The Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet is the facelifted version of the 997 generation, produced from 2011 to 2012. It represents the absolute pinnacle of naturally aspirated all-wheel-drive convertible 911 experience. With a 3.8-litre DFI engine producing 408 hp, standard Sport Chrono Plus, exclusive GTS styling in widebody form, and the timeless appeal of open-air driving, it’s the rarest and most exclusive convertible 997.2 variant ever produced.
Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production Period | 2011–2012 |
| Engine Type | 3.8L flat-six, DFI, MA1.01 |
| Displacement | 3,800 cm³ |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.0 mm × 77.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam Plus |
| Power | 408 hp @ 7,300 rpm |
| Torque | 420 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
| Top Speed (manual) | 302 km/h |
| Top Speed (PDK) | 300 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.2 s (manual) / 4.0 s (PDK) |
| Quarter Mile | ~12.2 s |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.44 (PDK) |
| Suspension (front) | MacPherson struts, PASM Sport, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension (rear) | Multi-link, PASM Sport, anti-roll bar |
| Brakes | 350 mm vented discs front / 330 mm rear |
| Steering | Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion |
| Wheels | 19-inch Carrera S wheels standard |
| Tyres | 235/35 ZR19 (F) / 305/30 ZR19 (R) |
| Length | 4,443 mm |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,310 mm (roof up) / 1,295 mm (roof down) |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,620 kg (manual) / 1,640 kg (PDK) |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres |
| Luggage Capacity | ~105 litres (front trunk, roof up) / ~80 litres (roof down) |
| Cd (drag coefficient) | 0.31 (roof up) / 0.32 (roof down) |
| Fuel Type | Super Plus / 98 RON |
| Fuel Consumption (combined) | 11.0–11.4 l/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | ~255 g/km |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 5 |
| Roof Type | Power-operated soft top |
| Roof Operation Time | ~20 seconds (up to 50 km/h) |
Highlights
The 4 GTS Cabriolet combines the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the 997.2 range with all-wheel drive, widebody styling, and open-air motoring. Standard equipment includes PASM Sport suspension, Sport Chrono Plus, Porsche Sports Exhaust, 19″ wheels, Alcantara interior trim, unique GTS styling elements, and a sophisticated power soft top. It’s the ultimate blend of performance, traction, exclusivity, and convertible joy.
Common Issues
- Soft top mechanism may develop leaks or motor issues
- Soft top fabric can fade or develop tears with age
- Early PDK software versions can feel jerky
- Battery drain if parked without a trickle charger (more complex electrical system)
- PCM 3.0 may freeze or respond slowly
- Higher-performance engine may consume more oil
Maintenance
| Task | Interval |
|---|---|
| Oil Change | Yearly or every 15,000–20,000 km |
| Spark Plugs | Every 4 years |
| Brake Fluid | Every 2 years |
| PDK Service | Every 60,000 km |
| Coolant | Every 6 years |
| AWD System Check | During regular service intervals |
| Soft Top Service | Annual inspection and lubrication |
| Sports Exhaust Service | Check flaps operation regularly |
Market Analysis (as of 2025)
- High mileage (>130,000 km): CHF 85,000–100,000
- Good condition (90,000–120,000 km): CHF 105,000–125,000
- Low mileage (<80,000 km): CHF 135,000–160,000
- Collector condition (<50,000 km): CHF 180,000+
Manual transmissions command astronomical premiums due to extreme rarity. Perfect soft top condition and PTS colours add enormous value.
Buying Considerations
- Complete service history with invoices (absolutely critical given rarity)
- Thoroughly test soft top operation (multiple up/down cycles)
- Inspect soft top fabric meticulously for any damage
- Check for any signs of water damage
- Test AWD engagement in different conditions
- Verify authenticity of all GTS and widebody-specific parts
FAQ
Does the 997.2 suffer from IMS failure?
No. The MA1 engine fully resolves this issue.
How rare is the 4 GTS Cabriolet?
Extraordinarily rare. Only about 800 produced worldwide with less than 10% being manual transmissions.
Manual or PDK?
Manual is the ultimate unicorn – unimaginably rare and commanding massive premiums. Finding one is like discovering treasure.
Ultimate 997.2 investment?
Absolutely. The 4 GTS Cabriolet manual is the rarest and most valuable 997.2 variant, representing the pinnacle of collectibility.
Driving Experience
The absolute pinnacle of 997.2 convertible experience. The 408 hp naturally aspirated engine sounds even more intoxicating with the roof down, the AWD provides incredible traction, and the widebody stance commands attention. The combination of performance, sound, wind-in-hair freedom, and all-weather capability creates an unmatched driving experience that’s both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring.
