Porsche produces some of the finest sports cars in the world. It鈥檚 an unmatched symbol of extravagance and taste. It is perceived as the best. Fittingly, if you take a peek beyond the grandiose reputation it upholds, you will behold an flawlessly formed car with exceptional performance. The new Porsche 911 GTS sustains its predecessor鈥檚 unnervingly perfect image. Prepare to be reeled in by smoky light lenses, 20鈥?satin black wheels, and Alcantara suede trim in the interior. Its lavish looks are an ideal emulation of its dramatic performance. The 911 GTS goes from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds, it鈥檚 instantaneously responsive, possesses an exhilarating roar, and it still boasts a calm and comfortable ride. The Porsche 911 GTS is now featuring a 3.0 twin-turbo six-cylinder, resulting in a substantial increase in power and dynamicity. The drive system has two turbochargers with charge-air cooling that have been optimally adapted to the displacement and power output of the engine. This construction minimizes the inertia of the drivetrain and provides spontaneous responsiveness. The standard seven speed manual transmission offers sport mode with dynamic rev-match function that ensures optimum engine speed and shifting reactivity.
Circuit of the Americas. Also new is Yas Marina Blue, a bright, medium hue that, depending on the light, can look either cool or downright Smurfy. While these colors might be polarizing, they most certainly garner attention. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport mixed performance tires. Upgraded 19-inch wheels are also available, with a choice of two designs. Those who want to upgrade to the carbon ceramic brakes must also shell out for the bigger wheels. Carbon ceramics are denoted by their giant, gold-painted calipers, which we wish came in different color options. The cabin of the M4 is close in design and layout to that of a 4 Series coupe, with the added oomph of unique colors and trims. Traditional M contrast stitching accents the sport seats, doors and dash. Exposed carbon fiber trim comes standard. The M logo can be found everywhere, reminding drivers that they paid a premium for a much faster car than those regular BMWs.
At a time when many carmakers are going to digital TFT displays, the M4 sticks with traditional analog gauges. Glowing white text atop a black background looks sporty and is easy to read. A small display between the large tachometer shows a variety of information, including music, navigation, MPG and vehicle diagnostics. An optional head-up display included with the Executive Package makes it easy to check speed going down the straights. Standard upholstery is a mix of fabric and leather; upgrades include extended leather or full leather trim. The latter two options are available in a beautiful two-tone red and black combination, which are decidedly not for the inconspicuous. Leather is soft yet durable, and the well-bolstered sports seats cradled us perfectly whether blasting down the highway or cranking it around the turns. Trim can be done in Anthracite wood with pearl gloss chrome accents, or Aluminum Blade trim with black gloss accents. Regardless of trim, the M4's cockpit remains oriented around driving, the dash angled slightly toward the driver bringing all controls within easy reach. Climate controls are traditional BMW, intuitive and easy to operate.
On the center console, controls for suspension, throttle and steering settings are conveniently next to the gear shifter. Navigation comes standard on the M4, along with BMW's widescreen display and BMW Apps, all controlled by the iDrive interface. Track enthusiasts will rejoice over the new GoPro app, which lets drivers record and control their car-mounted GoPro camera (sold separately) directly from the iDrive interface. Although the M4 is not as practical as the four-door M3, there's adequate interior storage space, like wide door pockets that can accommodate water bottles and mugs, plus two cupholders on the center console. Rear seats are fine for average adults on shorter trips, with 33.7 inches of legroom and 36.1 inches of headroom, compared with 35.1 and 37.7 inches in the M3, respectively. Cargo space measures 11 cubic feet, one cubic foot less than the M3, which is enough to fit a couple of large suitcases with a bit of room to spare. Standard 60/40-spilt folding rear seats allow for even more carrying capacity.
With its low, wide stance and sleek design, the M4 slices through the air with ease, whether barreling down country roads at 75 mph or cutting through the kink at Road America at more than 100 mph. But whether you're scaring the daylights out of dairy cows or your driving instructor, the M4 makes it easy to go fast. The new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (S55) makes an impressive 425 hp and 406 lb.-ft. 1850 rpm. The high-revving engine redlines at 7500, and those not used to the sound of the new motor might be tempted to shift early. But let it wind all the way up, and you'll be handsomely rewarded with the kind of power and thrust worthy of one of the country's fastest racetracks. Drivers can customize the M4 with separate adjustments for steering, throttle control and damping (the latter with the optional adaptive suspension). Two memory settings, M1 and M2, allow a quick switch between favorite setups.