(2011 – 2012) Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (997) – Ultimate Guide
The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS combines a 408 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine with intelligent all-wheel drive that delivers a further exhilarating dimension to the dynamics of the iconic rear-engined sports car. The 911 was first offered with four-wheel drive in 1989 and the drivetrain has been a popular option ever since. Now, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS broadens customer choice in 2011, building on the success of the two-wheel drive Carrera GTS that went on sale in December last year. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder from the Carrera S, with the power kit added.
A comprehensive redesign of the intake duct has added 23 hp, taking the peak power output to 408 hp at 7,300 rpm. The improvement in the engine’s breathing not only increases peak power output but also its flexibility thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. For example, 320 Nm is available from as low as 1,500 rpm; overall, the six-cylinder engine delivers its peak torque of 420 Nm across a broad engine speed range from 4,200 – 5,600 rpm.
Fitted in combination with the uprated engine is a sports exhaust system which produces a distinctly sporty sound. Consequently, the new Carrera 4 GTS has an unmistakable acoustic signature, and this unique character is supplemented by exhaust tailpipes finished in a distinctive black surface design.
While the engine is identical to that used in the two-wheel drive Carrera GTS, the four-wheel drive version features Porsche Traction Management (PTM) to offer even more driving stability, traction and agile handling. The PTM achieves this by directing the optimal proportion of the engine torque to the front wheels via a multiple-plate clutch. Furthermore, the Carrera 4 GTS features a limited-slip rear differential as standard which contributes to the dynamic performance of the electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system, and indicates the driving focus of this new model.
The Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and the Coupé model sprints from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. If equipped with the optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, an additional 0.2 seconds can be trimmed respectively from these acceleration times.
While driving dynamics is the prime source of attraction with a Porsche, as is typical of the Stuttgart marque, running costs are also engineered to have broad appeal. By applying the principles of Porsche Intelligent Performance, the fuel economy of these new all-wheel 911 models is identical to that of the equivalent 385 hp 911 Carrera 4S models. For example, the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé returns 26.9 mpg Combined based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) with CO2 emissions of 247 g/km.
Visually, the new Carrera 4 GTS models differ in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive. In addition to the designation on the doors and rear lid, the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional reflective stripe between the tail lights. As well as the characteristic all-wheel drive wide body style, increased rear track width is added, a specification that is unique to all GTS models.
In numerous other details, the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. For example, they run on 19 inch RS Spyder alloy wheels in black with a central wheel bolt and gloss-finished rims; 305/30 ZR 19 tyres are fitted on the rear axle.
Additional visual features include the Sport-Design front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Inside, there are sports seats for driver and passenger. Typical of the GTS, the emphatically sporting black Alcantara trim on seat centre panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid and extension are offered as standard. Porsche Communication Management offering touch-screen controls for the audio system is a further highlight.
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