Edmunds editor Carlos Lago tests out the 2017 Porsche 911 GTS on the curvy mountain roads of Lake Tahoe. The 450-horsepower GTS is a bit more powerful, lower and aerodynamically cleaner than the 911 S. All the small changes add up to make for a more fun and engaging driving experience.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: This is the Porsche 911 GTS. What's the GTS? It's a variant of the 911 that sits above the S, but isn't quite as fast as the GT 3 or turbo models. Simply, this model combines a lot of the go fast options that you can get on the 911 S and some on the 911, as well. It's a little bit more powerful. It's a little bit lower. It's a bit cleaner air dynamically. It's a lot of small incremental changes that add up to make a more engaging, more fun driving experience, and it's a bit faster too. You have 450 horsepower now, credited to larger turbochargers that make more boost. You've got unique wheels. The ones in the rear are actually wider than wheels you can get on any other 911. They look like the Turbo S wheels, but they're actually black instead of the silver that you would get on the other models. The big difference that isn't that big at all is that rear drive models get the wider body from the four wheel drive models. Now, you can get GTS on rear all wheel drive coupe convertible targa, with the automatic, with the manual, with-- there's plenty of ways to order this car, but when you get it with the rear drive, you get the wider body from the four wheel drive model. And that means wider rear tracks, the rear wheels are a little bit further apart. Now, that may seem like a small thing, but that's the degree. It speaks to the level that Porsche keeps honing and refining and tuning these cars. And the GTS represents that focus. These are not huge comprehensive changes. They're slight additions that make the experience a little bit more exciting. What's the attraction to the GTS package then? The option, as Porsche points out, is that similarly equips this, versus a comfortable equipped 911 S, this is about 10% cheaper. When Porsche went to turbocharged flat 6s and all of its models, we were kind of worried that they would lose some of the excitement that we had come to know from revving one of these things out, but in this version with more power, it makes for an engine that feels broadly powerful and very brawny, regardless of where you're at in the RPM range of the tack. At low speeds when you're commuting around town dipping in the throttle produces a substantial acceleration. And when you really start getting into the middle range, it's really rewarding too. Credits revving this thing out as the way it sounds and part of that has to do with the GTS' sport exhaust system, but again another thing that's optional on the 911. The sport exhaust gives it that-- a little bit of that howl, but more so of when you lift up the throttle, you get the sounds of deceleration, the popping, the crackle, which makes-- always kind of makes you smile. It reminds you that you're driving something special and something sporty. Whee. And I love the way a 911 gets off of a corner. There's traction. There's confidence. There's power. There's a lot of-- just a lot of excitement and fun. And the real crucial thing about 911s is that they had that capability, no matter how you're driving them. If you're driving this car to work, you're still going to enjoy it at low speeds. When you're driving hard on a mountain road, it's going to be thrilling and exciting. And when you're driving it on a race track, it has all the capability you could want, regardless of your driving skill. This is a car that you can learn with as time goes on. This is something that you could experience and appreciate more and more the longer you own it. So that's the Porsche 911 GTS. Thank you guys for watching. If you want to see more, keep it tuned right here. [MUSIC PLAYING]
The 2017 Porsche 911 is available in a dizzying variety of configurations that range from truly quick to super fast and blindingly speedy. And for the first time virtually all 911s ? with a spectacular exception ? are turbocharged. That's right, even the base 911, the regular old Carrera, has two turbochargers heaving air into its horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. And, yes, that engine is still hanging off the back of the 911 where physics says it shouldn't be ? and Porsche's engineers make it work brilliantly anyhow.
To keep things confusing, the glorious 911 Turbo continues as the superstar of the Porsche 911 galaxy. We'll get back to that heavenly body in a few paragraphs.
Designed from scratch for the 2017 model year, the engine in the Carrera is still a six-cylinder, but the displacement is now 3.0 liters (down from last year's non-turbocharged 3.4 liters), and thanks to its turbochargers, horsepower has risen from 350 horsepower to a mighty 370 hp. And it gets better fuel mileage. Move up to the Carrera S model with its larger turbos and advanced exhaust system, and the output of the 3.0-liter six rises to a spine-tingling 420 hp.
