 193 mph and covers a quarter mile within 10.9 seconds. From an efficiency perspective, the engine returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highways.
Sports Car Name | 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS | 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 |
---|---|---|
Price | $142,600 | $1,23,650 |
Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer-6 | 5.5-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel-drive | Rear-wheel-drive |
Power | 473 hp | 670 hp |
Torque | 420 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
0-60 mph | 2.8 seconds | 2.6 seconds |
Quarter-mile | 10.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 193 mph | 195 mph |
Impressive handling to match the near-200 mph capabilities
The driving experience is where the 911 absolutely nails it. Whether you get the base Carrera or the GT3 RS, each car will undoubtedly satisfy you with fantastic handling. Like the 911’s norm, the mid-level GTS renders the car’s exceptional qualities.
Central to the GTS’s handling qualities is Porsche’s advanced suspension system – called the Porsche Active Suspension Management (or PASM). The GTS features PASM adaptive sports suspension combined with drive modes like Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual to bring continuous adjustments and deliver situation-specific damping settings, making drives comfortable and high-spirited driving more poised.
The chassis also gets the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (or PDCC anti-roll stabilization system) to stabilize it at higher speeds and produce a planted driving feel. It works with the torque vectoring function to adjust the rear-wheel torque and braking response for more confident sharp turns.
Another modern feature in the GTS is the optional rear-axle-steering system, which further aids maneuverability by steering the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front wheels for improved handling at speeds below 31 mph. It then rotates the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds for added stability.
Sticky tires bring additional grip alongside the neck-snapping braking system
Porsche packs the 2023 911 GTS with standard Pirelli P Zero tires for enhanced traction on the asphalt. The car packs 245/35 ZR 20 28-inch front tires with 9.6 inches width and a 3.4-inch sidewall. The rear wheels are provided with fatter 305/30 ZR 21 28-inch, 12-inch wide tires, providing the ultimate grip to the rear wheels.
You get 20-inch Carrera S wheels as standard, with 20 or 21-inch 911 Turbo S satin black wheels as a no-cost upgrade. Also, there are 20 or 21-inch satin black RS Spyder Design Wheels if you want to bestow a sportier look.
The GTS brings massive 16-inch front ventilated rotors supported by six-piston aluminum calipers and 14.9-inch four-piston rear disc brakes, available with red and black caliper covers. Alongside the standard brakes, there are optional Carbon Ceramic brakes, adding 16.14-inch front ventilated rotors and 15.3-inch rear ventilated rotors, both of which are larger and capable of delivering the ultimate bite even when pushing to the limits on the track at higher temperatures. In braking tests, the GTS impressed by taking only 99 feet to stop from 60 mph.
The GTS’ cabin melds sportiness, luxury, and modern tech features
The interior of the 2023 911 GTS carries Porsche’s typical qualities, meticulously blending aesthetics, functionality, cutting-edge creature comforts, and convenience features. However, the key thing we like about the interior is its functionality.
The dashboard design is similar to other 911 models but adds a layer of uniqueness with brushed-black anodized aluminum garnishes and yellow-accented stitching on upper dashboard parts. While the GTS is lauded as a modern luxury sports car, it stresses ergonomics with wisely placed physical buttons, making it easier to access while driving.
The interior seats four passengers with decent head and legroom at the front seats. As you may expect, the rear seats lack adequate space and are better suited for your smaller friends, children, or extra storage space.
Up front, you’re comforted with standard 4-way power and heated sports seats, but there are 18-way Adaptive Sports Seats with heating, lumbar support, and memory pampering you with a sportier driving posture. However, it’s worth noting that they’ll set you back an additional $2,820.
If you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can also get 14-way Power Sports Seats that focus even more on comfort. Alternatively, on the other end of the spectrum, there are 3D-printed full-bucket seats from Exclusive Manufaktur. For customization, the GTS lets you enhance the aesthetics via an Exclusive Manufaktur leather interior with a cost of up to $17,110 with 23 unique seat colors and interior color combos to add a bespoke touch.
Contemporary infotainment and safety features
While the GTS features a driver-centric cockpit, it doesn’t miss out on treating you with high levels of entertainment. The center stack sports a 10.9-inch high-resolution touchscreen running on the latest Porsche Communication Management interface, providing crisp and smooth graphics and user-friendly controls.
