Beastly 992 GTS Is Far More Than an Up-Badged Carrera S

Carfection dives into the new 992 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and tells us why this is far more than a simple set of optional upgrades. 

It is easy to get lost in the available trim levels with just about any car. So, with the introduction of the 992 GTS, we don’t fault some folks for overlooking it. We understand that it’s easy to put a mental block on mid-range trim levels that span the gap between a base Carrera and Turbo or GT3 models. However, you may be more fond of the new 992 GTS than you think.  After all, there is a $20,000 difference between the Carrerra S and Carerra GTS. So, what exactly does that money get you?

In a recent video on the Carfection youtube channel, host Henry Catchpole tells us all about the upgrades. Behind the wheel of a Racing Yellow GTS driving through a picturesque fall landscape, his arguments are pretty enticing!

The Ins and Outs of the GTS Trim Level

Inside and out, the GTS has a number of upgrades that pitch it more towards the performance side of things.

“Visually, a GTS is distinguished by the standard sport design package that will be most noticeable from the rear. Center lock wheels, a black pack…and black badging,” explains Catchpole.

He explains that GTS also comes equipped with a sport exhaust tuned specifically for the GTS. Additionally, the interior has less sound deadening on the inside, so you get a hefty amount of engine noise when you put your foot down.

Speaking of which, when you put your foot down, you’ll notice a fairly substantial jump from the Carrera S. The 992 GTS has 30 more horsepower, and 15 more pound-feet of torque than a Carrera S. This makes total power output 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

However, the GTS is far more than just a look and power upgrade. Underneath the car lies a whole host of further upgrades from the Carrera S to make its handling more sport-oriented.

A Perfect Blend of Sport and Street

“This has got a sport suspension, so it’s got a ten-millimeter drop. It’s got different anti-roll bars, different PASM settings. But, we’ve also got helper springs in the rear,” says Catchpole.

He goes on to explain that the helper spring keeps tension in the main spring when weight is unloaded from that corner of the car. So, when the weight returns to that corner, the tension in the spring helps it to grip the road once again.

Additionally,  the GTS uses the larger brakes found on Turbo models. Furthermore, a carbon-ceramic option is available for enhanced stopping power, too.

Most importantly, though, Catchpole mentions that the stiffer suspension and lower ride don’t take much negative effect on the ride quality found on the Carrera S. So, the GTS is advantageous in the corners compared to the Carrera S. However, it still can be daily driven without blowing your back out. Ultimately, this is the perfect middle ground for someone looking for a 911 to be both their commuter and their weekend car.

Check out the full video below for a more in-depth look at the GTS and more of Catchpole’s thoughts!