Standard Equipment & GTS Features
- Sport Chrono Plus with Launch Control
- PASM Sport suspension (-10mm ride height)
- Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE) with center-mounted tailpipes
- 19″ Carrera S wheels in satin black
- Sport seats with Alcantara centers
- Alcantara steering wheel and interior trim
- GTS-specific front spoiler and rear wing
- Smoked LED taillights
- Black exterior trim and badges
- Widebody design with flared wheel arches
- Power-operated soft top with wind deflector
Option Codes Explained
Popular option codes for the 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet include:
- 025 – Black-faced stopwatch
- 040 – Without front license plate bracket
- 070 – European emission standard
- 220 – Locking rear differential (mechanical) – virtually priceless
- 250 – PDK dual-clutch gearbox
- 267 – Auto dimming mirrors
- 268 – Rain sensor
- 342 – Seat heating (front) – essential for convertible comfort
- 343 – Seat ventilation (front) – perfect for summer driving
- 454 – Cruise control
- 476 – PSM Porsche Stability Management
- 480 – 6-speed manual transmission (unicorn status)
- 567 – Top-tinted windscreen
- 573 – Automatic air conditioning with separate rear controls
- 603 – PDLS (dynamic lights)
- 605 – LED daytime running lights
- 610 – Navigation system Europe
- 635 – ParkAssist (rear)
- 650 – Wind deflector for improved comfort with roof down
- 666 – Telephone module
- 670 – Universal audio interface (AUX/USB/iPod)
- 680 – Bose sound system (excellent for open-top driving)
- 810 – Floor mats
- 951 – Leather dashboard and door panels
- 981 – Leather dashboard and centre console
- X70 – Stainless steel door entry guards with GTS logo
- X97 – Aluminium gear lever
Full option list decoding services available via VinAnalytics.com.
Colour & Trim Guide
Popular exterior colours: Basalt Black, Carrera White, Guards Red, Speed Yellow.
Ultra-rare PTS colours: Riviera Blue, Oak Green Metallic, Pure Blue, Aqua Blue Metallic.
Soft top: Black standard, Grey optional.
Interior: Black Alcantara standard, full leather optional in Black, Sand Beige, or Cocoa.
Production Numbers & Rarity
Only approx. 800 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolets produced globally during the ultra-short 2011-2012 production run. Manual transmissions represent less than 10% of production (~80 cars worldwide), making them among the rarest convertible 911s ever produced. Finding one is extraordinarily difficult.
Ownership Experience
The absolute pinnacle of 997.2 convertible ownership. Combines devastating performance with AWD confidence and the pure joy of open-air motoring. Perfect for grand touring adventures where weather conditions might vary. The widebody presence and intoxicating sound make every drive an event, while the rarity ensures exclusivity beyond almost any other modern 911.
What to Look For When Buying
- Impeccable maintenance records (non-negotiable given rarity)
- Perfect soft top condition – any issues significantly affect value
- Original widebody panels and GTS-specific components
- Interior condition (more exposure to elements)
- AWD system functionality and service history
- Provenance and ownership history documentation
Insurance & Running Costs
Premium insurance costs due to high value, performance, and extreme rarity.
Annual maintenance costs: CHF 1,800–2,500 (including AWD and soft top service).
Tires: CHF 1,400–1,800.
Soft top replacement: CHF 3,500–4,500 (if ever needed).
PDK service: CHF 800–1,000.
Comparison vs. Other 997.2 Models
- 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe: More rigid, slightly faster, same rarity level
- 997.2 Carrera GTS Cabriolet: RWD, narrower body, more common
- 997.2 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: Less power, no GTS styling, higher production
- 997.2 Turbo S Cabriolet: More powerful but turbocharged, different character
The 4 GTS Cabriolet represents the absolute apex – combining ultimate naturally aspirated performance with AWD capability, widebody presence, GTS exclusivity, and convertible joy. It’s the rarest and most desirable convertible 997.2.
The Ultimate Unicorn Status
The manual 4 GTS Cabriolet has achieved “ultimate unicorn” status among 997.2 collectors. With only ~80 manual examples produced worldwide, finding one is extraordinarily rare. They represent the absolute pinnacle of naturally aspirated AWD convertible 911 ownership and command prices that reflect their impossibly rare status.
Investment Potential
The 4 GTS Cabriolet, especially manual examples, represents the ultimate 997.2 investment opportunity. Values have already shown dramatic appreciation and continue climbing rapidly. Perfect examples are becoming nearly impossible to find, and any that come to market command premium prices. This is the holy grail of 997.2 collecting.
Collector’s Dream Features
- Shortest production run in 997.2 history (2011-2012 only)
- Lowest production numbers of any 997.2 convertible
- Manual transmission creates unicorn status
- Last naturally aspirated high-performance AWD convertible 911
- Combines every desirable 997.2 element in one package
- Widebody convertible GTS combination never repeated
- PTS manual examples are virtually museum pieces