What is it?

It’s the mid-point in a vast array of 911 variants, slotting between the ‘regular’ Carrera S and flagship Turbo models.

Available as either a coupe, convertible or Targa with manual or dual-clutch gearboxes and rear-drive or all-wheel drive transmissions, the latest GTS range follows a similar formula to before, adding more power, wider rear wheel arches and more gear over the standard Carrera models.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

The GTS range starts at $282,700 (plus on-road costs) for the rear-drive coupe with a manual gearbox, which is $26,400 more expensive than an equivalent Carrera S. But Porsche claims the additional gear is worth more than $50k.

Among the performance-related changes, the engine gets larger turbo chargers for more power, the suspension is lower and stiffer, the wheels are larger and wider and the brakes are bigger. Inside the cabin, there’s sports seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel and lashings of Alcantara and carbon fibre trim to complete the sporty look.

Visually, the GTS can be identified by its unique front bumper, 44mm wider rear wheel arches and blacked-out highlights in the headlights and badges.

We’re testing the Carrera4 GTS Coupe with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (or PDK in Porsche speak) with a bunch of optional extras that blows its price out to $350k-odd.

What's under the bonnet?

Where the previous iterations of the 911 GTS used a screaming version of the larger-capacity 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated flat six-cylinder, the latest version has the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit as the base-model 911.

But it has larger turbo chargers strapped to each side, increasing peak power to 331kW – up from 272kW in the Carrera and 309kW in the Carrera S - while maximum torque is boosted to 550Nm across a wider range of revs, from 2150rpm to 5000rpm.

While it’s not as visceral as the high-revving atmo engine in its predecessor, the new-age 911 GTS is much faster, clocking 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds when fitted with the PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive transmission.

It’s also more efficient, with a claimed average consumption figure of 8.5L/100km.

What's it like to drive?

In a word, brilliant! The GTS is the sweet spot in the 911 family, offering even more punch and purchase than the regular models without the heavy outlay of a flagship Turbo model, or the hard-core nature of the racer-for-the-road GT3.

The engine is hugely flexible in the way it drives, with a degree of effortlessness around town that was missing from the naturally-aspirated predecessor while also bringing a fatter mid-range for quicker acceleration between the bends on a twisty backroad.

While there’s little in the way of turbo lag, traditionalists will lament that it no longer has a rising crescendo and a sky-high rev limit. But the move to turbo charging hasn’t spoilt the soundtrack generated by its sports exhaust, as it sounds like a traditional Porsche flat six under acceleration and woofs and gargles when you let off the gas.

As for the rest of the package, the stiffer suspension is taut and the larger rear tyres are noisy over rough surfaces but there is some black magic in the way Porsche tunes the whole package that makes it so easy to drive in everyday circumstances yet thoroughly engaging when you’re up it for the rent.

The all-wheel drive transmission clicks when performing tight U-turns and adds an element of security on slippery surfaces, but otherwise is fairly invisible and doesn’t detract from its natural rear-biased character.

What's it like inside?

The fundamentals of the two-plus-two seat cabin are similar across the entire 911 range, with a low-set driving position, decent vision (for a sports car) and the latest in connectivity thanks to a new touchscreen multi-media system with Apple Carplay smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth, digital radio and sat nav.

The GTS treatment subtly amplifies the sportiness of its character with snugly-bolstered front seats, the smaller steering wheel and plenty of carbon fibre highlights in the dash while the Alcantara (fake suede) trim brings a more tactile experience to some of the key touch points.

Is it safe?

All 911 models come with six airbags and a suite of electronic safety aids, but active systems such as radar cruise control with emergency braking and lane keeping assistance are optional extras, costing $4960 and $1690 respectively.

The added traction of all-wheel drive will set you back $17,200 over the regular rear-drive Carrera GTS.

Would I buy it?

Without hesitation. The GTS is the distillation of all that’s great about the iconic 911. It looks subtle but also slightly menacing in its details, and it has equal measures of luxury car and track car in the way it drives.

The move to turbo charging means its character is no longer as well defined against the regular Carrera and Carrera S as its predecessor – which was basically a more comfortable version of the GT3 – but the GTS is still the pick of the 911 range for its wide breadth of abilities and relative accessibility.

What else should I consider?

Any other 911. If you can’t stretch to the GTS, then the base Carrera or Carrera S are just as enjoyable. Or, if you’ve got more money to burn, then a Turbo is even more mental.

If a 911 is too much of a cliché sports car, then, for around the same money, the Mercedes-AMG GT S and Jaguar F-Type SVR have plenty of drama while the Nissan Nismo GT-R is a hard-core track weapon that’ll crack your back and demolish your senses at the same time.

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera4 GTS Price and Specifications

Price: From $298,90 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin turbo petrol

Power: 331kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 550Nm at 2150-5000rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use:  8.5L/100km

- For more information visit our Porsche showroom