2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

When it comes to dreaming about owning a Porsche 911, there are just so many models to choose from. Even once you’ve narrowed it down to coupe, convertible, or Targa; there’s the standard Carrera, S, GT, Turbo; and aren’t they all turbos anyway now? And more. Well, take it from us, what you’re looking for is the one that can do it all, and that’s the GTS.

For years now, Porsche GTS models have essentially gathered together a bunch of performance options that are available for the Carrera S, and combined them into one cohesive package; giving you more performance while saving you a little money.  

While that’s largely still the case, with the help of vehicles like the latest 2022 911 Carrera GTS, Porsche is slowly evolving GTS into its own distinct model, and putting more GT than ever into the GTS.  

Available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive; Coupe, Convertible, and even Targa, GTS’ get 30-more horsepower from the Carrera S’ rear-mounted twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-6, for a total of 473. This is accomplished primarily by dialing up the boost from 16 to 18.6 psi, which adds another 23 lb-ft. of torque for a new total of 420, though Porsche also upgraded the flywheel to handle the additional power.  

8-speed PDK transmission is standard, but 7-speed manual is available at no cost; with a shortened shifter and a mechanical locking rear differential. Each version of GTS gets its own unique suspension retune, most lowered by about 10-millimeters; while all get upgraded brakes from the 911 Turbo. 

For our test, Porsche delivered a rear-drive Coupe with PDK transmission; along with added rear axle steering, carbon-ceramic brakes with yellow calipers, and Dynamic Chassis Control, to our winter testing grounds at Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway.   

Typical flawless PDK launch control allows for quick and consistent jumps to 60 in just 3.0-seconds. No all-wheel-drive grip to help, so you can feel some hesitancy on the car’s part to deliver full power on Roebling’s slick front stretch; but once momentum is established, it's smooth sailing to the end of the ¼-mile in 11.1-seconds at 127 miles-per-hour.  

Taking to Roebling’s 9-turns, the GTS stays incredibly flat, and the optional full bucket seats keep you locked in and ready to rock. Driving around a race track is essentially a search for grip and exploiting that grip as much as possible. Porsche has always excelled at enabling that pursuit, and the GTS’ 305 Pirelli P Zeros do a great job of transferring power to pavement.  

Also aided by another carryover from the 911 Turbo, helper springs that assist in keeping the rear end in line. Though we did experience a little more playfulness to the back end than we’ve experienced in a 911 in some time.    

This Coupe weighs in at 3,433–lbs., almost 300 more than a GT3. But, an available lightweight package shaves up to 55-lbs. of that if you’re that concerned about it.  

Though spending that money on some driving lessons, will probably be a more cost-effective way of dropping your lap times. And by all means you absolutely should take in some track day fun if you purchase a GTS; you won’t be disappointed.  

Inside, there’s a nice mix of leather and unique Race-tex materials; plus the option to have the rear seats removed if you have no plans for double dating.

Much-improved PCM 6.0 infotainment features a simplified interface; and while Porsche gauges have long ago joined the digital realm, they still keep pertinent info front and center for you to see easily.

Standard Sport Chrono Package means you get the dash-mounted dial, but also additional drive modes, active driveline mounts, PSM Sport, tire temp display, and Sport Response Button.  

Exterior upgrades start with the Carrera S’ optional SportDesign package, but then add to that satin black trim and tinted lighting.  Also included is a Sport Exhaust system with black tailpipes.  Porsche calls the sound that comes out of it “highly emotional”; we’ll just say it’s much louder than the typical 911, and yes is very pleasing.   

Government Fuel Economy Ratings with PDK are 17-City, 23-Highway, and 19-Combined.  

Pricing for the GTS Coupe starts at $138,050; about 7-grand more for the all-wheel-drive version, $150,850 for the Cabriolet, and $158,150 for the Targa.    

While it’s not quite a GT car, the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is as close as you can get while still maintaining that Carrera street-friendly feel.  So, with all of the 911s to choose from, this one might just be the best all-around machine, the one 911 that can indeed do it all.