Ahead of the unveiling of the new Porsche 911 GT3 later today, our spy photographers have caught a prototype for the variant that will top out the 'standard' 911 range: the driver-focused 911 GTS.
Sitting beneath the top-rung GT3 and Turbo and above the Carrera 4S, the GTS will place a focus on driver engagement with a subtle power hike over the Carrera and various chassis upgrades aimed at optimising responsiveness and agility.
As with the previous, 991-generation 911 GTS, the 992 model will use the standard 911's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six but will likely have its power boosted slightly above 444bhp to bring the 0-62mph time closer to 3.0sec.
More significantly, it will come as standard with lowered sports suspension and Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) system.
The previous GTS was marked out from lesser 911s by its wide rear arches. But since all 992 variants are sold in 'widebody' form, it will be told apart by its centre-lock wheels, smoked headlights and black contrasting exterior trim, in line with the GTS versions of the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera.
Our photographers caught a Targa-topped prototype winter testing, but coupé and Cabriolet versions will be offered, too, in both rear- and four-wheel-drive forms. Buyers will also be offered a choice of seven-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic.
Prices are likely to start from around £95,000, in line with the previous-generation car, and top out at around £110,000 for the Targa and Cabriolet versions.
Particularly of note is that the dashboard of this prototype appears to be shrouded in camouflage. It's not yet clear whether Porsche is simply hiding GTS-specific styling cues or preparing to usher in a more widely restyled cabin as part of a facelift for the 911 range.
The 992-generation 911 was revealed in November 2018, so we would expect to see a mid-life update for the line-up around the end of 2021.
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Why couldn't the 911 GTS use the 4.0 naturally aspirated flat six from the 718 or a detuned version of the GT3 engine?
I suppose it would have less torque than the Carrera S so that would never do, but Porsche could create a truly memorable and collectible model.
Agree it wouldnt be powerful or torquey enough for a GTS as the Carrera S below it in the hierarchy would be substantially quicker, but would love to see the 718 GTS 4.0 motor in a 992 Carrera T instead.
Well done Porsche.