The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 3.0, equipped with the dual-clutch PDK transmission, represented a compelling performance variant within the 991.2 generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car. Produced from 2017 to 2018, it slotted between the standard Carrera models and the more track-focused GT3, offering a blend of everyday usability and exhilarating performance. This iteration of the 911 built upon the mid-cycle refresh of the 991, introducing turbocharged engines across the Carrera range and refining the car’s overall dynamics. The GTS 3.0 aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the base Carrera, while remaining more accessible than the hardcore GT models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (991 II) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera GTS 3.0 (450 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 188 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h (192.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.3 kg/Hp, 306.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 374.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 450 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 151 Hp/l |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 2150-5000 rpm (405.66 lb.-ft. @ 2150-5000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 7500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MDC.JA |
| Engine displacement | 2981 cm3 (181.91 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 91 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 28.3 l (29.9 US qt | 24.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1935 kg (4265.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 385 l (13.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4528 mm (178.27 in.) |
| Width | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1978 mm (77.87 in.) |
| Height | 1284 mm (50.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/35 ZR 20; 305/30 ZR 20 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 20; 12J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 911 Carrera GTS 3.0 is the 2.981-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, designated as the MDC.JA. This engine represented a significant departure from the naturally aspirated engines previously used in the Carrera GTS, offering increased power and torque across a wider rev range. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers to minimize turbo lag and maximize responsiveness. The VTG technology adjusts the angle of the turbine vanes to optimize airflow for different engine speeds. The engine produces 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque between 2,150 and 5,000 rpm. This power is delivered to the rear wheels via Porsche’s seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch transmission. The PDK transmission offers both fully automatic and manual shifting modes, with incredibly fast shift times.
Driving Characteristics
The 911 Carrera GTS 3.0 PDK delivers a remarkably balanced driving experience. The twin-turbocharged engine provides strong and readily available torque, resulting in impressive acceleration. The PDK transmission complements the engine perfectly, providing seamless gear changes and contributing to the car’s overall responsiveness. While the PDK offers quick shifts, it doesn’t quite match the engagement of a traditional manual gearbox. Compared to the standard Carrera models, the GTS benefits from a more aggressive engine tune, a sport exhaust system, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment, resulting in a firmer ride and more precise handling. Compared to the higher-performance GT3, the GTS prioritizes usability and comfort, making it a more suitable choice for daily driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera GTS 3.0 came well-equipped as standard. Key features included a sport design package, 20-inch wheels, Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, and a partially leather interior. The interior featured sport seats with enhanced bolstering, providing excellent support during spirited driving. Optional extras included a full leather interior, carbon fiber trim, a Bose sound system, and Porsche’s Lane Change Assist. The GTS also offered a wider range of customization options through Porsche’s “Personalization Plus” program, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their specific preferences.
Chassis & Braking
The 991.2 Carrera GTS utilizes a sophisticated chassis design. It features a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both optimized for performance and comfort. PASM electronically adjusts the damping characteristics based on road conditions and driving style. The GTS also benefits from a rear mechanical limited-slip differential, enhancing traction and stability during cornering. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels. The GTS is equipped with larger brake rotors compared to the standard Carrera models, providing increased stopping power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera GTS 3.0 was widely praised by automotive critics for its blend of performance, refinement, and everyday usability. Reviewers lauded the engine’s power and responsiveness, as well as the PDK transmission’s seamless operation. The GTS was often seen as the sweet spot in the 911 lineup, offering a significant performance upgrade over the base Carrera without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance sports car, with combined figures around 28.3 US mpg. Reliability has generally been good, although some owners have reported minor issues with the cooling system and turbochargers.
Legacy
The 991.2 Carrera GTS 3.0 remains a highly desirable sports car in the used market. Its combination of performance, refinement, and iconic Porsche styling ensures its continued appeal to enthusiasts. The twin-turbocharged engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although regular maintenance is essential. As with all Porsche models, values have remained strong, making the 991.2 GTS a solid investment for collectors and drivers alike. It represents a significant step forward in the 911’s evolution, showcasing Porsche’s commitment to innovation and driving pleasure.
