Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS has power, function

Porsche's 911 Carrera GTS has proved to be yet another potent weapon for enthusiasts craving power and speed. Now comes a touch of all-weather capability in the form of an all-wheel-drive model packing 408 hp.

Called the Carrera 4 GT3, the pocket rocket pushes out 23 hp more than the Carrera 4S. The upgraded variant employs the familiar 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder, and the PDK transmission is an option for enthusiasts who choose not to row their own gears. Tack on the Sport Chrono package, and top speed rises to 187 mph.

The all-wheel-drive system employs electronically controlled traction management. Like all AWD Porsche 911 models, the Carrera 4 GTS gets wider wheel arches in the rear. There also is a special front apron, black side skirts and 19-inch RS Spyder wheels.

The interior is largely black with Alcantara parts and a three-spoke steering wheel.

The coupe starts at $110,200, and the cabriolet starts at $120,100, not including destination.

PRESS RELEASE

PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 GTS – NOW WITH ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE

New Flagship Carrera ideal for all-weather performance

ATLANTA – May 12, 2011 – Building on the well-received 911 Carrera GTS with its extra power, visual panache and extensive extras for an attractive price, Porsche today announced the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. As an all-wheel-drive model, and when equipped with the proper tires, the Carrera 4 has proven more than competent for all seasons and all road conditions. The Carrera 4 GTS wraps an aggressive wide body around a long list of performance, comfort and cosmetic enhancements.

A GTS exclusive power upgrade of 23 hp over the 911 Carrera 4S on which it is based enables the 3.8-liter 911 Carrera 4 GTS – available as a coupe and cabriolet – to accelerate from zero to 60 mph 0.1 second faster; a Carrera 4 GTS coupe equipped with the optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus makes the sprint in just 4.0 seconds. Top-track speed is also increased to 187 mph (186 mph w/PDK).

The 911 Carrera 4 GTS features an electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system that delivers impressive traction and powerful acceleration in any driving situation. The electromagnetically-controlled multi-plate clutch reacts within fractions of a second and ensures optimum distribution of power between the front and rear axles. A standard mechanical limited-slip differential further improves traction and driving stability around turns and on varying road surfaces.

The 3.8-liter flat-six delivers its 408 hp thanks to a number of internal changes, including a special resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps. Maximum torque is available at 4,200 rpm; 200 rpm earlier compared with the Carrera 4S. The extra power is enhanced by a standard sports exhaust system with four black tailpipes finished with polished, nano-coated inner shells.

Like every all-wheel-drive 911 model, the Carrera 4 GTS features a body with 44-mm wider wheel arches at the rear.

It is also distinguishable by its SportDesign front apron, black side skirts from the 911 GT2 and a black panel between the rear tailpipes. Center-locking 19-inch RS Spyder design wheels, painted in high-gloss black with polished lips are a final visual flourish.

Inside, black is the dominant color, with the standard interior featuring Alcantara

By Greg Migliore