Posher than the average Porsche!

In the delightfully weird world of super sports cars, performance matters more than creature comforts. Buyers are so focused on getting their hands on the latest, more beefed up version, that sacrificing features is part of the deal. The easier way to boost performance is by making the sports car lighter and since safety couldn’t be compromised, the features to be yanked out are mostly focused on well-being and contentment. 

Nobody has done this with as much panache as Porsche, which has sold some of its 911 models without air-conditioning as part of standard fitment. In fact, the aircon was part of the optional additions list on the brochure. You have to fork out even more than the sticker price just to counter the heat of the engine, while your backside is getting cooked in an authentic racing seat.

But, for those that don’t like that sort of sweaty niche, but want a special edition all the same, especially one bearing the aura of the Gran Tourismo, Porsche offers its GTS models. Porsches are already finely crafted and tuned to provide its owners with performance that is way above par compared to the ‘commute’ cars. But, the German brand created its GTS model series with a specific purpose.

In Porsche’s language the GTS – Gran Tourismo Sports – signifies a purebred line. Cars that sport the badge are exclusive and road-legal, but can be taken to the race track and enjoyed even more. They are dynamically superior to other models in the same series and are built to handle the pressures of the track. Most importantly, they make no compromises in features and equipment levels. Instead, GTS models get special treatment and boosts in performance characteristics.

Porsche created the first GTS in the 904, more than 50 years ago. With the addition of new model series including the Cayenne, the number of GTS models too has grown to nine within five different model series. Each of these GTS’ possesses the same essential character of the model series, but represent a special step up in sportiness and driving dynamics. We drove three GTS models from three different model lines in one go as part of Porsche’s GTS experience in Stuttgart last month.

For a pure sports car brand that took a lot of flak for developing a SUV, Porsche can claim that it stands vindicated by the sales of the Cayenne. Together with its smaller sibling – the Macan, SUVs constitute nearly half of all Porsches sold worldwide today. The Cayenne is important even in the Indian context and its GTS model is exactly the kind of performance excess that a lot of buyers will love. How does a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 5.2 seconds sound to you?

All GTS models are offered in two signature colours – Carmine red and Rhodium silver – and also get similar black exterior treatment to identify that they are special. The Cayenne GTS stands out even more due to its sheer size and range of exterior trim. A special front apron emphasising its increased prowess, 20-inch RS Spyder design glossy black painted alloys and prominent GTS badging all around combine to make this Cayenne stand out. Like the other GTS models, the Cayenne GTS too gets black surrounds and a smoked finish to its headlamps and LED tail-lamps. Also, like the other GTS models, the Cayenne gets the sports exhaust system with black dual tailpipes.

The Cayenne GTS is powered by the new, smaller 3.6-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine that manages to generate a higher 440hp (than the earlier naturally aspirated V8) of peak power and 600Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic triptronic S transmission. With its ride height lowered by 20mm and with air suspension as standard, the Cayenne GTS is unbelievably sports car like to drive. Its size falls into you at the wheel and you scarcely feel like you are taking on those tight corners in an SUV.

All GTS models are offered with Porsche’s active suspension management (PASM) system as standard and a number of other electronic assistance systems, so that these cars are practical and remain useable even for your daily commute. But, for sheer driving excitement, the 911 Carrera GTS models are incomparable. In the line up, these are positioned between the S models and the GT3 race sports car.

Powered by the 3.8-litre flat-six petrol engine, the 911 Carrera is offered with either a seven-speed manual or the PDK dual clutch auto transmissions. The engine generates 430hp of peak power and 440Nm of torque. This is one quick sports car – acceleration from standstill is enormous and depending on the model can be as quick as 4 seconds for the 0-100 kmph run. All GTS models also share the same black interior theme with alternating alcantara leather trim, but with model-specific changes in layout and controls. The 911 Carrera’s cabin is a good example of the exclusivity offered in the GTS. The leather seats with extra lateral support, contrast stitching and the embroidered GTS logo are the best in the class.

We test drove these cars in Germany, starting out from Stuttgart and weaving our way through the fringes of the Black forest and driving through some really picturesque hillside towns. The roads were perfect for testing the dynamics of these GTS cars. The model that surprised us with its agility was the Panamera GTS. For a heavy, four-door Gran Tourismo, the Panamera GTS is extremely nimble footed.

In its special GTS garb, the Panamera is also a looker. The most special feature is the split rear spoiler that deploys when you cross 3-digit speeds and tucks neatly back into the recess just below the rear glass.

The other highlight of the Panamera GTS is its deep-throated, rumbling exhaust note. The Panamera GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8, that puts out 440hp of power and 520Nm of torque.

Porsche’s GTS models are a classy amalgam of true track-ready performance abilities with the everyday practicality that most owner/drivers here will seek. For more exclusivity, buyers can choose the Sport Chrono Package with its special Sports Plus button for an even more engaging experience.

Prices of the Porsche GTS models vary depending on the model and trim chosen and range from ₹1.1 crore to ₹2 crore.