Keeping track of Porsche's current crop of 911 variants, now 19-strong, is like plotting the Duggar family tree, so allow us a quick cheat sheet on the latest iteration, the Carrera GTS. Like the first GTS-badged 911, which debuted in 2011, this new model is essentially a greatest-hits compilation of performance and luxury options at bargain-bin prices. In any configuration, the GTS is offered with either a seven-speed manual (hallelujah!) or seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Top speed for the rear-drive/manual is 190 mph, while the fastest sprint to 60 mph, at 3.8 seconds, comes from the all-wheel-drive coupe with PDK. Unlike 锟紅he last-generation 911 GTS, this one doesn't signal the end of the chassis run, but like that car, it is a financial bonanza. 6700), the GTS is always cheaper than an analogous Carrera model with an identical options sheet. Philosophically, the 911 GTS is meant to strike a balance between the base Carrera S and the berserk, concentrated GT3.
On paper, the GTS edges closer to the former, but behind the wheel it seems closer kin to the latter's rabid, high-revving, tremendously engaging nature. Around the hairy, high-speed Big Willow track at Willow Springs in Rosamond, California鈥攁nd the twisty, rolling public roads surrounding it鈥攖he rear-drive GTS coupe delivered the closest thing to the GT3's preposterous cornering and braking. The additional horsepower over the Carrera S鈥攁vailable above 6300 rpm, at which point a vacuum flap opens the second intake tract for better breathing鈥攈elps transform even the longest straight into a rearview memory. And now, a very uncomfortable disclaimer: We should all love the automatic PDK transmission. Porsche's dual-clutch option is so good, so fast, so omnipotent, and so exceeds the capabilities of even the most skilled human, it's hard to argue against it. In short, the PDK is brilliant. Thankfully, the manual shifter is likewise excellent, with intuitive, assured throws, and great feel in the hand. But if you're the type of guy with a crappy, slow, straight commute and definite plans to head to the track on the weekends, you would be doing yourself a disservice to ignore the automatic transmission. It's a hard cast, voting for the machines, but there you go. Then again, Porsche's clear goal is to create a 911 variant that appeals, individually, to every driving human everywhere in the world. Now that Porsche is stocking a cash-saving version鈥攎anual or automatic, rear- or all-wheel drive, coupe or cabriolet鈥攖hat delivers a superlative driving experience by any definition, the cheat sheet just got shorter. In other words: Buy one.
It鈥檚 an unfathomable situation given that Italy, and Modena in particular, is home to some of Europe鈥檚 gnarlier and more challenging roads. It鈥檚 also hugely frustrating, for the vocal, rev-hungry, front-mid-mounted V8, super-snappy transmission and carbon brakes are a compelling and memorable combination. When the roads suit it, the California鈥檚 potential is abundantly clear, but I simply can鈥檛 believe that you buy a Ferrari - even a softcore Ferrari such as the California - just to use it on ordinary roads. Yet when you inevitably stray from its comfort zone and drive it quickly, it feels all at sea. That the California finishes last in this test is as disappointing as it will doubtless be controversial. Ferraris are built to be adored, and in my experience are almost impossible to resist. The 911 Turbo is next to fall. Despite being awesomely fast, crushingly capable and everyday-useable, there鈥檚 something remote and detached about the driving experience. Given Porsche鈥檚 ability to build 911 models of spectacular 鈥榬ightness鈥? the Turbo鈥檚 lack of connection is proof that, Motorsport models aside, even Porsche can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to the black art of tactility. There鈥檚 no question the Jaguar has been the big surprise of this test. But despite the Jag鈥檚 strong showing, the R8 Spyder is a convincing winner. There aren鈥檛 any quirks or traits to forgive, no dynamic flaws to gloss over. Everything about it feels spot-on and it looks and sounds sensational. Right now it鈥檚 the best open-air sports car money can buy.
Father's Day is almost about to happen. In the event you haven't currently got your dads gift idea all set you should look for something quick. The best news is that we now have the best plan for all you last minute gift buyers. Instead of buying him an item that he most likely doesn't need or already possesses, why not take your father to an auto show? Let's look at the facts, there are only so many golf shirts and embossed "World's Greatest Dad" items that you can get for your dad as a great gift. There is a great vehicle show that takes place on Father's Day this season - the Yorkville Exotic Car Show in Toronto. What dad would love to experience this Father's Day with his family members exploring cars? So, try to make your way down to the car show on Sunday June 16th to have a look at more than one hundred or so traditional and unique cars.