The shifter exhibits a ropeyness typical of its cable-actuated mechanism, but it offers short throws and feels damn-near perfect - even when drivers rush it. The clutch is positive, heavy and engaging, too. These two components feel naturally well-matched to one another and work with ideal pedal placement for easy heel-and-toe work, as required.
Track ready
With the engine in back, the 911 GTS boasts an extremely sticky and planted backside and a lightweight front end that eagerly darts into bends with minimal effort. Nearing its cornering limits, the rear squirms gently to tell drivers they're pushing their luck - but this is ultimately a performance car with heaps of talent put right at your disposal from the get go.
Pushed, the 911 GTS is always dancing, darting, wriggling and up to something. It's active, lively and talkative. Thing is, the 911 GTS pulls all of this off without completely ruining the around-town ride. In fact, a button electronically stiffens and softens the shocks at the driver's discretion.
The heavy shift action and steering mean drivers use some effort to drive the GTS hard, but they'll be wearing a massive smile on their face the entire time. It all sucks you right into the experience.
Alternatives?
Sure. There are faster, grippier and more powerful cars available for the money. A Shelby GT500 Mustang would probably dust the 911 GTS in a drag race and leave enough cash in its owner's pocket to buy another one for the wife. A Nissan GT-R probably boasts better track times and will leave enough cash behind for a hefty supply of brake pads and tires. A BMW 1M is about 90 percent as much fun to drive for less than half the money.
Thing is, it's no single aspect of the 911 GTS that makes it appealing. Instead, it's the way the acceleration, sound, shifting, handling and braking all come together at your fingertips. It just feels right: naturally athletic, effortlessly quick, and absolutely track-ready. Porsche doesn't hop up models from a mainstream product lineup. They only build performance cars, and it sort of shows here.
Track ready
With the engine in back, the 911 GTS boasts an extremely sticky and planted backside and a lightweight front end that eagerly darts into bends with minimal effort. Nearing its cornering limits, the rear squirms gently to tell drivers they're pushing their luck - but this is ultimately a performance car with heaps of talent put right at your disposal from the get go.
Pushed, the 911 GTS is always dancing, darting, wriggling and up to something. It's active, lively and talkative. Thing is, the 911 GTS pulls all of this off without completely ruining the around-town ride. In fact, a button electronically stiffens and softens the shocks at the driver's discretion.
The heavy shift action and steering mean drivers use some effort to drive the GTS hard, but they'll be wearing a massive smile on their face the entire time. It all sucks you right into the experience.
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| Nearing its cornering limits, the rear squirms gently to tell drivers they're pushing their luck. (Photo: Porsche) |
Alternatives?
Sure. There are faster, grippier and more powerful cars available for the money. A Shelby GT500 Mustang would probably dust the 911 GTS in a drag race and leave enough cash in its owner's pocket to buy another one for the wife. A Nissan GT-R probably boasts better track times and will leave enough cash behind for a hefty supply of brake pads and tires. A BMW 1M is about 90 percent as much fun to drive for less than half the money.
Thing is, it's no single aspect of the 911 GTS that makes it appealing. Instead, it's the way the acceleration, sound, shifting, handling and braking all come together at your fingertips. It just feels right: naturally athletic, effortlessly quick, and absolutely track-ready. Porsche doesn't hop up models from a mainstream product lineup. They only build performance cars, and it sort of shows here.