Amongst the Porsche 911 family, each member with its distinct personality and offering, the new 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet brings a bit of ambiguity to the family tree, much like that weird, hipster cousin who sits alone during Thanksgiving dinner (ok, maybe not that obscure).
Essentially a Carrera S, but with the bold, wide AWD styling of the Carrera 4 and the ambition of the 911 GT3, the 2011 Carrera GTS has certainly carved its little niche — with progressive styling and 408 horsepower of natural power. This niche certainly cannot be ignored.
If you’re in the market for a Porsche Carrera S rear-wheel drive (and the GT3 is out of the question…sorry dude), you should seriously consider the new 2011 Porsche Carrera GTS. Why? A) For an extra $7600 or so (coupe not cab), you’re getting substantially more, both in power and design for overall impact, and B) You probably didn’t know the Carrera GTS even existed, so it only makes sense.
Carrera GTS Options
The Carrera GTS is available in both coupe and cabriolet forms. The cab starts at $128,800 CDN MSRP with a six-speed transmission as standard. My GTS came with the optional seven-speed PDK for $4930. Other options on this Carrera GTS include:
- Automatically dimming lights, $480
- Heated seats, $600
- Dynamic corning lights, $790
- Sport Chrono Package Plus, $1690
- Extended Navigation Module, $2410
- BOSE Surround Sound System, $1650
- XM Radio, $860
Plus, a couple of exclusive options:
- Rear section of centre console, 840
- Seat belts in Guards Red colour, 620
A convertible Porsche 911 with a 3.8L flat-six engine and over 400 horsepower
Powered by the 3.8-litre flat-six engine, the 2011 Carrera GTS makes 408 hp; that’s 23 hp more than the Carrera S. The maximum torque of 310 lb. ft is identical to the Carrera S but comes 200 rpm earlier in the powerband at 4200 rpm opposed to 4400 rpm. In addition, top track speed is higher, too, with the manual tranny coupe Carrera GTS clocking in at 190 mph, two mph higher than the S.
Zero to 60 in the GTS coupe with PDK and Sport Chrono Package Plus is 4.0 seconds. All this extra goodness without compromising fuel economy, providing the same fuel figures as the Carrera S.
Styling sets the 911 GTS Cab apart
No doubt, these power gains are significant. But it’s the styling that really sets the Carrera GTS apart. Sporting a wider rear from the Carrera 4 AWD model, including a wider rear track and wheels at 305/30/R19 (19-inch centre-mount RS Spyder wheels in black with high-gloss rim flanges), adds the greatest visual impact—though not “necessary” in this non-AWD model, it is indeed “necessary.”
Yes, this makes sense. Along with the black wheels and black top, other touches of black against the white GTS add huge, almost retro-chic, visual impact — dark details including the SportDesign black front apron and black spoiler edge, special side skirts, the vertical space between the tailpipes, and the small black Carrera GTS logo adorned on doors and rear lid. The cabin finds black Alcantara working alongside the standard interior colour as well.
The 2011 Porsche Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $128,800 CDN MSRP and the Carrera GTS Coupe at $117,600.
PROS:
- A Carrera blessed with the wider Carrera4 AWD body and styling
- Extra $7600 for GTS compared to CarreraS is worth it
- Exclusive white on black with SportDesign details look sharp
CONS:
- Pricey with options added ($620 for red seat belts?)
