2015 Porsche 911 GTS starts at $114,200*

Wed, 08 Oct 2014

Purists often criticize Porsche for creating products like the Cayenne, Panamera and recently launched Macan, saying they dilute the true sports car spirit of the brand. It's an argument we've heard before, and one we counter with two points. First: No they don't. And second: These are Porsche's volume superstars, and the money they rake in allows the company to create dozens of versions of its well-liked sports cars. Want proof? Have a look at the gallery above, where you'll see four new versions of the 911, all with GTS badges on their rumps. This means Porsche now offers 19 versions of the 911. Nineteen.

Porsche offered a GTS version of the 911 in its previous generation, and this new one seeks to slot somewhere between the standard car and the hardcore GT3. It's available in coupe and cabriolet forms, with either rear- or all-wheel drive, starting at $114,200, *not including $995 for destination. The GTS Cabriolet comes in at $126,100, while models equipped with AWD will set you back $120,900 or $132,800 for the coupe or convertible, respectively.

All GTS models get the 430-horsepower version of the Carrera S' 3.8-liter flat-six with the Powerkit, which also includes the Sport Chrono package and the sport exhaust. If equipped with the PDK dual-clutch transmission, the 911 GTS will hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds (or four seconds flat, if you've got the Cabriolet) – one tenth of a second quicker than the normal Carrera S. The car's top speed varies, depending on trim or transmission, but Porsche says the car will hit anywhere from 187 to 190 mph, flat out.

All GTS models are based on the Carrera 4 body, with the wider track and flared wheel arches. The ride height has been lowered by 10 millimeters compared to the standard 911, as well. Standard kit includes Xenon headlamps, an Alcantara interior, 20-inch wheels painted in gloss black, and a customized GTS air intake. Black chrome-plated exhaust tips set the GTS apart from lesser 911s, too.

Look for the new GTS models to arrive in Porsche showrooms by the end of 2014. Have a look at 'em in the gallery above, and scroll below for the official press blast.

ENHANCED POWER AND PERFORMANCE - THE NEW PORSCHE 911 CARRERA GTS MODELS

Four new GTS models added to the 911 Carrera family

Atlanta. Porsche has revealed the second generation of 911 Carrera GTS models. The GTS models are available as coupe and cabriolet versions, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. These new models bridge the gap between the 911 Carrera S and race track tested 911 GT3. Several technical features heighten dynamic performance and driving pleasure, including the 430 horsepower engine from the Carrera S Powerkit which incorporates the Sport Chrono package and Sport Exhaust. The standard PASM active damper system lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared to the 911 Carrera.

When equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch transmission), the 911 Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.0 seconds) - which is one-tenth of a second faster than the S model. Top track speeds for the GTS models range from 187 to 190 miles per hour, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Despite quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, the GTS versions retain a similar level of efficiency as the 911 Carrera S models.

Added performance and an extended range of standard features make the new models attractive in price as well. Standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon™ headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and the Sport exhaust system, which delivers an unmistakable GTS sound. The Alcantara® interior features leather-trimmed sport seats with center panels made of made of Alcantara® - a traditional feature of all Porsche GTS models.

The exterior of the new GTS models differs significantly from the other Carrera variants. All GTS versions are based on the 911 Carrera 4 body with flared rear wheel arches and a wider track.

Also standard are 20-inch center lock wheels, painted in an exclusive gloss black. Special trim elements and tinted Bi-Xenon™ headlights accentuate the front end, while black trim strips on the customized GTS air intake and black chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes distinguish the rear of the Carrera GTS models.

With the addition of the new GTS models, the 911 family now consists of nineteen sports cars which range from 350 to 560 hp. MSRP for the 911 Carrera GTS starts at $114,200, while the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $126,100. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS will have an MSRP of $120,900 in Coupe and $132,800 in Cabriolet form. A destination charge of $995 is not included in the MSRP. The four models will be available at U.S. dealers by the end of 2014.

By Steven J. Ewing