What is it?
We’ve already established that the Carrera GTS is possibly the pick of the two-wheel-drive 997-edition 911s. The same recipe is also available as a convertible and, in both hard and soft-top guises, with a PDK dual-clutch gearbox. So can the ‘softest’ GTS still stack up?
See pics of the 911 GTS Cabriolet in action
What's it like?
The cabrio gains a few kilos, as you might expect, but it keeps many of the attractions of the hard-top, with the Powerkit (an £8241 option on a Carrera 
, plenty of Alcantara inside, the wider tracks of the Carrera 4S platform and the purity of rear drive.
It’s even a little quicker to 62mph in PDK form, and a very tall seventh gear gives it better overall economy and CO2 emissions. You get gearshift paddles too, incidentally, instead of the infuriating button set-up. Given that this car costs almost £6k less than a Carrera S Cabriolet fitted with the Powerkit and PDK – and it offers more beyond those options – it looks a relative bargain.
The GTS feels assured, but the real sparkle of the coupé is diminished. The modest power gain seems less noticeable amid the extra bulk of the convertible, and with much of the extra enjoyment beyond 6000rpm, you’ll need to be very committed to open-air pace if you’re to savour it.
The steering loses a little of its crispness, too. It’s accurate enough, but a little of the bite and keen turn-in has been traded off, perhaps to cope with the additional weight.
Of course, the PDK gearbox is fast, but it offers none of the tactile brilliance of the manual shift. At least it comes with proper paddle shifters. And a GTS with this transmission is marginally more refined at motorway cruising than the manual, purely because of a seventh ratio that feels extremely tall (it’s probably the reason for its slight advantage in CO2 emissions and economy, actually).
Should I buy one?
The end result is a GTS that’s less fun to drive than the coupé. But then, the same can be said for any roofless 911. So, if you are in the market for a 911 Cabriolet, the GTS is the best soft-top on offer. Even with the more limited effect of the Powerkit, it still provides enough extras for the money to be the value proposition in the range.
John McIlroy
Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
Price: £85,965; Top speed: 189mph; 0-62mph: 4.6sec; Economy: 27.4mpg (combined); CO2: 242g/km; Kerb weight: 1545kg; Engine 6 cyls, 3800cc, petrol; Power: 402bhp at 7300rpm; Torque: 310lb ft at 4200-5600rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd dual-clutch
Join the debate
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
yet another Porsche.. yet another ridiculous price tag.. whats wrong with the carrera/s/4s/turbo/turbos/GT2/GT3...is there any need for the GTS?
are they still charging extra for paddles on the steering wheel? or a multi function steering wheel?
It would be nice if Porsche could give us a design worth looking at for once as well! no better than looking at the new SE 5 series
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
The Great british public love convertibles, but the journos always knock 'em.
If I could hear a flat 6 with the roof down at 50mmph I'd be happier than with a fixed roof at 70mph.
Or maybe the guys in all the mags can't zip up their coats or find a warm pullover?
All my best drives have been in open cars, yes even in the rain and sub-zero temperatures.
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
The Great british public love convertibles, but the journos always knock 'em. If I could hear a flat 6 with the roof down at 50mmph I'd be happier than with a fixed roof at 70mph. Or maybe the guys in all the mags can't zip up their coats or find a warm pullover? All my best drives have been in open cars, yes even in the rain and sub-zero temperatures.
Well said; journalists tend to overemphasise the additional weight of convertibles as if it really mattered on public roads.
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
yet another ridiculous price tag..
Not exactly. As has already been said in the article, this is actually cheaper than if you spec'd it on a standard car (as many customers would actually do).
...is there any need for the GTS?
Good question. Lets face it, all the GTS is a special edition car in the same way as Ford and every other main stream manufacturer produce special eds. The only reason people seem to get so worked up about Porsche and their vehicles is that they are still percieved as "special" or "premium". Unfortunately we need to accept that was Porsche of the past and today it is just another car company that is plundering their names back catalogue.
It's all about the twisties........
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
"Of course, the PDK gearbox is fast, but it offers none of the tactile
brilliance of the manual shift. At least it comes with proper paddle
shifters."
You know now the great part of the customers (more than 75%) buy the 911 with this automatic transmission.
The paddles are just to show to their friends.
They prefer an auto box (with this sports image) to ride on the nice streets...
And a manual box isn't pratical to phone...
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
- The paddles are just to show to their friends.
- They prefer an auto box (with this sports image) to ride on the nice streets...
- And a manual box isn't pratical to phone
That list reminds me of our many automotive stereotypes, and how their constant use helps make us feel better about ourselves.
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
Is it really 'nowhere near as much fun'? Really really? Not even exaggerating a little bit?
Chopping the roof off adds another dynamic to the experience, the sensation and noise... that's part of the 'fun'. This compensates for the lack of 10/10ths ability, which you'd never explore on a public road anyway - which is where this car is supposed to be at home.
You're either spoilt from having tested too many 911s or you're trying to make good copy, either way it doesn't ring true.
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
Just bought one 2 weeks ago and I love it! Used to own a cayman, the carerra s coupe, went for gts cabrio, absolutely amazing.
If your making comments and haven't driven it, then it's pointless to comment. Drive it first, compare to the other models then you'll see the difference. Push the sports plus and you have a beast for a bargain!
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
The car on your avatar definitely got plenty of innovative design to talk about. It is definitely the ultimate headturner and makes every car enthusiast dream everynight!
yet another Porsche.. yet another ridiculous price tag.. whats wrong with the carrera/s/4s/turbo/turbos/GT2/GT3...is there any need for the GTS?
are they still charging extra for paddles on the steering wheel? or a multi function steering wheel?
It would be nice if Porsche could give us a design worth looking at for once as well! no better than looking at the new SE 5 series
Re: Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet
If your making comments and haven't driven it, then it's pointless to comment.
It's is quite amazing how many people who haven't even sat in a particular car, let alone driven it, like to think they know more than those that have.
You know, I do believe that is a 'pec'...
