The Carrera GTS is our Porsche 911 favorite

Porsche

Frédéric Mercier

Friday, 8 September 2017, 06:42

UPDATE
Friday, 8 September 2017, 06:42

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The perfection is not of this world. Except that in the automotive industry, there are models who come awfully.

The Porsche 911 is a living legend. Well, she is not alive for real, but you understand the principle. The equivalent of the iPhone in the world of cell. But really more expensive.

Launched in 1963, it was able to survive the times without ever losing its luster, no real off-peak period. A 911, it has always been considered as the nec plus ultra of the automotive, the sports car par excellence. And what is most fascinating is that it has not changed that much in 55 years of existence.

Apart from the transition of the air-cooled engine to those water-cooled, the 911 has remained true to its roots. Put all the generations side-by-side and you will see that it has never really derived from its look of origin.

It has grown, however. Oh she has gained weight. Over the years, its gentrification and the thousand and one technology that he has built have been a result of his size as a youth. Of course, she has gained power to compensate, but it remains a problem that Porsche needs to address. The 911, and due to a diet.

On the road, it will. But on the track, its overweight is felt. And personally, I enjoy a lot more with a Cayman. Still, the 911 is a sports car exceptional, a sports car performance that you can drive daily without trouble major. Yes, even in winter.

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Versions to no end

You think you spoil yourself and buy a 911? You are not out of the woods. In Canada, Porsche offers 22 versions of its iconic model. 22. I know, I just count.

The grind of the “base” to the incredible GT2 RS 700 horses, it is easy to get lost. Very easy, even.

The version of GTS that I have tested is probably the best compromise you can make. More leathery than the base model thanks to its spectacular engine six-cylinder biturbo, 3.0-litre, it develops a large total of 450 horses. That is 80 more than the Carrera regular and even 30 more than the Carrera S. It is more than enough to make you go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and to reach a maximum speed of 310 km/h.

And 137 000$, it remains within the limits of the acceptable. For those who have the budget to afford a 911, there is a consensus. Especially when you know that even the base model is to pass the bill beyond$100,000.

Of course, there are 911 even more fragmented. You can push the note with a Turbo S to 580 horsepower. Except that here, it is well over$ 200,000, you may have to pay. And between you and me, what are you going to do with so much power?

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On the road

Throughout my past week with this car, I drove the Carrera GTS with the smile stamped on the face. And it goes well beyond his power. Drive a 911, it is an experience much more complete than that.

It starts as soon as you turn on the ignition. In the first quarter of a turn, the engine positioned at the rear starts to roar. It can be intimidating during the first few seconds, but it quickly becomes addictive. Very addictive!

The center of gravity is ridiculously low, the vehicle can take any curve with force without fear of ending up in the field. The braking system is more effective, as we are entitled to expect from a car as exclusive.

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The majority of buyers will opt for the automatic transmission PDK, and this is definitely not a bad choice. Except that the manual transmission seven-speed that equipped our test model has frankly managed to charm me. Yes, seven speeds for a manual transmission, that means a lot of work for your left leg and your right arm. Except that there is nothing like the feeling of change reports at its discretion.

Like almost all the versions of the 911, the Carrera GTS is available in two-or four-wheel drive. Our model was equipped with wheels full. With options, its price was as well to 168 550$. We will continue to save.

The Porsche 911 is a dream boy for me. And even if I probably will have never the means for me to pay, I have long wondered, what is the version I would choose if I landed in a dealership. Now, I know.

I want a GTS. And I want it red.

Technical data sheet

Name: Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS-2017
Base price: 145 700$
Price of model tested: 168 550$
Configuration : four-wheel drive Vehicle with engine at the rear
Mechanical: Engine six-cylinder, flat twin-turbo 3.0-litre
Transmission: Manual 7-speed or seven-speed automatic
Power/torque: 450 hp/ 405 lb-ft
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4 seconds (to 3.6 with the automatic)
Maximum speed: 310 km/h
Fuel consumption: 12,8 L/100 km (city) / 8.9 L/100 km (highway)
Competition: Mercedes-AMG GT, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8