Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Revealed Ahead of Paris Auto Show Debut

It appears as though the rumors of a higher performance Carrera GTS were true, with Porsche confirming that the more powerful model will debut at the Paris Auto Show in just a few weeks time.

The Carrera GTS takes the S model’s 3.8-liter flat-six and ups power by 23 ponies for a total of 408-hp, while 310 ft-lbs of torque are on tap at 4200 rpm (slightly earlier than in the S). Perhaps more importantly, however, is the fact that this rear-drive model makes use of the wider Carrera 4 platform, allowing for added grip in the rear end – thanks also to the 19-inch single bolt RS Spyder wheels with 305-wide tires in the rear.

Together this setup will deliver a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds when equipped with the PDK transmission and SportsChrono package. A six-speed manual will be standard.

Added design highlights include a SportDesign front lip, new black sideskirts and a black section on the rear diffuser. Inside there’s lots of Alcantara, including on the seats and the steering wheel.

Both a coupe and convertible will be offered, priced from $103,100 and $112,900 respectively.

Porsche Adds Expressive and Performance-Oriented 911 GTS Model

New Carrera builds on time-honored GTS name, provides increased performance and efficiency

ATLANTA – September 15, 2010 – With 408 horsepower (hp), outstanding vehicle dynamics and additional standard equipment, the new 2011 911 Carrera GTS ascends to the pinnacle of the Carrera model lineup. With 23 hp more than the 911 Carrera S, the new GTS – available as Coupe and Cabriolet – narrows the gap between the Carrera S and the 435 hp 911 GT3. The additional sportiness goes hand in hand with an economic advantage: thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance, as the new sports car consumes no more fuel than the 911 Carrera S. It also provides comprehensive list of additional standard equipment. The 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Athletic, Muscular Design Statement

Unique within the Carrera family, the 911 Carrera GTS combines the 44 millimeter wider Carrera 4 body of the AWD models, including a wider rear track and wheels, with rear-wheel drive. There are many more details which distinguish the appearance and technology of a GTS from other Carrera models, for instance, the GTS runs on 19-inch center-mount RS Spyder wheels, painted black, with high-gloss rim flanges and 305/30 R 19 tires on the rear axle.

Other visual features include the SportDesign front apron with black spoiler edge, special sideskirts, also in black, and the Carrera GTS logotype on doors and rear lid, in black or silver depending on the body color. The area between the two tailpipes in the rear is also black. In combination with the standard interior color “black Alcantara”, the center sections of the driver and passenger sport seats are covered with black Alcantara and the high-quality Alcantara is also used wherever driver and passenger come in direct contact with the interior, like on the rim of the new three-spoke SportDesign steering wheel and on the gear and handbrake levers.

More Power. Quicker Acceleration. Same Fuel Economy.

Detailed attention was paid to the intake and exhaust functions in the 3.8-liter flat-six engine that now delivers 408 hp: A special resonance intake manifold featuring six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps switch between power and torque-optimized geometry compared to the Carrera S power unit with only one tuning flap. This allows for increased torque in the mid-rev range. Maximum torque of 310 lb. ft. (420 Nm) is unchanged, but is available at 4,200 rpm; 200 rpm earlier when compared with the Carrera S. Additionally, a sport exhaust system with two dual-tipped tailpipes with their outer shells painted black with polished inner tubes comes standard.

The Carrera GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available. In comparison with the Carrera S, top track speed for manual transmission Coupe rises by two mph to 190 (306 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 is 4.0 seconds for the GTS Coupe with PDK and Sport Chrono Package Plus. And the new Carrera GTS will offer fuel economy of up to 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

In the U.S., the 911 Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet will be available beginning in early 2011 and MSRP will be $103,100 and $112,900 respectively.