2022 Porsche 911 GTS (992)

Exterior

With the exception of cars like the GT3 and GT2 RS, the Porsche 911’s different versions were never over the top when it came to their definitive design. Those who are more familiar with the 911 lineup will distinguish between a 911 Carrera S, Turbo S, or a GT3 Touring. It seems the same holds true for the 2021 GTS.

Starting from the front, we see a new more aggressive front fascia with more clearly defined air intakes and vents, as opposed to the more angular grille design, we see on the 911 Carrera versions. On the side, things are virtually the same, except the new lightweight wheels, which now feature a center lock. At the rear, everything is familiar from the lesser 911 models. The only subtle difference can be found in the taillights, which are now clear instead of red. Overall, the 2022 911 GTS is both subtle and slightly more aggressive-looking than the base 911.

Interior

The interior of the 2021 Porsche 911 GTS is pretty much the same as on a normal 911. However, there are a few subtle touches that set it apart, like the red tachometer and Sport Chrono package. You can also opt for carbon-fiber bucket seats with red GTS stitching. Since it isn’t an all-out track-ready version like the GT3 RS, you will still get the full interior, including the rear seats. Like all other aspects of the 911 GTS, it’s a perfect middle ground between usability and performance.

Drivetrain

The last, 991.2, version of the 911 GTS was the first turbocharged GTS. It gave us 450 horsepower (331 kW) and 406 pound-feet (550 Nm) out of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine. For 2022, the 992 GTS uses the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, flat-six engine, only it now makes 480 horsepower (355 kilowatts) and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm). This allows the new Porsche 911 GTS to rocket to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, although Porsche has a tendency to downplay its figures, so it may turn out to be slightly quicker than what they say. Meanwhile, the top speed is 193 mph (311 km/h).

With the 992-generation of the 911 GTS, you can choose between the eight-speed PDK unit or a seven-speed manual. Power is sent to the rear or optionally to all f our wheels.

Prices

We already mentioned that the 911 GTS comes in a variety of body types - Carrera (coupe), Cabriolet, and Targa. The 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS starts at $138,050, which is about what we expected. For the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 GTS, you are looking at a starting price of $145,350. Meanwhile, the Cabriolet will set you back $150,850 and the Carrera 4 GTS Convertible and Targa 4 GTS both start at $158,150. A base 911 Carrera (991.2) has a sticker price of around $85,000, while the GT3 RS starting prices are in the ballpark of $153,000. With this in mind, the 992 GTS is a nice middle ground between the base Carrera and the GT3. Goal - acheived.

Competition

Jaguar F-Type P450

The E-Type’s spiritual successor recently got a facelift, after being around since 2013. Although the latest addition, in terms of powertrain options, is the 2.0-liter turbo-four, we are going to focus on the well-known and loved 5.0 V-8 variant. The closest analog to the 911 GTS is the F-Type P450, which has the same 5.0-liter V-8 from the R model but detuned to 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 428 pound-feet (580 Nm). However, whilst the 992-generation is a completely new model, despite the usual 911 similarities with previous generations, the “Jag” is starting to show its age, especially in terms of the chassis and infotainment system. In Europe, the Jaguar F-Type P450 starts at just over €90,000, which is the equivalent of just over $107,000. This makes it more affordable than the Porsche, but with a less-sportier chassis and a dry weight of almost 3,850 pounds (1,750 kg), it will not be a match for the 992 GTS. The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint happens in 4.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h). Power goes to the rear, or optionally to all four wheels, through an eight-speed ZF automatic.

Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Type P450

Chevrolet Corvette C8

Here’s an interesting one. The Corvette is in its eighth generation and it finally got a mid-engine setup. Just like the 911 is the go-to sports car in Germany, the Corvette is the go-to sports car in the US. At a starting price of $59,995, the C8 Corvette is by far the cheapest mid-engine high-performance car, you can currently get. However, in Europe, starting prices are set at €99,000. Even so, you still get a lot of performance, for the money. Power comes from a 6.2-liter pushrod V-8 with cylinder deactivation, providing better fuel economy, when you are not using the full power. The maximum output is rated at 495 horsepower (369 kW) and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm). This, combined with an all-new chassis and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic translates into a 2.8-second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Corvette C8

Conclusion

The new Porsche 911 GTS is almost here and is the latest version of what is considered the sweet spot for most 911 enthusiasts. Besides the mighty Turbo S, this is the most powerful 911 with comfort in mind and while many enthusiasts revel in the fact that the GT3 has a slightly more restrained Touring version, the GTS gives you plenty of power, without sacrificing comfort. This perfect balance is what made Porsche include the GTS in the regular lineup, instead of making it a swan song for every generation, in recent years.