This is the new 473bhp Porsche 911 GTS

This is a new Porsche 911. It is potentially the only Porsche 911 you might ever need to read about, because it is the new Porsche 911 GTS. 

And if you know, you know. Porsche itself says: “Inspired by the 904 GTS race car of the 1960s, the letters GTS identify the Porsche models that offer a carefully curated combination of performance, style and emotion”. We’ve long said the GTS offers one of the finest 911 experiences available.

This new one then, offers up more. The 3.0-litre flat-six turbo produces more power than the 992 Carrera S and more than the previous GTS. There’s 473bhp on offer, and 420lb ft of torque (again, a small increase from its predecessor).

Like before, it’s available with rear-wheel-drive or AWD, and with either an eight-sped PDK auto, or a – hooray! – seven speed manual with a “particularly short lever throw”. Spec a Carrera 4 GTS with PDK, and this new car will do 0-62mph in just 3.3s. You really don’t need much more pace than that.

Suspension is ‘derived’ from the 911 Turbo and modified for this GTS application. There are adaptive dampers (dubbed ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’) and both Coupe and Cabriolet GTS models get a 10mm lower Sport chassis – stiffer springs, adapted shocks, anti-roll bars and a new PASM control. (The Targa GTS only gets PASM.)

There are also rear-axle helper springs – “a development shared with the Turbo models”, says Porsche – that keep the main springs under tension in all conditions, while the brakes have been pinched from the 911 Turbo. They’re massive: 408mm front discs and 380mm rears. Porsche also assures us the noise this GTS makes will be a special one: there’s a bit less interior insulation so it’ll “make a sporting statement”.

Visually, a few clues abound as to the GTS. Namely, the ‘GTS’ badge. But also black satin 20in alloys (21s at the back), black highlights across the body, and the fitment to all GTS cars of the ‘Sport Design’ pack.

Special GTS Things inside include that 10mm shorter gear lever (on the manual cars of course), a GT Sport steering wheel, Sport Chrono pack, Porsche Track Precision app, four-way electrically adjustable sports seats, ‘Race-Tex’ upholstery, and the new generation of Porsche Communication Management.

Later on in 2021, Porsche will offer up a ‘Lightweight Design’ pack. That swaps out the front seats with CFRP buckets, bins the rear seats, changes the side and rear windows with lightweight glass, and adds a lightweight battery. There’s also rear-axle steering as standard and “additional aerodynamic details”. In total, it’s said to offer more downforce, and a 25kg weight saving.

Prices kick off at £108,920 for the base, rear-drive 911 Carrera GTS, £118,720 for the RWD GTS Cabriolet, £114,500 for the Carrera 4 GTS, £124,300 for the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, and right up to £124,300 for the 911 Targa 4 GTS.

“A popular model in the 911 range since it was first launched 12 years ago,” says Porsche, “the GTS sits between the Carrera S and the GT3 in its specification, power and potential.”

So, of all the Porsches available to buy, which GTS are you going for?