As before, the Carrera and Carrera S models are rear-wheel-drive, while the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are all-wheel-drive. All the Carreras are available with either a seven-speed manual transmission or Porsche's Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Carreras are offered as coupes, cabriolet convertibles or the retractable-roof Targa 4 and Targa 4S. The styling has been tweaked for 2017, but not too much. After all, a 911 has to look like a 911.
And then there are the Turbos. Using a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder, the Turbo models are rated at 540 hp; the Turbo S gets larger turbos that fortify the engine up to 580 hp. They are available as coupes or cabriolets and feature all-wheel drive. The Turbos are simply some of the quickest and fastest cars available at any price. And the price is high.
OK, the non-turbocharged exceptions are the 911 GT3, the 911 GT3 RS and the 911R. The latter two use a 4.0-liter six-cylinder that's never been near a turbocharger but slams out an utterly exhilarating 500 hp. The GT3 models are narrowly focused on track performance, while the 911R is a limited edition (only 991 units to be made) designed for the Porsche purist who wants an undiluted 911 experience. None of them are cheap.
The EPA rates the 2017 911 Carrera coupe with the PDK dual-clutch automatic at 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway) and the mighty 911 Turbo S cabriolet at 21 mpg combined (19 city/24 highway). The narrowly focused GT3 and 911R models get considerably lower mileage than that.
Beyond just the right engine and body, Porsche offers a blizzard of expensive options. Use the buying tools on Edmunds to find the right 2017 Porsche 911 for you. 2017 porsche 911 gts first drive
The problem with a car like the Porsche 911 is that at some point you have to make it better. That hasn't stopped Porsche, which for decades has continued to refine its rear-engine sports car. The resulting stream of constant, sometimes incremental updates almost define the 911. Today, the result is one of the best sports cars money can buy.
Yet, the improvements must continue. Like all sports cars, the 911 could always be a little more powerful, it could handle a little more sharply, its bodywork could reap better aerodynamic benefits, and so on. Porsche provides options for the base and S 911 variants that do these things, but what if they were standard equipment? And how about for a slight discount? That's the 911 GTS.
It's in the Details
The GTS trim is available on Carrera coupe and Cabriolet (convertible) models, as well as the power-retractable hardtop Targa model. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed manual are standard, save for the Targa, which is all-wheel-drive only. Regardless of roof type or the number of drive wheels, all GTS models come standard with go-fast upgrades that are optional on lesser 911s. Larger turbochargers develop more boost and help increase engine output to 450 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The SportDesign front bumper and rear spoiler reduce lift, a standard sport exhaust gives the engine bigger lungs, and the interior comes wrapped with Alcantara simulated suede.
Aside from the requisite logos and black exterior trim, the GTS also has a few upgrades you can't get on other 911s, though they're subtle enough that only aficionados might notice. Coupes come with a 0.4-inch-lower suspension (standard ride height is available at no cost), and rear-drive models use the 1.7-inch-wider body from the all-wheel drive models, which permits a 0.5-inch width increase for the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, buyers can choose between two styles of satin black 20-inch rollers. Both designs use Porsche's center-lock system, with one large centrally located lug nut instead of the usual five. The design makes the wheels marginally lighter, but the special tools they require mean costlier and more time-consuming removal and installation when you get a flat.
More than the Sum
The changes sound minor because they are minor, which takes us back to the difficulty of improving the 911. What do you do next? To find out, we drove a rear-wheel-drive convertible and an all-wheel-drive coupe, both with manual transmissions, which Porsche expects how most GTS models will be ordered.
We learned that rather than transform the driving experience, the GTS hones the qualities that make the 911 so engaging. Crucial to that experience is an immediate feeling of familiarity. Settling into the soft faux suede-shod interior is pleasing, as is the absence of superfluous controls on the base steering wheel. A small dial on the bottom right adjusts drive mode, and there is little else to interfere with driving.
The first step after turning it on? Press the button with the image of tailpipes on it. While doing so doesn't seem to make the exhaust louder, it introduces some welcome burbling and popping on deceleration. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six revs quickly. There's torque immediately off idle that builds to a brawny midrange. And where many turbocharged engines stumble at high revs, the 911's builds in power and excitement.
The GTS feels faster than its 450 horsepower might suggest — after all, you get more horses in a Camaro SS. But many sports cars with greater power falter in delivering the confidence that ultimately makes a car and its driver faster. The accuracy and weighting of the 911's steering, the tractable power of its engine, and its chassis' balance provide a sure-footedness that compels you to push harder. The 911 builds speed deceivingly and shrugs off corners with little regard to how fast you've gone through them. No matter the skill level, drivers of all types will find easy enjoyment with the 911.