The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay but no wireless Android Auto. It also offers 3D navigation, voice control, and an eight-speaker audio setup. If you seek a superior audio experience, there is a $1,600 Bose Surround premium audio system or the ultimate $5,560 Burmester High-End Surround audio set.
The 911 GTS sports a diverse set of modern driver assist and active safety functions. You get front and rear park assist and cruise control as standard fitments. Spend extra (again), and you get Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Lane Keep at $3,020, Lane Keep Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition at $1,220, Lane Change Assist at $1,060, and Night Vision Assist at $2,540, providing safer nighttime driving.
Although the GTS is pretty well-equipped on other fronts, it doesn’t bring many standard active safety features, and you’ll require at least $8,000 to properly equip the car with some essential safety systems that are standard on similarly-priced sports cars like the Corvette Z06.
FAQs
How much does the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS cost?
The starting price of the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS coupe is $142,600.
What engine does the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS have?
The 2023 Porsche 911 GTS uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0L flat-six engine that produces 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
What transmission does the 911 GTS come with?
It’s mated to an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard, but a seven-speed manual gearbox is available on the rear-wheel-drive coupe.
How fast is the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS?
The 2023 Porsche 911 GTS coupe with the PDK 8-speed automatic transmission can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, offering a top speed of 193 mph.
What are the interior features of the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS?
The 2023 Porsche 911 GTS has a luxurious, sporty interior with high-quality materials and finishes. Standard features include heated and ventilated sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose sound system.
Is the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS reliable?
The Porsche 911 has a generally good reputation for reliability. However, it’s important to remember that any high-performance car will require more frequent maintenance than a typical sedan.
What are the competitors to the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS?
The main competitors to the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS include the Audi R8, the BMW M8, and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
What is the difference between the Porsche 911 Carrera and the Porsche 911 GTS?
The Porsche 911 Carrera is the base model, while the Porsche 911 GTS is a more performance-oriented variant. The GTS has a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and upgraded brakes.
What is the fuel economy of the 911 GTS?
The 2023 Porsche 911 GTS returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highways.
What are the available customization options for the 2023 Porsche 911 GTS?
Porsche offers vast customization options for the GTS, from exterior colors and wheels to interior materials and performance upgrades. You can truly personalize it to your taste and driving preferences.
Performance, style and emotion: the new Porsche 911 GTS
The new Porsche 911 GTS models announced today combine a focused driving experience with a characteristically emotive power delivery from a 480 PS version of its charismatic flat-six engine. These long-standing Porsche attributes are further optimised in the GTS with specific focus in core dynamic areas, supplemented by discreet styling features that underline the particular emphasis the car places on responsiveness and poise.
Inspired by the 904 GTS race car of the 1960s, the letters GTS identify the Porsche models that offer a carefully curated combination of performance, style and emotion. A popular model in the 911 range since it was first introduced twelve years ago, the GTS sits between the Carrera S and the GT3 in its specification, power and potential.
In the tradition of the GTS models, the 480 PS (353 kW) engine in the 911 has been tuned to deliver 30 PS (22 kW) more than in the current 911 Carrera S and the previous 911 GTS. The choice of a seven-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) is offered, and the car rides on GTS-specific suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), supported by the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo. Speed and agility can be further optimised with the Lightweight Design package, which saves up to 25 kilograms. This option will become available later in the year.
At first glance, the GTS is set apart from the Carrera models by the SportDesign front apron with spoiler lip painted in black satin finish. Both elements are not only reminiscent of motorsport, but also play their part in optimising the aerodynamics. The standard LED headlights, including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), feature tinted elements and add to the purposeful stance. The rear lights are unique to the GTS models.
The understated sporting style extends to the interior, where black is the dominant colour. Many surfaces feature the tactile Race-Tex microfibre which creates an elegant ambience that reflects the dynamic emphasis. A centrepiece of the dashboard is the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) which extends its operation and connectivity.
Technology: bespoke suspension and unique sports exhaust system
The turbocharged three-litre flat-six in the new 911 GTS delivers 480 PS (353 kW). Maximum torque is 570 Nm, an increase of 20 Nm over the prior model. Zero to 62 mph takes just 3.3 seconds in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé with the eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK): three tenths faster than before. A seven-speed manual transmission with a shortened lever throw is also available for all 911 GTS models. The Combined WLTP fuel economy ranges between 24.8 – 27.2 mpg, equivalent to 236 – 259 g/km CO2.
