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2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS [UPDATE]

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story referenced the 911's six-speed manual transmission, but of course, Porsche uses a seven-speed manual in this car. The text has been changed to reflect this. There are no fewer than 19 different models in today's Porsche 911 series. While each appeals to the enthusiast, the race-bred GT3 is the pinnacle of the automaker's rear-engined lineup. Unfortunately, and despite the GT3's racing circuit prowess, its rigid track-tuned persona is too grating for many as a daily driver. To satisfy those who put sporty driving dynamics at the top of their list, but don't want to compromise comfort, Porsche has introduced the 2015 911 Carrera GTS. Raising its performance quotient, the GTS model boasts a handful of standard features that elevate it above its Carrera S siblings. Mechanically, it features an enhanced 3.8-liter flat-six bolted into the tail of the widebody platform (shared with the Carrera 4 and GT3). Other goodies include Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), a black-tipped Sport exhaust system and centerlock 20-inch 911 Turbo S wheels (five-lug wheels are a no-cost option). Cosmetically, the GTS is differentiated by its darkened lights, painted black wheels, Sport Design front spoiler, Sport Design exterior mirrors, black engine grille, rear black louvers (or lights on all-wheel drive models) and a 'GTS' logo on the lower doors. Inside the cabin are standard Sport Plus seats, Alcantera upholstery throughout with contrasting stitching, black gauges and anodized black aluminum trim. Offering us an excellent opportunity to put the second-generation GTS through its paces on a variety of roads, Porsche tossed us the keys in the LA Basin and pointed us towards Willow Springs Raceway, in the Mojave Desert. Driving Notes The GTS is offered in coupe or Cabriolet body styles, each with a choice between rear- and all-wheel drive. Buyers are also offered a choice between a traditional seven-speed manual gearbox or Porsche's seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK). The GT3, meanwhile, is only offered as a coupe with PDK. We grabbed the keys to a Guards Red rear-wheel drive coupe with PDK for our outbound drive, and a GT Silver Metallic all-wheel drive Cabriolet with a seven-speed manual for our return trip. Finding another 30 horsepower from the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six required some old-fashioned tricks.

Porsche is planning a hybrid version of the 911

Changes at Porsche are coming thick and hot. It's been a few decades since the last major engine technology change – the very dramatic shift from air- to water-cooling. Now we're seeing a turbo shift, in which even pedestrian 911s, Caymans, and Boxsters are being fitted with turbos. Next up is hybrid proliferation throughout the manufacturer's full range. Hybrids aren't new to the Porsche lineup, of course. The Panamera hybrid has appeared in two forms, one in 2012 and one in 2015. Likewise, the Cayenne hybrid was recently upgraded to plug-in spec. The 918 Spyder is also a plug-in hybrid. The 911, Cayman, and Boxster have been left off the hybridization program so far, but that's about to change. The 911 is "next in line" for hybrid tech, says Lutz Meschke, a board member at Porsche AG. That means we'll likely see a hybrid 911 before the fully-electric production Mission E arrives. Every Porsche model will eventually get a gas-electric option, so the Macan crossover and 718 Boxster and Cayman will follow the iconic sports car's lead soon. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The turbocharged base 911 has fractured critical opinion somewhat, although we loved our first drive of the 2017 911 Carrera with its twin-turbo flat-six engine. Do you fear or welcome the coming hybrid epoch? Let us know in the comments. Related Video:

Magnus Walker soliloquizes in his Porsche 911 at night

Magnus Walker, a prolific Los Angeles clothing designer who has also carved out a respected spot for himself in Porsche world, has had yet another video made about him and his sizable Porsche collection. In this latest video, Hong Kong-based Obscura magazine focuses its video cameras on Walker and his 1971 Porsche 911 track car (yes, the one that appeared on Jay Leno's Garage) as he speeds around Downtown LA and Little Tokyo late at night.
We've heard Walker's story many times before. He's not like the average Porsche owner, perhaps a tad more passionate than most, and he builds 911s like he designs clothes: his way. Sure, we might be a little envious, but can you blame us? View this very slick and entertaining nighttime video entitled Disturbing The Peace below.