2022 Porsche 911 GTS Inches Closer to a Full-Fledged GT Car

Since the GTS model joined the Porsche 911's multitudinous ranks 12 years ago in the 997 generation, it's brought with it a slight power increase along with a bundled collection of sporty options at a cost slightly lower than if you'd checked all of those individual boxes. Some of that is still true on the new 2022 GTS, which is available as a coupe, a convertible, or a targa, and is a $19,600 upcharge over the equivalent 911 S or 4S models. The coupe and convertible are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive, and the targa has only all-wheel drive. The extra outlay brings an additional 30 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque (473 hp and 420 lb-ft total, by way of 2.3 psi more boost), along with the 0.4-inch lower sport suspension (coupe and convertible only), louder sport exhaust, and Sport Chrono package (launch control, dynamic engine mounts, Sport Plus mode) that would otherwise cost $5460 on a S coupe. Plus, there's blacked-out front and rear fascias and suedelike interior trim.

But here's where the latest GTS deviates from the script, making it impossible to spec a lesser 911 exactly like a GTS. The GTS's version of the sport suspension gets helper springs at the rear, like the GT3 does. It also inherits the 911 Turbo's larger brakes, and of course the even-larger carbon-ceramic discs remain an option. Also, there's a new GTS-only lightweight package available on coupes that sheds a claimed 55 pounds—negating the GTS's 50-pound weight gain over an S or a 4S—by deleting the rear seats, installing thinner side and rear glass, and swapping in a lithium-ion battery. Pricing has yet to be announced for this package, which also includes the $2090 rear-steer option and a four-degree-steeper maximum angle for the rear spoiler. The revised rear spoiler along with air guides around the front wheel wells make lightweight-package GTSs the first to make rear downforce. The GTS also can be had with the $5900 fixed-back carbon-fiber buckets that have long been a go-to option on Porsche's GT cars but are available for the first time on GTS coupes.

The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic from lesser 911s is standard, while the seven-speed manual is a no-cost option. However, just like the suspension, the GTS's manual has a shift lever that's 0.4 inch shorter. It's the best kind of manual, as its positive throws add both joy and involvement, and it also has the benefit of being 85 pounds lighter than the PDK automatic.