PORSCHE 2011 - Porsche 911 GTS COME 2011 onwards

PORSCHE 2011 - Porsche 911 GTS  COME 2011 onwards 
COPIED FROM-cars.uk.msn.com
Model: Porsche 911 GTS
Bodystyle: two-door coupe
Engine: 3.8-litre flat-six petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual
Porsche 911 GTS

What is it?

The Porsche 911 is going out with a bang. The current-shape '997' version of the 911 has been around since 2005 and in that time has undergone significant changes such as a switch to direct injection and the ditching of the tired Tiptronic auto for a fabulous new double-clutch gearbox.

But the time has come to move to an all-new 911; the 998 model is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year and on sale early next. And so Porsche, proving once again that there's still life in the 997 even six years after launch, has blown us away with a last hurrah GTS version, the greatest, most complete 'standard' 911 ever made.

Where does it fit?

The Porsche 911 range is magnificent and also madly confusing. If you're not familiar with the various derivatives, let me explain briefly. The GTS sits above the Carrera models, the normally-aspirated two-and-four wheel drive cars available with two engines and as either coupes, convertibles or targas.

Then there's the GTS, available as above (except in targa spec and with only one engine choice), which has more power and kit and the wider body of the four-wheel-drive cars.

Then there are the extreme GT3s with roll cages, semi-slick tyres and tuned engines for those seeking purity above all else.

That's not forgetting the turbo models and the GT2s, which take the performance of the 911 properly into supercar territory with fat turbochargers and £100k+ price tags to match.

Without wishing to undersell its talents, the GTS is the middle-of-the-road 911. Prices start at £78,371, only £2k more than a Carrera S, and together with the level of kit, the epic performance and its everyday usability, it represents the best compromise and value in the 911 range.

Is it for you?

£78,371 might represent excellent value for money but let's not beat about the bush here, this is still a lot of cash. You'll need to spend some money on options, too, such as a PDK gearbox, sat-nav, ceramic brakes and a limited slip-diff.
You're talking another £10k there. However, it'd be difficult to get this level of performance and kit for less from any of its rivals, or find a sportscar that's as easy to live with on a daily basis.

The power kit, an option on the Carrera S, takes the power up to 408hp and normally costs £8k, so you can see already that the GTS represents cracking value for money. This also includes a sports exhaust system.

What does it do well?

The Carrera S's 3.8-litre direct injection flat six has been tuned to deliver an extra 23hp in the GTS. Changes to the cylinders, far too complicated and boring to mention here, means peak torque of 309lb/ft comes in 200rpm earlier at 4,200rpm for added flexibility and mid-range muscle.

Despite this surfeit of low-down torque, the GTS relishes being revved hard, with the maximum power only coming in to play at 7,300rpm. It's so enjoyable to take to the red line that it's all too easy to headbutt the limiter, though the lovely change in engine note as you reach the top of the range is a signal that it's time to snatch another gear. The noise alone begs you to drive it hard; a raspy howl that is unique to Porsche.

Whether you want to wallow in a field of torque or rev the cams off it, the GTS is a very rapid car, with 62mph showing in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual) and a top speed of 190mph possible. That makes it only half a second slower than the hardcore GT3. Choose the PDK double-clutch gearbox and the acceleration times tumble further still.

What doesn't it do well?

How do you feel about buying last season's fashion? That's essentially the problem with the GTS. With a brand new 911 along very soon your GTS will start to look rather dated, though be in no doubt that there won't be another car as well specced as this for the money. So it's a bargain, but with a tiny little sting in the tail.

What else is there? Well, the ride is firm and you can feel the suspension working but the upside of this is lightning quick direction changes, extrasensory steering, practically no body roll in corners and lots of grip thanks to the wider rear track. The GTS, like most 911s, is a car that feels alive in your hands.

What's it like to live with?

Forget the lack of rear leg room and the road noise, because despite these foibles the GTS is still a more practical car to drive everyday than most cars of this ilk. It is mechanically sound, will take a good thrashing and then whisk you to work the next day without a murmur.

The interior is simple but effective, the driving position spot-on and there's good visibility of all four corners to allow you to place it accurately on the road.

The GTS models are endowed with a standard black interior, plenty of expensive Alcantara on the steering wheel, seats, door handles and handbrake, and a new three-spoke steering wheel that has a display that lights up when you are in Sport mode.

Exterior visual changes over the Carrera S include 19-inch, centre-locking RS Spyder alloy wheels painted in black, a black front spoiler and side skirts, and GTS badges aplenty.

How green is it?
The GTS is relatively sensible and economic to run, with combined fuel economy of 26.6mpg and as much as 37.2mpg at a cruise, while emissions of 250g/km are just a couple of g/km above a Nissan 370Z.

Insurance and servicing will still cost you a bomb but for the level of performance on offer, it's worth it.

Would we buy it?
Without a doubt. The GTS is one of the best 911s ever. If you're not worried about being out-Jones'd by the next 911 you will relish the extra kit and performance upgrade. Better still, anyone who buys a new 911 receives a free course at Porsche's Silverstone centre to show you what it can do.