Porsche 911 GTS

FIRST DRIVE Sports car gets an even sharper edge with more power and more grip

- Sean Carson

WHAT can you do in 3.6 seconds? In Porsche’s new 911 Carrera 4 GTS equipped with the optional PDK gearbox tested here, the answer is sprint from 0-62mph. And it’ll take you nearly as long to get your breath back, too.

As with the rest of Porsche’s GTS models, this latest variant of the 911 sports car adds an even sharper edge. The company’s engineers have released more power and served up more grip – to put the focus firmly on the scintillating driving experience.

The GTS uses the same 3.0-litre twin turbo flat-six as the regular Carrera and Carrera S, but Porsche has developed a new turbo that boosts power to 444bhp. Upgraded compressors also take torque to 550Nm, delivered from 2,150rpm-5,000rpm.

Inevitably, the engine in this force fed GTS will be compared with the instantaneously responsive naturally aspirated unit in its predecessor. And like the standard car, the same caveat applies.