Congrats on your *****! Who knew PAG was into the ED business?

 

HAHA! 😂

 

I'd be very interested in a handling dynamics comparison between the GTS and TT/TTS with SPASM, since it looks like they share the same suspension and braking components. I also wonder if the AWD system in the Turbo works differently from the optional AWD offered on Carrera models.

As far as I know, the Turbo models are further differentiated by their wider body, more aggressive aero (though I'm not sure how much downforce it produces...), and the unique 10-piston PCCB option in the TTS. The Carrera models are differentiated by the availability of RWD, the extended-range fuel tank with RWD, and a manual transmission. I've spent a couple of days carving canyons with a TTS equipped with SPASM and only test-driven a GTS so far.

Outside of the AWD stability (like others said, it's very well-tuned to feel like an RWD car with extra traction--compare the R35 GT-R) and the perceivable extra weight of the TTS, its 3.8 has a noticeable boost threshold around 3000 RPM. Despite having minimal lag once the threshold is reached, it's tuned to feel like an old-school boosted engine and feels uniquely characterful to me--you can even clearly hear the "whoosh" sounds I associate with compressor surge, unlike in the Carreras. It's the only "reasonably attainable" ICE car I can think of that can produce acceleration G-forces comparable to a high-performance EV (Plaid, etc.) after crossing that threshold, and the powerband on boost is linear and easy to modulate as long as you keep RPMs over 3000. The interior noise levels are quite comparable to the standard Carreras (actually quieter if anything) and the car only feels like an "event" when driven aggressively; under 3000 rpm or so, I don't think it felt much different from the various standard Carrera models I've test-driven. I'm sure the Lightweight Package would change that with the reduced sound deadening and LWB seats, though.

The GTS, like the other Carrera models with the 3.0, is tuned to feel linear with a very low boost threshold (in the style of modern TT V8 Ferraris), so it's arguably more responsive than the 3.8 under 3000 rpm despite the lower displacement but lacks the visceral "shove" of the bigger motor. The GTS specifically has noticeably more engine noise in the interior from the reduced sound deadening and a uniquely pleasing sound around 7000rpm; it's more rewarding to pull to redline. You can absolutely feel the lighter weight compared to the Turbo, too.

I'll share more detailed comparative driving impressions once I've received my GTS and had the chance to drive it for a bit. Budget, looks, branding, etc. aside, from a pure driving dynamics perspective I think the Turbo vs. Carrera question boils down to how much you prioritize freight-train power delivery over other considerations. I wouldn't have said that before the GTS was released. I also don't think there's a non-budgetary or non-aesthetic reason to choose an PDK AWD Carrera coupe or cabrio over the Turbo equivalent, unless you actively don't want more power.

 

If you are buying a car based on numbers its far different from buying a car based on feel. I had bought a new 992 C4S in 2022, after a few days I did not like the dive it didn't feel right. In 2023 I traded it in for a new 992 CS the second I dove the car I loved it. The feel was great i enjoyed driving it. A friend of mine just got a 2023 Turbo S and when I drove it I was in heaven I loved it and I had to get one. I got lucky and my Turbo S is supposed to here in a few weeks time. For me the drive the feel is what matters. Everyone is different and there uses are different. I bought the car that fits my style of driving. Buy what you Love and will enjoy!!

 

Exactly this. If they produced a Targa Turbo S in a manual then I would move Heaven and earth to own one.
Targas have always been my favourite model and I still think it’s the best looking 992 out in the wild with the roof down.
I’ve owned a 996 Turbo S Tiptronic and I don’t want another auto 911.
The 7MT in my Targa GTS ticks all the fun boxes and the car looks incredible in PTS Amethyst. That’s me happy until they release a “Sport Classic Targa”, which realistically is not going to happen now.
The other 992’s I desire are a 930 turbo targa and a 991 Speedster but a 992 Turbo S wouldn’t make the top 5.

 

availability of 7mt+rwd plus aesthetically I feel s rear is already wide enough

 

I don't like the spoiler on the TT Cabs.

 

Manual transmission with 3.7 liter motor. Thats recovering the engineering and sourcing expenses across a limited number of cars. Plus a hefty margin that would otherwise go straight to the dealer.
0 to 60 is only 0.1 second faster than the manual Carrera S. Looks are subjective but it looks good to me. The cognac/pepita inspired interior is available in the S as well. Almost double the cost but likely a good investment if driven sparingly.