The Last Surviving AWD Sports Car To Feature A Manual

Summary

• Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS preserves the essence of tactile driving with a high-performance manual transmission, adding to the authentic driving experience.
• The Sport Chrono Package offers dynamic throttle-blip function and track precision app, enhancing driving modes for the ultimate driver satisfaction.
• But choosing the manual transmission sacrifices launch control and Sport Response button exclusive to PDK automatic, making a trade-off in performance.

What used to be a requirement for driving purists, an all-wheel drive performance car with a manual transmission has slowly been fading out as the newer generation of sportscars ushers in the era of the automatic. Though not completely a negative transformation, the automatic transmission no doubt takes away from the intimate driving experience that only a manual transmission can deliver. That said, there are automakers that not only aim to preserve the essence of tactile driving but also corner the market as the manual gearbox edges closer to becoming vintage equipment.

Porsche is one of the most recognizable and infamous sportscar brands in automotive history. Their storied lineage includes some of the world’s highest accolades, including J.D. Power Best Luxury Car and World Performance Car Of The Year. In motorsports, they are just as iconic, boasting multiple records at various high-profile racing events, including the 1986 Paris-Dakar rally and the 1970 overall win at Le Mans.

One of Porsche’s most popular models is the 911 Carrera, a sleek sportster that has transcended time itself, producing an unimaginable number of timeless models along the way. The 911 Carrera historically features a manual, or at least an option for one, and it plans to continue the tradition with the latest 911 Carrera 4 GTS. But the manual transmission isn’t the only trick this pony knows, as it comes equipped with top-to-bottom performance buffs and a race-inspired interior layout that accommodates the driving purist in everyone.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Porsche, Porsche Newsroom, and JD Power.

Porsche’s Refined Transmission Options Include A Crisp Seven-Speed Manual

Porsche is adamant that their motorsport-derived PDK double-clutch automatic transmission is the transmission of the future, and they aren’t completely wrong. However, they also specialize in manual tuning, as their hard-earned reputation will attest. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS’s manual setup features shorter shift distances and optimal connection between individual gears, improving overall performance and linear torque delivery.

The advanced system ensures smooth and accurate transitioning between gears with less effort and more confidence. Suffice it to say, that the years have taught the Porsche engineers well, as the stellar manual gearbox not only remains as one of the last available for new sportscar models, but one of the best money can buy. By now you may be thinking “Okay, so the manual transmission is good. What else?”. Porsche Sport Chrono is what else.

The Sport Chrono Package

Optional for the 911 Carrera 4 GTS is the Sport Chrono Package, which features a mode switch, Porsche Track Precision app, and tire temperature display. The mode switch is able to enhance the driving dynamics of the entire vehicle at the push of a button by allowing drivers to select different driving styles, save personally preferred modes, and aid in wet or slippery driving conditions. The track precision app allows users to track their race data and times via the smartphone app, as well as allowing them to share that data with others.

The most rewarding part for manual-equipped 911 4 GTS models is the added dynamic throttle-blip function, which alerts the driver at the optimal shift window. This nifty function can improve the drivers’ shift times as well as preserve the precious transmission’s spry attitude for years to come. Not to mention, the throttle-blip function helps improve drivers’ muscle memory in regard to operating a manual transmission… well, a Porsche manual transmission anyway.

What You Sacrifice By Choosing The Manual Transmission

The Sport Chrono Package has its own perks that transcend transmission options like the driving mode select and track precision app. However, the superior launch control and Sport Response button are exclusively available on the 911 Carrera 4 GTS’s automatic PDK transmission option. This eye-watering feature pairs with the Sport Chrono’s Sport Plus driving mode to deliver the best, most powerful standing start. For reference, the launch function can shoot the sportscar from 0-60 MPH in 3.1 seconds.

Why The 911 Carrera 4 GTS’s Performance Is Worthy Of The Porsche Badge

It’s no secret Porsche aims to be the fastest in the biz, as observed in their, well, FAST cars. Their habit of creating vehicles for drivers and race enthusiasts has earned them a reputation for striking fear in the hearts of would-be opponents on and off the track. Simply put, no matter how fast you think your ride is, you’ll always think twice before challenging a Porsche.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Performance

(Source: Porsche)

This is thanks to decades of refinement and top-spec components, like the ones found in the 911 4 GTS. The standard, and only, engine option for the 4 GTS is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine. The quality and fine-tuned engine cranks out a commanding 473 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. The powerful engine connects to the before-mentioned PDK or seven-speed manual transmission, which throws power to all four wheels.

