The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (992) Carrera 4 GTS 3.0, producing 480 horsepower, represents a compelling blend of performance and open-air driving enjoyment within the iconic 911 lineage. Introduced in November 2021 and continuing through May 2024, this variant occupies a high-performance niche within the 992 generation, positioned above the Carrera and Carrera S models but below the even more focused Turbo variants. It builds upon the foundation of the 992 platform – a significant evolution of the rear-engined sports car formula – offering all-wheel drive and a sophisticated powertrain designed for both spirited driving and relative everyday usability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (992) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 4 GTS 3.0 (480 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 2021 |
| End of production | May, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 10.8-11.1 l/100 km (21.8 – 21.2 US mpg, 26.2 – 25.4 UK mpg, 9.3 – 9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 244-251 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 15.4 l/100 km (15.3 US mpg, 18.3 UK mpg, 6.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 242 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 307 km/h (190.76 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.4 kg/Hp, 294.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 349.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 480 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 161 Hp/l |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 2300-5000 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft. @ 2300-5000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 7500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DKKA |
| 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.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VarioCam Plus |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2035 kg (4486.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 405 kg (892.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 163 l (5.76 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 67 l (17.7 US gal | 14.74 UK gal) |
| Length | 4533 mm (178.46 in.) |
| Width | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2024 mm (79.69 in.) |
| Height | 1302 mm (51.26 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 408 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 380 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system), 4-wheel steering (4WS, active rear steering) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Front wheel tires | 245/35 R20 |
| Rear wheel tires | 305/30 R21 |
| Front wheel rims | 8.5J x 20 |
| Rear wheel rims | 11.5J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet lies the DKKA engine, a 2.981-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six. This engine is a direct descendant of the powerplant found in the 911 Turbo, albeit detuned to produce 480 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. The use of direct fuel injection and Porsche’s VarioCam Plus variable valve timing system optimizes both performance and efficiency. The engine’s layout, a horizontally opposed “boxer” configuration, contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling characteristics. The 7-speed manual transmission is standard, providing precise gear changes and a direct connection to the engine.
Driving Characteristics
The Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet delivers a thrilling driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction, particularly in challenging conditions, allowing for confident acceleration. While not as brutally quick as the Turbo models, the GTS offers a more engaging and balanced feel. The manual transmission encourages driver involvement, and the engine’s broad torque curve ensures strong performance across the rev range. The Cabriolet configuration adds an extra dimension to the experience, allowing drivers to fully immerse themselves in the engine’s sound and the surrounding environment.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The GTS trim level builds upon the standard 911 Cabriolet with a number of performance-oriented enhancements and luxury features. Standard equipment includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), and a sport exhaust system. Inside, the GTS features sport seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara, along with a GT Sport steering wheel. Optional extras include adaptive cruise control, a premium sound system, and various customization options for interior trim and exterior paint.
Chassis & Braking
The 992-generation 911 benefits from a significantly revised chassis compared to its predecessor. The GTS model features a wider track and stiffer springs, further enhancing handling precision. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at all four corners, with larger rotors and upgraded calipers compared to the base Carrera. Porsche’s ABS system and electronic stability control provide a high level of safety and control. The rear-axle steering system, available as an option, further improves agility and maneuverability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet was widely praised by automotive critics for its exceptional performance, engaging driving dynamics, and luxurious features. It was often lauded as the sweet spot in the 911 lineup, offering a compelling balance between performance and everyday usability. Compared to the standard Carrera Cabriolet, the GTS provides a noticeable increase in power and a more focused driving experience. Against the Turbo Cabriolet, it offers a more visceral and engaging feel, albeit with slightly less outright speed. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for 911 buyers, is respectable for a high-performance sports car, averaging around 22 mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The 992-generation 911 Carrera 4 GTS, including the Cabriolet variant, is expected to hold its value well in the used car market due to its desirable combination of performance, luxury, and iconic status. The DKKA engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. Regular servicing and adherence to Porsche’s recommended maintenance schedule are crucial for ensuring the long-term health of this high-performance powertrain. As a modern classic, the 992 GTS Cabriolet represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Porsche 911, offering a thrilling and rewarding driving experience for enthusiasts.
