2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe

Porsche is widening the top end of its Carrera model line and pairing the 911 Carrera GTS with an all-wheel drive twin. That means that the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe will combine the 408 hp top of the range engine of the Carrera GTS family with the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM).

Driving dynamics are not the only source of attraction. Economics are as well. Thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance the new all-wheel 911 consumes no more than the equivalent Carrera 4S version. Moreover the Carrera 4 GTS boasts an even more comprehensive standard equipment package compared with the Carrera 4S model.

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-liter, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. A wholesale revamping of the intake duct added 23 hp, taking the power output to 408 hp at 7,300 rpm. The special aspiration system not only improves peak power output but flexibility and power development as well thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. 236 lb-ft (320 Newton meters) kick in from as low as 1,500 rpm; the six-cylinder engine delivers its rated torque of 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) in the broad engine speed range from 4,200 rpm and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system fitted as standard ensures a distinctly sporty sound. It invests the new Carrera 4 GTS with an unmistakable acoustic signature and the rear view of its tail pipe with its unique black surface design lends it a unique character.

At full power the 2012 Porsche Carrera 4 GTS Coupe sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed is available as an option if desired. The PDK shaves an additional 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times from 0 to 60 mph.

In the Carrera 4 GTS as well, PTM all-wheel drive stands for Porsche's typical driving pleasure with even more driving stability, traction and agile handling. The PTM achieves this by directing the optimal proportion of the engine torque to the front wheels via a multiple-plate clutch. What's more, just how single-mindedly the Carrera 4 GTS is designed for driving dynamics is evident from the use of a standard limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear differential lock contributes to the driving dynamics of the electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.

Visually, the new 2012 Carrera 4 GTS model with all-wheel drive differs in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive: In addition to the type name on the doors and rear lid, the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional reflective stripe between the taillights. What the Carrera GTS models have in common is the 911's wide body, otherwise reserved for the all-wheel version of the 911s, and the rear axle track width that goes with it. In numerous other details as well the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. For example, they run on 19 inch RS Spyder wheels in black with central locking and gloss-lathed rim flanges fitted with 305/30 ZR19 tires on the rear axle.

Additional visual features include the Sport-Design front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Driver and passenger are accommodated on sports seats. Typical of the GTS, the emphatically sporty black Alcantara covering on centre panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid and extension are offered as standard in addition to a range of leather upholstery options.

The extra all-weather performance, visual muscle and standard equipment of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS comes at an attractive price. On sale this fall, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe will be available in the US at a base MSRP price of $110,200.