All-Wheel-Drive Survives With Advanced Construction

The all-wheel drivetrain is standard on the 4 GTS and sits on some of the industry’s most sophisticated and well-mapped suspension setups. Porsche’s Traction Management system is included and optimally distributes drive force between the front and rear axles to provide next-level control and traction as well as harmonious handling.

This feature is aided by the standard Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), a system designed to improve driving dynamics and stability by working with the precise application of the brakes on the rear and the rear differential lock to improve overall agility, stability, and traction at any speed.

Shifting the focus to the before-mentioned sophisticated suspension, Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) feature employs an electric damping control system that actively and continuously controls the damping force for each wheel depending on the drive mode and road conditions.

This feature, like most features mentioned, works in tandem with each other to deliver optimal performance, allowing buyers to get the most out of the “Porsche Experience”. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS takes the impressive active suspension management system to the next level with its sport suspension transformation.

Porsche Active Suspension Management Sport (PASM Sport) And Rear-Wheel Steering

It can be hard to discern between Porsche’s standard models and their “sport” models, as nearly all Porsche models retain a sense of sportiness and speed at their core. That said, the ones that do bear the “Sport” title in their name are sure to pack the necessary equipment to impress those at Porsche’s development department.

The Sport variant of PASM lowers the body by 10mm in relation to the PASM chassis. The springs are also harder and shorter, the front and rear anti-roll bars are stiffer, and spring rates have been significantly raised.

Notable 911 Carrera 4 GTS Handling Enhancement Systems

• Porsche Traction Management (PTM)
• Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)
• Porsche Active Suspension Management Sport (PASM Sport)
• Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
• Sport Chrono driving modes

This special-tuned active sport suspension system is designed to give the 911 a more balanced presence when on the road. To aid in that mission, the unique suspension system features helper springs on the rear axle. The helper spring addition simply enables more sporty spring rates without limiting spring travel.

This feature allows the rear-wheel steering to better maintain a balance when at high speed and low speeds. Also aiding in the 4 GTS’s crusade for top sports cars are the impressive Porsche aluminum monoblock brake calipers and ceramic composite brakes. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS features a red-painted six-piston set in the front and a matching four-piston set in the rear.

One more area of significant focus in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS is the standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. The PDCC employs an active roll stabilization system that suppresses lateral body movement when cornering dynamically. This track-worthy feature offers more neutral handling manners and improved ride comfort when at the limits.

It’s obvious that Porsche engineers put a heavy focus on control and stability, as observed in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS’s intricate suspension and chassis composition. However, this is also a nod to the power they implanted into the 4 GTS, as one would need superior control to wield the 473 horsepower sportscar with confidence.

The Interior Detail And Aesthetic Matches The 4 GTS’s Aggressive Racetrack Attitude

When you enter the cockpit, it becomes apparent who Porsche really wants to enjoy this vehicle, the driver! The driver-focused layout is complemented by the sport-bolstered seats and GT Sport steering wheel. Race Tex fabric and leather adorn the upholstery with colored contrast stitching and colored cushion inserts. Needless to say, the interior fits the bill of a nearly 200 MPH coupe: sleek, stylish, and ahead of the pack.

The modern interior tech includes a touchscreen that displays the Porsche Connect infotainment interface. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as GPS are included in the *very* expensive 911 Carrera 4 GTS package. Those equipped with the Sport Chrono Package will notice a neat “mode select” button on the steering wheel as well as a stopwatch on the dash. These keen additions add to the sporty appearance and nature of the 4 GTS.

How Much Does The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cost?

Nobody expects a sportscar of this magnitude to come cheap. And in fact, it does not. The Carrera 4 GTS carries a price tag of $158,200, while the popular Cabriolet model is going for $171,000. A solid warranty ices the burn slightly, but it’s hard to ignore six figures. However, when you really consider what owning, or even driving, a Porsche means -what it has meant for decades. One wonders: is it worth it? Many say YES!