The Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS is the facelifted version of the 997 generation, produced from 2011 to 2012. It represents the ultimate naturally aspirated all-wheel-drive 911 experience, combining the exclusivity and performance of the GTS with the confidence of AWD. With a 3.8-litre DFI engine producing 408 hp, standard Sport Chrono Plus, and exclusive GTS styling in widebody form, it’s the rarest and most desirable road-going 997.2 variant.
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) | 304 km/h |
| Top Speed (PDK) | 302 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.0 s (manual) / 3.8 s (PDK) |
| Quarter Mile | ~12.0 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 | 1,300 mm (10mm lower) |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,540 kg (manual) / 1,560 kg (PDK) |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres |
| Luggage Capacity | ~135 litres (front trunk) |
| Cd (drag coefficient) | 0.30 |
| Fuel Type | Super Plus / 98 RON |
| Fuel Consumption (combined) | 10.7–11.1 l/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | ~250 g/km |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 5 |
Highlights
The 4 GTS combines the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the 997.2 range with all-wheel drive and widebody styling. Standard equipment includes PASM Sport suspension, Sport Chrono Plus, Porsche Sports Exhaust, 19″ wheels, Alcantara interior trim, and unique GTS styling elements. It’s the ultimate blend of performance, traction, and exclusivity in the 997.2 lineup.
Common Issues
- Early PDK software versions can feel jerky
- Battery drain if parked without a trickle charger
- Condensation in taillights due to faulty seals
- PCM 3.0 may freeze or respond slowly
- Front coolant pipes prone to corrosion
- 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 |
| Sports Exhaust Service | Check flaps operation regularly |
Market Analysis (as of 2025)
- High mileage (>130,000 km): CHF 75,000–85,000
- Good condition (90,000–120,000 km): CHF 90,000–110,000
- Low mileage (<80,000 km): CHF 120,000–140,000
- Collector condition (<50,000 km): CHF 150,000+
Manual transmissions command enormous premiums due to extreme rarity. PTS colours and low mileage examples are exceptionally valuable.
Buying Considerations
- Complete service history with invoices (absolutely critical)
- Check for accident damage, especially front-end
- Test PCM functionality (incl. nav & Bluetooth)
- Verify PSE flap operation and sound
- Test AWD engagement in different conditions
- Verify authenticity of all GTS-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?
Extremely rare. Only about 1,600 produced worldwide with less than 15% being manual transmissions.
Manual or PDK?
Manual is the holy grail – incredibly rare and commanding massive premiums. PDK is faster but manuals are investment pieces.
Best investment in the 997.2 range?
Absolutely. The 4 GTS manual is the most collectible and rapidly appreciating 997.2 variant.
Driving Experience
The ultimate 997.2 experience combining 408 hp naturally aspirated performance with AWD confidence. The intoxicating sound from the standard PSE, telepathic steering, and incredible traction make it devastatingly quick in all conditions. PASM Sport provides superb body control while the widebody stance gives it a muscular, purposeful appearance.
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
Option Codes Explained
Popular option codes for the 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS include:
- 025 – Black-faced stopwatch
- 040 – Without front license plate bracket
- 070 – European emission standard
- 220 – Locking rear differential (mechanical) – extremely rare and valuable
- 250 – PDK dual-clutch gearbox
- 267 – Auto dimming mirrors
- 268 – Rain sensor
- 342 – Seat heating (front)
- 454 – Cruise control
- 476 – PSM Porsche Stability Management
- 480 – 6-speed manual transmission (holy grail option)
- 567 – Top-tinted windscreen
- 573 – Automatic air conditioning
- 603 – PDLS (dynamic lights)
- 605 – LED daytime running lights
- 610 – Navigation system Europe
- 635 – ParkAssist (rear)
- 650 – Sunroof
- 666 – Telephone module
- 670 – Universal audio interface (AUX/USB/iPod)
- 680 – Bose sound system
- 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.
Interior: Black Alcantara standard, full leather optional in Black, Sand Beige, or Cocoa.
Production Numbers & Rarity
Only approx. 1,600 Carrera 4 GTS Coupés produced globally during the ultra-short 2011-2012 production run. Manual transmissions represent less than 15% of production (~240 cars worldwide), making them among the rarest modern 911s ever produced.
Ownership Experience
The absolute pinnacle of 997.2 ownership. Daily drivable with the confidence of AWD, yet capable of devastating performance. The combination of 408 hp, AWD traction, and widebody presence creates an unmatched driving experience. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts who want the ultimate naturally aspirated 911.
What to Look For When Buying
- Complete maintenance records (absolutely essential given rarity)
- Original GTS-specific parts and widebody panels
- Signs of track use or abuse (inspect thoroughly)
- PSE flap operation and authentic sound
- AWD system functionality and tire wear patterns
- Alcantara condition (expensive to replace)
Insurance & Running Costs
Premium insurance costs due to high value and performance.
Annual maintenance costs: CHF 1,500–2,000.
Tires: CHF 1,400–1,800 (high-performance compounds).
PDK service: CHF 800–1,000.
Brake pads/discs: Premium costs due to larger brakes and performance use.
Comparison vs. Other 997.2 Models
- 997.2 Carrera GTS: RWD, slightly more common
- 997.2 Carrera 4S: Less power, no GTS styling, higher production
- 997.2 GT3: Track-focused, less comfortable, manual only
- 997.2 Turbo S: More powerful but turbocharged, different character
The 4 GTS represents the absolute pinnacle – combining GTS performance and exclusivity with AWD capability and widebody presence. It’s the rarest and most desirable road-going 997.2.
Investment Potential
The 4 GTS is the ultimate 997.2 investment, especially manual examples. With only ~240 manual 4 GTS cars produced worldwide, they represent one of the rarest modern 911 variants. Values have already shown dramatic appreciation and are expected to continue climbing significantly, particularly for low-mileage and PTS examples.
The Holy Grail Status
The manual 4 GTS has achieved “holy grail” status among 997.2 collectors. Combining the ultimate naturally aspirated engine, AWD confidence, widebody presence, exclusive GTS styling, and extreme rarity makes it the most sought-after variant. Finding a manual 4 GTS in good condition is increasingly difficult, and prices reflect this scarcity.
Collector’s Notes
- Shortest production run of any 997.2 variant (2011-2012 only)
- Lowest production numbers in the 997.2 range
- Manual transmission option makes it exceptionally rare
- Last naturally aspirated high-performance AWD 911
- Unique combination of features never repeated
- PTS examples are virtually priceless