Pay to Play
The GTS starts at $121,750. That might induce some sticker shock, but it's a deal in the context of the lineup. If you were to option any 911 equally, the GTS would be around 10 percent less expensive. That makes it the sweet spot for performance-minded buyers who don't want the extreme speed or cost of the GT3 and Turbo models.
Alas, not every performance option is standard. If little matters to you beyond 0-60 mph acceleration, Porsche's seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission not only shifts faster than any human can with a manual, it also adds launch control and a sport response button that temporarily puts the car in its most aggressive drive mode for when you need to make a quick pass. A rear-steering system improves both low-speed turning radius and high-speed stability by turning the rear wheels slightly in and out of phase with the fronts. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control adds active anti-roll bars that continually adjust roll resistance through corners. Carbon-ceramic brakes intend to improve the life of brake rotors during super aggressive driving. And Porsche offers a track-oriented Pirelli Corsa tire that's sure to improve lap times at the expense of tire wear.
The necessity of these options depends entirely on the perceived value from the person checking the list. But no matter how it's optioned, the driving experience reiterates what we hold true to all modern 911s: You can't go wrong with any of them.
2017 Porsche 911 Overview
The 2017 Porsche 911 is offered in the following submodels: Convertible, Coupe. Available styles include Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7M), Turbo S 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 7AM), and Carrera 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7M). 911 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 911 comes with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed manual, 7-speed automated manual. The 2017 911 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Porsche 911 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Porsche 911 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 911 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Porsche 911? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Porsche 911 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 911 a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 911.
Vehicle Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7M)
Review Don't hesitate. The best car made. I drive it every day, and have literally no complaints. Traded in a 2015 911S for the new 2017. So light and nimble, and love the turbo. The new styling additions are just beautiful. Worth every penny, and such a joy to drive!
2017 Porsche 911 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Porsche 911 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 21 new and 97 used and CPO 2017 911s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 93888 and mileage as low as 10. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Porsche 911. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 4000 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 911 available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
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MPG
2017 porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7M), 7-speed manual, premium unleaded (required) 23 combined MPG 20 city MPG/29 highway MPG
2017 porsche 911 Turbo S 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (required) 24 combined MPG 20 city MPG/28 highway MPG
Available Porsche 911 2017 Trims: Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Turbo, Carrera GTS, Carrera 4, GT3 RS, Carrera , GT3, Turbo S, Targa 4, Carrera Targa, Targa, Targa 4S, Turbo
Exterior Colors: Black, White, GT Silver Metallic, Arctic Silver Metallic, Carrara White, Agate Grey Metallic, Polar Silver Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Guards Red, Basalt Black Metallic, Carmine Red, Carrara White Metallic, Chalk, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, Racing Yellow, Slate Grey Metallic, Speed Yellow, Carmona Red Metallic, Colorado Red, Cream White, Forest Green Metallic, Glacier White, Lapis Blue Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Porsche Racing Green Metallic, Sapphie Blue Metallic, Slate Gray, Slate Gray Metallic, Zenith Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Black leather, Black, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Sand Beige leather, Black Leather, Black/GT Silver leather/sueded microfiber, Carrera Red premium leather, Luxor Beige leather, Black w/Carmine Red Stitching leather/sueded microfiber, Brown premium leather, Yachting Blue leather, Agate Grey premium leather, Black w/Rhodium Silver Stitching leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Garnet Red leather, Black/Platinum Grey leather, Black/Stone Grey leather, Bordeaux Red leather, Brown, Espresso/Cognac premium leather, Espresso/Luxor Beige leather, Graphite Blue/Chalk leather/cloth, Graphite Gray, Grey premium leather, Luxor Beige premium leather, Natural Grey Leather, Saddle Brown leather, Stone Grey leather, Terracotta premium leather, Yachting Blue premium leather
Popular Features: Auto Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Trip Computer, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Alarm, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Leather Seats, Stability Control, Upgraded Headlights, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Navigation, USB Inputs, Bluetooth, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Soft Top, Automatic Emergency Braking, AWD/4WD, Parking sensors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Back-up camera, Mobile Internet, Heated seats, Upgraded Stereo, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Hardtop, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cooled Seats, Keyless Entry/Start
