Porsche boosts 911 range with Carrera GTS

As the 997 Series 911 approaches the end of its model cycle, Porsche has bolstered the rear-engined sportster's line-up with yet another variant -- the Carrera GTS -- which will take its bows at the upcoming Paris motor show.

It goes on sale in most markets early next year (commanding a premium of roughly five per cent over the Carrera S), and will be available in both coupe and cabriolet guises.

The evocatively named Carrera GTS is a bit of a mix-and-match special, combining the wide body of the Carrera 4 with an uprated version of the Carrera S's 3.8-litre flat six.

Some clever tweaking of the intake and exhaust functions bumps up power to 300kW (a handy 17kW increment over the Carrera S), while peak torque of 420Nm (unchanged vis-à-vis the S) comes on tap at 4200rpm -- 200rpm lower than in the S.

Porsche says the key to the GTS's improved breathing characteristics is a special resonance intake manifold featuring six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps that switch between power and torque-optimised geometry (the Carrera S's powerplant makes do with only one tuning flap).

The added urge enables the six-speed manual GTS to trim the 0-100km/h dash by 0.1sec to 4.6sec; and it's dispatched in an even sharper 4.2sec when equipped with the PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono Package Plus set in Sport Plus mode.

For what it's worth, v-max for the manual transmission GTS Coupe also rises by 3km/h to 306km/h. Despite its extra performance capabilities, the GTS's fuel economy is claimed to be no worse than that of the S.

Visual clues that distinguish the GTS (apart from the obvious decals) include 19-inch centre-mount RS Spyder wheels -- painted black, with high-gloss rim flanges -- and these are housed within the 44mm wider guards of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 (purists can nevertheless be reassured that the GTS is rear-drive only).

Eagle-eyed types may also pick up on the sport exhaust system comprising two dual-tipped tailpipes with black outer shells and polished inner tubes. Other clues include a SportDesign front apron with black spoiler edge and bespoke side skirts.

Inside, there's black Alcantara trim on any surface where the driver or passenger make direct contact with the interior (seats, SportDesign steering-wheel, handbrake lever, gearknob, etc).

All in all, seems a very tasty recipe...

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