Porsche is expanding the 911 product line with the GTS models. From March 2017, a total of five variants will be available in Germany: the 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive – both of the above available as a Coupé and Cabriolet – and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive. 

A newly developed turbocharger for 3.0 litre six-cylinder flat engine increases power to 331 kW (450 PS). The engine delivers 22 kW (30 hp) more than the 911 Carrera S and 15 kW (20 hp) more than the corresponding GTS prior model with a naturally aspirated engine. 

The maximum torque of 550 Nm provides even better acceleration and elasticity figures. The torque is available between 2150 and 5000 rpm. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is included as standard on all GTS models. The GTS Coupés feature the PASM sports chassis, which lowers the body by ten millimetres. The fastest sprinter in the family is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé: With Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and the Sport Chrono Package as standard, it races from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. All GTS models feature a top speed in excess of 300 km/h. The frontrunner at 312 km/h is the Coupé with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. 

Despite the increase in performance, the GTS remains efficient – the 911 Carrera GTS with PDK, for example, consumes only 8.3 l/100 km according to the NEDC. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 188 g/km.

The GTS models stand out within the 911 model line not only in terms of technology, but also in their visual design: All of the vehicles are based on the wide all-wheel-drive chassis, which measures 1852 mm even on the rear-wheel-drive models. 

The new Sport Design front apron emphasises the sporty character. The front end is aerodynamically optimised. A low front spoiler and increased rear spoiler extension height further reduce the lift forces on the front and rear axle compared to the Carrera S models. On the rear, the GTS is unmistakeable: smoked tail lights, silk-gloss black air intake grille and central black twin tailpipes of the sports exhaust system, which is included as standard. 

A new black trim strip between the tail lights characterises the rear-wheel-drive models. The light strip is reserved for the all-wheel-drive models. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch wheels with central locking device painted in silk-gloss black, plus GTS logos on the doors complete the side view. The characteristic Targa bar, which is supplied in black for the first time on the GTS, also lends the 911 Targa a particularly distinctive look.

GTS genes also shape the interior. The stopwatch of the Sport Chrono Package is integrated as a central component of the dashboard. The Porsche Track Precision app has been further enhanced specially to coincide with the market launch of the GTS models. Its features include automatic recording, detailed display and analysis of driving data on a smartphone. GTS passengers sit on Alcantara seats with a new stitching pattern. 

The Sports seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests can be adjusted in 4 ways electrically and provide increased lateral support and comfort. Other features include brushed, black anodised aluminium trim strips on the instrument cluster as well as a high proportion of Alcantara, which can be found on the steering wheel rim, centre console and armrests, for example.

Porsche sets new sales record

In 2016, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG far exceeded its 2015 record. The Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer delivered a total of 237,778 vehicles around the world, some 6% more than the previous record. The key drivers of growth were Europe, the USA and China. The Macan and the new 718 Boxster had a particularly positive effect on the result. The excellent response to the new Panamera provides an additional boost.

“Our strong product range has enabled us to once again exceed the high levels from the previous year”, says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Porsche is synonymous with emotion and quality. The positive trend in the global markets confirms how enthusiastic our customers are.” However, he adds that exclusivity is more important to Porsche than sales targets. Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing, gives further reasons for this clear growth: “the strength of the brand and the exceptionally motivated dealership network, which we have continued to expand”.

There were 12,848 deliveries of the 718 Boxster, exceeding last year’s result by 9%. Meanwhile, the legend of the Porsche 911 continues: With a total of 32,409 models delivered, sales of the 911 once again grew by 2%, helping it to maintain its special position in the market for exclusive sportscars. The Macan reinforced its position as the best-selling Porsche with 95,642 vehicles delivered, representing an increase of 19%.

In the sales regions, Europe surpassed last year’s excellent result by 5%, delivering 78,975 vehicles. Germany remained stable at 29,247 vehicles delivered (+1%). Porsche has also continued its success story in the USA, where last year the company delivered 54,280 models, some 5% more than in 2015. After the great success of the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Porsche reinforced its presence in the key American market by opening a second site in Los Angeles in November 2016. China is once again the strongest individual market, with a total of 65,246 vehicles delivered – an increase of 12%. Porsche is responding to the good level of demand by further expanding its dealerships and it plans to open the Porsche Experience Center in Shanghai in 2017.

The coming weeks will see the launch of the completely redeveloped second generation of the Panamera in the USA and China. The shooting-brake version – the Panamera Sport Turismo – will celebrate its world premiere in March at the Geneva Motor Show.