Review: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

With a power output of 408bhp, together with dynamics and specification that emphasise the character of the iconic sports coupé, the new Carrera GTS shoots straight to the top of the Carrera model series.

The GTS edges out the 911 Carrera S by way of an extra 23bhp from its 3.8-litre direct injection flat six engine. But the story doesn't end there. Not by a long way.

Some very clever tweaking and tuning under the bonnet means that maximum torque of 420 Nm is available at 4,200rpm – 200rpm earlier than with the Carrera S – for increased low rev response.

Porsche has also upped the aural sensation by installing a sports exhaust system with two dual tailpipes to produce a more fiery sound. And those pipes look the part, too, painted in black with their inner tubes polished on the outside and nano-coated.

There’s a choice of transmissions. The standard six-speed manual gearbox will be the pick for those who prefer the traditional 911 experience of racing through the gears, while the PDK seven-speed automatic will attract buyers who prefer to let the machine take care of gear changes while they concentrate on the road.

Having tested both choices, I can't honestly say I prefer one over the other. Let’s just say that both are quite superb at shooting through the gears, with the manual gearbox edging out the PDK system for enjoyment and the PDK winning the argument for its virtually unnoticeable shifts.

Whichever you choose, this is a startlingly fast car. The PDK version of the coupé wins the 0 to 62mph race by 0.2 seconds, clocking in at 4.4 seconds, although the PDK with the extra sport package trims the time even further to 4.2 seconds.

Available as a coupé or cabriolet, the GTS consumes no more fuel than the S version, although the average consumption figure of 27.7mpg remains less than attractive and the CO2 emissions of 240g/km will hold no sway with the green lobby.

Unique within the 911 Carrera family, the GTS combines the 44-millimetre body of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models – including a widened rear track – with a classic rear-wheel drive configuration.

The result is that the front end of the reinforced body structure feels as if it might be quite mobile, until you turn into a bend and feel the grip it has on the road surface. Even on the most challenging of bendy B roads, it felt assured and rewarding.

That body sits on 19-inch RS Spyder alloy wheels, painted in black with high-glass finished rims. Further features include a front apron with spoiler edge painted in black, special side skirts (again in black) and the Carrera GTS logo on the doors and rear lid (in either black or silver, depending on the body colour).

Black features heavily inside, too, as the standard interior colour, while the centre sections of the driver and passenger sport seats are covered with black alcantara.

The luxurious feel of alcantara is never far away for the driver, appearing as it does on the rim of the three-spoke steering wheel, the gear lever and handbrake.

There’s an option for a full leather interior, but my advice would be to save your money and go for the alcantara, which makes for a really nice feel on the steering wheel.

Being a Porsche, there are plenty of toys to add to the exhilaration of the drive. You can summon a more raucous exhaust note, change the suspension and throttle response and flip up a spoiler, all at the touch of a button. The PDK version also features paddle shifts on the steering wheel and the option to shift the gear lever into manual mode.

Some might find the ride a little too firm for comfort, and certainly on potholed or rough road surfaces you will get an occasional jolt to remind you that you are in a sports car. But for the most part you will be quite cossetted in the tuck-you-in sports seats.

This is a handsome, exciting and thoroughly capable addition to the 911 stable, and at prices starting at £78,371 is certainly worth the couple of extra thousand pounds to step up from the Carrera S. It is also expected to be the most popular 911 derivative this year.

As an everyday urban carrier, I suspect that the GTS might become a little tiresome with the passage of time, simply because there is such a sense of speed and thrust even on the most docile of journeys. But as an occasional thriller, it takes some beating.

On sale now, there is a four-month lead time for sales, so don’t hang around if it takes your fancy.

Oh, and in case your Carrera GTS should fall into the hands of thieves, you can rest assured that it is fitted with a tracking system.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Price: From £78,371 (£85,249 for the Cabriolet).

Engine: 3.8-litre flat six petrol, producing 408bhp.

Transmission: Six-speed manual of seven-speed PDK.

Performance: 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds (PDK 4.4 seconds).

Economy: 27.7mpg combined.

CO2 Rating: 242g/km.