KenTO

Hi All,

I don't have a Turbo, but I have ordered a 2018 Targa GTS that comes with centre-lock wheels (I love the new Targa look and would actually like to see it on a Turbo, but for now this is the fastest Targa I can get). I have the option of selecting 5-lug Carrera S wheels or centre-lock Turbo S wheels. I will track the car 2-4 times a year. Any suggestions on which I should choose, or any concerns with the centre-locks? I should also state that I will also need winter tires and wheels for this car. I currently have a 2017 Targa with 5-lug winter wheels and tires. I assume they are not compatible with the centre-locks. Thanks for any advice.

ipse dixit

CL are great. I wouldn't get another car without CL, unless the option was not available.

Some people complain b/c they change the wheels themselves and to change a CL wheel, you need the breaker bar and either (1) two people or (2) a lift or jacking up the car or (3) preferably both.

And, no, the CL and the 5-lugs are not compatible.

rk-d

Plenty of theoretical concerns. It doesn't really solve any meaningful issues. It's mostly there to look cool. Which is fine. Aftermarket CL wheels are few and they tend to be heavier than 5 lug equivalent.

I believe every 4500 track miles, the rear bearings, bolts, carrier have to be replaced. Which is alot of track miles.

I went through this concern and ultimately decided on 5 lug because I wanted to go with aftermarket HREs. I wasn't loving the stock Turbo wheel options. That said, the GTS CLs look great. If you have a local dealer, I don't think I'd stress too much about it.

ipse dixit

HRE will basically make any wheel they have with CL.

rk-d

True. But they will be heavier and more expensive than the 5 lug version.

I really like the CLs on the GTS and GT3. Just not a fan of the Turbo version, which is why I didn't get them. As a no cost option on the GTS, it's a no brainer, IMO.

But if you are decided on going aftermarket at the very beginning, I think it makes more sense to go 5 lug.

js9527

Get it. They look amazing.
For winter, get aftermarket wheel with snow tire, or simplily change tire only and balance it.
I live in toronto, so people with 911 turbo/s/any CL had to change to snow tire every year. Most of the owners just change the tire and balance the wheel. Some of them buy a set of aftermarket wheels as winter wheels. The OE winter rims are around 8k, looks "ugly"(personal opinion). I wouldn't order the OEM CL winter wheels.

Need4S

I'm into performance over looks, although I would not get an ugly wheel just because it's light. The CLs look cool, but I'd rather have lighter 5 bolts that I could easily swap when I wanted to mount track or winter tires.

ipse dixit

The CL's are marginally lighter than the 5-lug equivalent on the TT/TTS.

Need4S

Well then, get the CLs!!

rk-d

OEM yes. Aftermarket, my understanding is that this is not true.

But OP is not asking about aftermarket anyway. That was more my line of thinking when I got 5 lug over CL. I had no intention of keeping OEM on the Turbo. The added cost to an already expensive wheel was also a factor in that decision. Bonus was keeping the wheel mechanics simple and not relying exclusively on my dealer.

That said, if I was OP and was getting a GTS, I'd get centerlock, simply because it looks cooler. I suspect that 5 lug could adversely affect resale as well (though probably not significantly)

If I didn't have a local dealer, I'd stay away from CL.

worf928

I'll toss in my opinion that CL's are primarily for looks and 'because: Race Car', not function.

I have a 3/4" drive long-handle torque wrench already. So all I needed was the CL socket and the "removal assistance tool." Still prefer the 5-lug wheels.

GrandLaker

Definitely get the CL's! It's what helps separate the car from others in the Porsche line up. Never liked the 5 lugs being also offered on the SUV's and the Cayman/Boxster. Plus on a TTS Porsche gives you no credit if you downgrade to the 5 lug, that never made sense to me either.

Dennis C

I mounted winter tires on my OE center locks, and I'm planning to purchase a set of aftermarket center locks for my summer tires. Many companies will make a center lock version of whichever wheel you choose.

Hothonda

↓↓↓ This would be fun at night in the pouring rain and heavy traffic for an owner or the roadside assistance person wouldn't it?

Dennis C

Wouldn't ever happen! It's either tire goop or flatbed to the dealer!