Current Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (992) – Ultimate Guide
The regular Carrera 4S Cabriolet is a great car already so why should you spend all that extra money to upgrade to the GTS version? In this article we hope to answer that.
First, take the Carrera 4S as the starting point then, the GTS sits 10mm lower on 20 and 21-inch Turbo S centre locking wheels. Its chassis is effectively that of the Turbo tweaked to suit the lighter demands of the GTS, but the braking system is lifted wholesale – 408mm discs at the front, 380mm rear – and the GTS retains the Turbo’s ‘helper’ spring at the rear which keeps the main springs constantly under tension for better rebound performance. PASM is standard, and options include rear-axle steering, PCCB ceramic composite brakes (both specified on our allocated 4 GTS) and a lift system that raises the nose slightly to negotiate vicious speed humps and the like.
For the first time, you cannot build you own GTS by playing with options. In the past, Porsche offered an optional factory “power kit” for 911 Carreras, but things are different now. That isn’t an option for the 992. The 992 GTS 4 Cabriolet is therefore your only pass for accessing a version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six tuned up to 473 hp and 420 ft lbs of torque, while maintaining all-wheel drive and a drop top bodystyle.
Porsche has also decided to gift the GTS a more distinct and dynamic personality that can’t be duplicated via the Carrera S’s options list (even if you could get the engine, which you cannot). The downside is that the price has gone up too and ticking a few more options boxes can get the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet into 911 Turbo territory price-wise.
Think Turbo lite with the odd GT3 flourish thrown in. If that sounds somewhat conflicted on paper, I agree. The reality, fortunately, is anything but.
In the engine department, the GTS gets optimized intake and cooling and increased boost pressure, and that helps the 3-litre twin turbo flat six develop 473 bhp and 420 ft lbs which is 29 bhp and 15 ft lbs more than the previous generation GTS. The standard transmission is Porsche’s 8-speed PDK but, you can also choose a 7-speed manual. The gear lever is 10mm shorter than in the Carrera S, so you can faster and more satisfying shifting. The numbers are impressive. 0 – 60 mph takes just 3.3 seconds, the quarter mile is just 11.7 seconds and the top speed is 190 mph.
There is also an optional Lightweight Pack worth mentioning. This is another first for the GTS. The pack is similar to the one specified for the Turbo S and comprises carbon bucket seats, the omission of the token rear seats (useless anyway), less sound deadening material, a lighter battery, rear-axle steering, optimized aero at the front underbody to reduce lift and the rear spoiler angle and extension is changed. In total, that’s 30kg more downforce and a 25kg reduction in weight. Journalists said that they can feel the difference in testing, but I am just not sure why you would choose a practical car like the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and then take out the things that make it practical. Stupid. Don’t get it.
Exterior visual identifiers are chiefly black: front spoiler, darkened headlamps, wheels, GTS lettering and, perhaps controversially, a great swathe of rump plastic coddling the two large bore exhaust pipes (black) which, frankly, makes the rear aspect look disappointingly lardy, even if it facilitates extra vents so more intake air can be expelled. The interior’s sporty tilt again relies heavily on black. Apart from the seats, steering wheel, GT3 materials and brushed aluminium trim accents, black Race-Tex microfibre trims the seat centres and steering wheel rim.
Naturally, there’s monster grip from the all-wheel drive chassis and scope for some angles if you defeat the stability systems, but it’s the way the GTS transitions from mild to wild that’s so satisfying. In some cars it’s like throwing a switch, but the GTS bleeds one phase into the next. You can flow through to maximum effort or linger in the outer reaches of the performance envelope. That’s what the GTS is really good at. Being seamless. Making the dynamic contrasts and nuances to be had at seven and eight tenths as absorbing and rewarding as surfing the limit. No, it isn’t as thrilling as a GT3, nor is it as rapid as a Turbo S. But sometimes the middle ground feels just right.
Pricing for 2022
The Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet is new for 2022 and is priced at $145,350 (including mandatory destination charges of $1,350). You can add a bunch of options to the Carrera 4 GTS, but there is no need, we think it is perfectly optioned out of the box. Adding just a few options can push the 4 GTS Cabriolet into the $170,000 bracket pretty fast.
Pictures
Press Release
June 22, 2021
More distinctive and dynamic than ever: the new 2022 Porsche 911 GTS models
Five model variants are being added to the successful 911 range
Atlanta. Twelve years ago, the very first GTS version of the 911 was introduced – featuring a series of very targeted modifications that, when brought together combined to make a difference – as a more focused, more dynamic and faster 911 that retained the subtly and usability of the car on which it was based. Following a familiar theme, a new generation of the popular sports car model is being launched. More powerful and visually distinctive, and with better driving dynamics than ever, the six-cylinder boxer engine at the heart of the 911 GTS delivers 473 hp, which is 30 hp more than the current 911 Carrera S and 23 hp over the previous 911 GTS. Torque rises to 420 lb-ft.
