Test drove a GTS on Sat... very impressed but waiting for 991 impressions.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/2...iew/#continued


From article...

"The GTS is the 997's swan song. It's everything Porsche has learned over the course of the current 911's tenure distilled into a package that's aimed at street drivers, not weekend racers. The specs aren't particularly mind-blowing and the acceleration doesn't warp the space/time continuum like some other 911s, but that's not the point. It's the best 911 today because it flatters and inspires. It revels in its parts-binifcation like few things we've driven. It's pure, but not unhinged. It's balanced, but not comprised. It's a rolling love letter to anyone smart enough to choose it among the scads of other 911 variants (a few million if you do the math)."


----SNIP----


"What about that 800-pound gorilla rapping on the door? It goes by the chassis code 991 and it's sure to receive accolades and stirring reviews when Porsche finally lets us hacks behind the wheel. But for today, the GTS reigns supreme. The ultimate 911 for the above-average-Joe more concerned about enjoying the space between A and B then posing next to his GT3. And judging by how the 996 is doing on the used market, you'll be able to pick up a GTS for a song when another 20 991 variants inevitably arrive. Mark your calendars and start stashing your pennies now. I am..."

 

from all GTS owners i know (4) none of them is even remotely interested in selling their car and they all had 997 cars before. i would not count on that, really, for GTS prices to drop.

991 got same engine GTS has, pretty much. actually, a bit worse engine as it is tuned down compared to GTS.
gearbox is the biggest concern - GTS has previous generation Aisin gearbox with clutch repair kit that costs $600 and with all its flaws it is a known enemy.
New 7sp gearbox is also made by Aisin but it is something totally new (a PDK clone obviously) with not so clear yet lifespan expectancy and not so clear yet clutch design with non-existent repair kits. If those new gearboxes will require same procedure for repair a PDK tranny has (to be taken off and shipped to Germany, that is) - then 991 will simply join Ferrari, GT-R and other exotics - track people will not need something that cannot be repaired cheap when out of warranty. So there are too many IFs there still. even IF new 'electric' steering will work fine.

 

Amen. I'm a little bit scared of this new gearbox.

Also, why would the author compare the 997, and especially the GTS, to 996 values instead of possiblly...the 993? The 996 is a p*** poor anomaly when it comes to 911 retention of values as far as I can tell.

 

I just got a GTS and it seems like it will be a 993 vs 996. The only thing that bothers me if the 991 has an extra 1k RPMs to redline...how did they accomplish that with the same basic engine design? but no buyers remorse

 

Porshe always does a good job creating an offering GTS variant that tears enthusiast apart when string down a new model. I had the same conundrum when buying my Cayenne S. Do you get the Outgoing GTS or the new S. They do this so the dealers don't get stuck with inventory they can't sell. Other car manufacturers could learn from this! Take for example Bentley with the new cgt. My dealer here is discounting CGT super sports by 100k because the new CGT is really nice and too nice to make someone pay for the old model. The GTS formula is brilliant!

 

I got my GTS in the spring knowing full well that the 991 was coming, but realizing that the GTS was a great blend of 997 Carrera daily drivability with GT3 edginess. And I've been THRILLED with her ever since.

And I have been very observant of the 991 and doing my best to tame any interest in one. While I recognize some of the advancements available (PTV, Dynamic Engine Mounts, reduced weight, longer wheelbase), I haven't been swayed one bit towards getting one. Now, if I had a C2/C2S, I admit that I'd probably be interested...but to me the GTS formula is spot-on. I can drive it everyday...and when I want to have some fun, it provides that much more driving excitement than other Carreras.

I know I'll be impressed when I drive a 991...but until there is a more aggressive 991 variant (probably after mid-cycle refresh), I'm sticking with my GTS...and maybe longer.

 

^ +1

Picked up my 2012 GTS four weeks ago. Can't see myself being even remotely tempted by 991 for quite some time. Every drive in the GTS ....

 

Do it! The GTS is a great 911 indeed... A lot of fun!

 

^ I will like my GTS even more with the SW by pass that I am waiting for

 

SW by pass?? Tell me more.

 

I installed the SW bypass on mine as well...all I can say is it sounds better than my stereo...what a great Mod.

Flip: learn more here

 

Diddo here! Extremely happy with this car,,,

 

Du oh! I feel dumb ...thought "SW" was for software. Thanks.

 

I love my 2012 GTS. I plan on keeping it a long time.

 

I just picked up my GTS today and it was really hard not to drive it a little hard....I know that It is still in the break-in period but when i did a few bursts....I puts a big smile on my face. I will be keeping it as much as i can