When it comes to 911s, the GT3 is arguably the model enthusiasts want most. But it’s just one of several trims Porsche offers for its iconic rear-engine sports car. And for 2022, the number of trims grows by one—or rather, five. That’s because the Porsche 911 GTS is back, and it’s brought along some cherry-picked parts.

The Porsche 911 GTS returns for the 992 generation in five different forms

Although 2022 marks the first time the current-gen ‘992’ Porsche 911 gets a GTS trim, the trim itself isn’t new. It’s been around for about 12 years, MotorTrend says, and last appeared on the previous-gen ‘991.2’ 911 in 2018. And just like in 2018, the 911 GTS is available in five different configurations.

These five Porsche 911 GTS configurations are split amongst three different body styles: Carrera Coupe, Carrera Cabriolet, and Targa. The Coupe and Cabriolet models offer a choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. But if you want a GTS Targa, it’s only available with AWD.

So, what makes the Porsche 911 GTS different from the ‘regular’ 911 Carrera? In short, it’s meant to be a mid-point in the 911 lineup, The Drive explains. The GTS offers more than the Carrera but isn’t as extreme or as expensive as the Turbo. And it achieves that goal by borrowing a little something from all of them.

Whether Carrera or Targa, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS “might…be the best all-around 911,” MotorTrend says

The Porsche 911 GTS “has always been a 911 Carrera with a few choice sport options added on,” MT explains. And the 2022 version carries that tradition forward.

Firstly, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS gets a power bump over the Carrera S. Instead of 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, the GTS’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six makes 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That’s sent to the drive wheels via either an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic or a seven-speed manual. And the latter is shortened compared to the standard version.

Besides the extra power, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS comes standard with a sports exhaust and lower-ride-height sport suspension. It also gets standard adaptive dampers with a GTS-specific tune, Car and Driver reports. Plus, the 911 GTS gets the 911 Turbo’s larger brake rotors and the Turbo S’s black center-lock wheels.

Speaking of black, like the previous-gen Porsche 911 GTS, the 2022 model gets several blacked-out trim pieces. That means a blacked-out spoiler lip, rear grille, GTS badges, and on the Targa model, a blacked-out bar. The rear taillights are also darker, as are the surrounds on the standard dynamic LED headlights.

Inside, all Porsche 911 GTS models come standard with a GT Sport steering wheel. It’s covered in RaceTex fabric, as are the door handles, armrests, storage compartments, seats, and gear lever. And occupants can hear the engine and exhaust better because the GTS models have less sound-deadening material.

The GTS models do offer something new for 2022, though: an optional Lightweight Package. It cuts 55 pounds from the car via a rear-seat deleted, lighter-weight battery, carbon-fiber front sport seats, and lighter-weight side and rear glass. And it adds the rear-axle steering system from the Turbo and GT3, Road & Track reports.

How much will the GTS models cost?

To be sure, a 2022 Porsche 911 GTS isn’t an inexpensive car. In RWD form, the Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet start at $136.7K and $149.5K, respectively. With AWD, those prices rise to $144K and $156.8K, respectively. The GTS Targa 4 also starts at $156.8K.

However, it’s worth noting that the cheapest 2021 911 Turbo starts at $174,300. And getting a GTS is cheaper than getting the equivalent Carrera S or Targa with the same options, MT points out. In that regard, the GTS models are relative bargains in the 911 world, offering more performance than the Carrera without being as crazy-fast as the Turbo.

If that interests you, mark your calendar for early 2022 when US deliveries begin. That should leave enough time to figure out your favorite flavor.

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