The result of this extra potency is a zero to 60 mph sprint of just 3.1 seconds in the case of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe equipped with the eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK): three tenths faster than its predecessor. A seven-speed manual transmission with a gear lever shortened by 10 millimeters is available for all 911 GTS models as an alternative to the PDK.
The 911 GTS is available in five variants:
- 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, as Coupe and Cabriolet
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive, as Coupe and Cabriolet
- 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive
Joining the increase in power is GTS-specific suspension tuning with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo. Driving dynamics can improve even more through the optional Lightweight package, which will be available on the 911 Carrera GTS coupe models for the first time, saving up to 55 lbs. in weight. Setting the 911 GTS apart is black contrasting bodywork elements and darkened headlight housings. Inside, the interior features many of the touchpoints finished in grippy Race-Tex cloth material. The latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) brings numerous improvements in operation and connectivity. Technology: bespoke suspension and unique Sport Exhaust system Derived from the 911 Turbo and modified for the GTS coupe and Cabriolet models, the suspension meets exacting performance demands – with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters featuring as standard equipment. The suspension includes helper springs at the rear to help maintain tension on the main springs in all driving conditions, meaning rebound characteristics are consistent. As in the previous generation, the 911 Targa GTS is an exception, sharing its chassis with the 911 Targa 4S.
The engineers in Weissach have also adjusted stopping performance to match the increased performance of the GTS, which makes use of the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo. The 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) black, center-lock alloy wheels have a design derived from the 911 Turbo S. The standard Sport exhaust system is responsible for an even more emotive soundtrack, thanks to its GTS-specific set-up and a reduction in sound deadening material.
Exterior: numerous black accents in satin or high gloss
A multitude of black or darkened exterior details are characteristic of the 911 GTS models. On the 911 Targa 4 GTS, this also includes the model-defining Targa bar and Targa lettering. Additional elements painted in Satin Black include the spoiler lip, the center-lock alloy wheels, the engine cover grille, and the GTS script on the doors and rear of the car. The exterior package, in which these and other details are executed in high-gloss black is optionally available. All 911 GTS models effectively have the SportDesign package, with distinctive trim for the front, rear and the side sills. The headlight trims and daytime running light surrounds are darkened, and the car is fitted with standard LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). The rear lights are also darkened. Satin Black accents characterize the model designation, PORSCHE lettering and charge-air grille slats above the engine.
Lightweight package: less weight
Driving dynamics are further improved with the Lightweight package, which will be available for the first time on a GTS. Up to 55 lbs. can be saved by the lighter carbon fiber full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows, and the use of a lightweight battery. The rear seats are also removed. Other performance enhancements include rear-axle steering as part of this equipment package and additional aerodynamic underbody paneling.
Interior: black Race-Tex and standard Sport Seats Plus
The sporty details of the GTS models continue inside functionally as well as visually. The gear lever of the optional seven-speed manual transmission has been shortened by 10 mm, which enables fast gear shifts with a flick of the wrist. A GT Sport steering wheel as well as the Sport Chrono package with mode switch, Porsche Track Precision app and a tire temperature display are standard features. The standard Sport Seats Plus with electric four-way adjustment provide lateral support, comfort and convenience. The interior insulation has been reduced.
Numerous Race-Tex features underscore the elegant dynamic ambience. The seat centers, the steering wheel rim, door handles and armrests, storage compartment lid and gear lever are all trimmed in Race-Tex. With the optional GTS interior package, the stitching is available in Carmine Red or Chalk. The seatbelts and embroidered GTS lettering on the headrests, tachometer and Sport Chrono clock come in the same contrasting colors. Carbon fiber interior trim panels complete the package.
New display and operating concept: now also with Android Auto
The new generation of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) features additional functions and significantly simplified operation. The touch icons in the Media menu have been enlarged and the option of rearranging the tiles on the home screen is new. The improved voice assistant recognizes natural speech and can be activated with “Hey Porsche.” iOS and Android users will enjoy standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and now wired Android Auto™.
First deliveries for the US are expected in early 2022 with a starting MSRP of $136,700 excluding $1,350 for delivery, processing, and handling.
- 911 Carrera GTS $136,700
- 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet $149,500
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS $144,000
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet $156,800
- 911 Targa 4 GTS $156,800