The suspension, derived from the 911 Turbo and modified for the GTS, has been adapted to fulfil the exacting performance demands. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) enables the dampers to instinctively respond to chassis inputs and feedback from the road surface. In the Coupé and Cabriolet GTS models, PASM is fitted in combination with a 10 mm lower Sport chassis (compared to the 911 Carrera). The Sport configuration comprises stiffer springs, adapted shock absorbers and anti-roll bars and a new PASM control. Rear-axle helper springs add further chassis fine-tuning, and the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) has been tuned to reflect the overall new dynamic properties. The rear helper springs are a development shared with the Turbo models. These keep the main springs under tension in all driving conditions, with rebound remaining the same. On the 911 Targa 4 S, the chassis has PASM only.
Porsche engineers have also adapted the braking capability of the GTS to match the increased power, by adopting the high-performance brake system from the 911 Turbo featuring 408 mm diameter front discs and 380 mm diameter rear discs.
The GTS models feature distinctive black satin-finished alloy wheels, measuring 20-inch diameter (front) and 21-inch diameter (rear). The centre-lock nut style wheels are also from the 911 Turbo.
A special highlight bringing further emphasis to the characteristic rear-engine layout of the 911 is the standard sports exhaust system with its two tailpipe trims in black; thanks to its GTS-specific set-up and the omission of some interior insulation, it ensures the 911 GTS makes a sporting statement, both at first sight and in terms of sound
Exterior: numerous black accents in silk or high gloss
In a continuation of the traditional motif that signifies Porsche GTS models, many exterior styling details are picked out in black. For example, the model lettering and the louvres of the rear engine lid grille are in black satin finish. In the case of the 911 Targa 4 GTS, this also includes the model-specific roof bar.
Additional elements finished in black satin include the spoiler lip, the centre-lock alloy wheels, and the GTS script on the doors. An optional exterior package, in which these and other details are finished in high-gloss black, can be chosen.
All 911 GTS models adopt the Sport Design package, with distinctive styling front and rear featuring black highlights, and special side sills. The GTS models also distinguish themselves with the mirror lower trims finished in exterior colour.
Lightweight Design package: less weight, more downforce
The dynamic potential of the GTS is further heightened with the optional Lightweight Design package, which will be available later this year. Up to 25 kg will be saved by the lighter carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows, and lightweight battery. The rear seats are also removed. Other performance enhancements include rear-axle steering as standard in this equipment package and additional aerodynamic details.
Interior: black Race-Tex and standard Sports Seats Plus
The sporting focus of the GTS models continues inside, with a balance of the aesthetic and the functional. The gear lever of the optional seven-speed manual transmission has been shortened by 10 mm, which enables slicker gear shifting. A GT Sport steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package with mode switch, Porsche Track Precision app and a tyre temperature display are among additional standard features.
The Sport Seats Plus with electric four-way adjustment provide lateral support and long distance comfort. The emotive vocals of the charismatic powertrain are also further enhanced by the partial removal of insulation. Specific interior design with Race-Tex upholstery underscores the elegant dynamic ambience; the central sections of the seats, the steering wheel rim, door handles and arm rests, storage compartment lid and gear lever are all trimmed in the microfibre material.
With the optional GTS interior package, the decorative seams are available in either Carmine Red or Crayon. The seat belts and embroidered GTS lettering on the head rests, rev counter and Sport Chrono clock are finished in the same contrasting colours. A further detail with the GTS interior package is the decorative matt carbon inserts on the dashboard and door trims.
New display and operating concept: now also with Android Auto
The new generation of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) makes its debut on the GTS and it will be rolled out across the 911 range. It features additional functions and significantly simplified operation. The touch areas in the Media menu have been enlarged and there is a new option to rearrange the tiles on the homescreen. The improved voice assistant recognises natural speech and can be activated with "Hey Porsche".
iOS and Android users will also enjoy full connectivity. With Apple Car Play® and now Android Auto, the functions of the corresponding mobile phones can be fully used in the new Porsche 911 GTS models.
MotorheadOne
MotorheadOne is scouring the internet for the latest content coming from car manufacturers and enthusiasts. Trying to add value and perspective to the marketing and hype bias. Read full bio