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Motor Trend 2011 GTS road test 12/06/10

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Old 12-06-2010, 02:22 PM
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r2b2007
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Default Motor Trend 2011 GTS road test 12/06/10

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html
Old 12-06-2010, 03:09 PM
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gstahl
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They seemed to like it and hit the nail on the head with the purpose of the GTS (at least my view of the purpose).

Interesting configuration for the tester (and a bit worn it seemed).

One note, I originally had spec'd my GTS with clear tail lights then removed them I am not sold on the look (which these pictures continue to back up). Looks very toyota scion to me. I think I would have liked all clear or clear and smoked. Clear with the red seems not really get rid of the red color, yet the lights themselves seem to draw attention vice being smooth and blend in. My two cents obviously.

Overall, love the GTS (guess that is why I am ordering one for my first P-car).

Geoff
Old 12-06-2010, 03:13 PM
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91469972
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Interesting that the performance doesn't really improve vs. the S. Of course 23 HP isn't a great increase.
Old 12-06-2010, 03:15 PM
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You first Porsche being a GTS is a great choice!
Old 12-06-2010, 03:22 PM
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ADias
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Originally Posted by 91469972
Interesting that the performance doesn't really improve vs. the S. Of course 23 HP isn't a great increase.
The issue is that this X51 kit does not add a peak torque advantage. Peak power only helps for Vmax. The heavier rear and wider track does not help either.
Old 12-06-2010, 05:47 PM
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alexb76
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Originally Posted by ADias
The issue is that this X51 kit does not add a peak torque advantage. Peak power only helps for Vmax. The heavier rear and wider track does not help either.
Well, they summarized it better, it's NOT heavier btw.

GTS making a 24.3-second run at an average of 0.76 g - near spot on to our previous Carrera S time. All this despite a wider rear track, more horsepower, and just over 100 pounds less weight than our last Carrera S. What gives? We blame a well-used tester plucked fresh off a media event and already used hard for several thousand miles with virtually no refreshing. Slap a new set of tires on our car and we'd expect to see a slight increase in the numbers
Old 12-06-2010, 05:58 PM
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ADias
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Originally Posted by alexb76
Well, they summarized it better, it's NOT heavier btw.
Please read in context - this car was lighter than their S tester (build/options dependent). The GTS is heavier than an S with the same options.
Old 12-06-2010, 06:28 PM
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alexb76
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Originally Posted by ADias
Please read in context - this car was lighter than their S tester (build/options dependent). The GTS is heavier than an S with the same options.
Actually, it's exactly within the right context as you tried to explain why GTS numbers were almost the same as "S", and your reasoning was weight... which is NOT the issue in this case.
Old 12-06-2010, 06:46 PM
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ADias
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Originally Posted by alexb76
Actually, it's exactly within the right context as you tried to explain why GTS numbers were almost the same as "S", and your reasoning was weight... which is NOT the issue in this case.
I merely pointed that the GTS must be heavier apples for apples. My comment, rather, had to do with the improvement of the X51 being limited (no added peak torque), that's all.

The GTS is a great package if one likes that specific package. It is even better now, that dealers are discounting them. Go for it!
Old 12-06-2010, 07:06 PM
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gravedgr
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Originally Posted by ADias
Please read in context - this car was lighter than their S tester (build/options dependent). The GTS is heavier than an S with the same options.
Are you sure? When looking at the PCNA site, technical specs, both cars are listed with a curb weight of 3,131 lbs.
Old 12-06-2010, 08:37 PM
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ADias
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Wider rear means added metal. Wider track more metal and larger wheels. I cannot see how it weighs the same. Where was mass reduced?
Old 12-06-2010, 08:48 PM
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gravedgr
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Originally Posted by ADias
Wider rear means added metal. Wider track more metal and larger wheels. I cannot see how it weighs the same. Where was mass reduced?
Oh - so you're assuming. Perhaps you should learn to indicate where you simply guessing vs. stating known facts. Additions like "I think" or "in my opinion" help reduce impressions of know-it-all-ism.

Or are you suggesting everyone should take your assumptions as fact vs. printed Porsche information?
Old 12-06-2010, 09:55 PM
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ADias
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Originally Posted by gravedgr
Oh - so you're assuming. Perhaps you should learn to indicate where you simply guessing vs. stating known facts. Additions like "I think" or "in my opinion" help reduce impressions of know-it-all-ism.

Or are you suggesting everyone should take your assumptions as fact vs. printed Porsche information?
I do not know it all, but perhaps you do. I assumed that a widebody car, even if only 44mm wider, it must use more material - steel and other internals, and as such it should be slightly heavier. The rear track is wider, therefore the axles are longer, therefore they use more material. Yes, it is a guess but until someone tells me otherwise I think it makes sense, don't you think?

Note: FYI this is a forum. People post stuff here, many based on their experience. We do not have to regurgitate PAG printed info or lawyer every sentence. I, for one, appreciate what many post here. I see no need for the continuing overly aggressive stance some take, I guess when they do not like, for whatever reason, what they see.

Yeah, I think the widebody car is slightly heavier and more cumbersome to drive. It is my opinion. You do not like it but there's little I can do.
Old 12-07-2010, 12:06 AM
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For those 1/4 mile buffs note that the terminal speed in the qtr is 113. This is the best indicator of engine output. It has not changed significantly since the 997.1. What has made the car quicker is the robo tranny/launch control. The review mentions the GT3's terminal speed of 119. That is a huge difference despite what MT says. I do agree that it is hard on the road to use the GT3's top end but real hosepower shows in that terminal speed number.
Old 12-07-2010, 01:11 AM
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I'll take the wider rear for mechanical gripe when accelerating at the apex out of the corner.

I can lighten the rear end by taking off the heavy sport exhaust system for a much lighter Tubi system....or for something really loud the Fabspeed side muffler delete kit.


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