I caught the bug. I want to buy a used 991 GTS in the future and have some questions on the options, etc.

What are the impressions of the non-Sport steering wheel? I want paddles but I appreciate steering wheel controls. Is it difficult to swap a Sport wheel in place of a non-Sport?

Yellow calipers = PCCBs, correct?

How common is the extended range fuel tank and front axle lift options?

I REALLY want the ventilated seats but noticed one ad online showed them (that extra button on the dash), yet it wasn't shown in the option list. Is there a seat option that includes that feature by default? Or they are included in the Premium Plus Package?

The adjustable exhaust note - what package(s) is that included?

Thank you all!

 

Some thoughts from a current GTS owner... hope this helps.

Steering Wheel: The Sport Design wheel is standard on the GTS and I'd highly recommend it, IMO it looks far better than the MF wheel. If your desired car is PDK the Sport Design wheel is an absolute must have for the shift paddles alone.

PCCB: Correct, yellow calipers.

Extended range fuel tank/front axle lift: Neither are available as options on the GTS in North America. Are you sure you're not thinking about the GT3?

Ventilated seats: These are available as an option on the GTS, you need to find a car that has either Alcantara delete or seats with smooth finish leather + ventilation option. Note ventilated seats are not avail on the GT3 at all.

Exhaust: PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust) is standard on the GTS.

 

+1 on all the above

 

+2.

Note on Ventilated Seats: They're great and I had them on my 991S, but I opted for the Alcantara interior package with my GTS (and I think you should, too). As stated, you can't combine ventilated seats with alcantara (only leather allows you to add this on). I believe ventilated seats could have been specced separately as a standalone option.

Note on PSE: Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE) is the package that gives you a different exhaust system with valved controls. You pop the valves open and you have a sportier exhaust note. You close the valves and it's much more muffled, and, as stated, is standard on our GTSs.

Now go and get one!

 

+1 on the alacantara and going out and getting one.

 

Great responses guys, thank you.

The axle lift and fuel tank question came from a friend who likes to spec his wishlist online. Could have been a mistake on his part.

I really prefer paddles myself, since its not going to be a commuter/daily I can live without steering wheel controls.

I really enjoy leather and the ventilated seats is a big deal for me if I can find them in my semi-obtainable/near future dream car.

Is there a compelling argument for Alcanta besides visual appeal/contrast, more adhesion to the seat and less weight?

Thanks again!

 

I think you are going to have a tough time finding a GTS with the vented seats, or even full leather w/o venting, I know a few rennlisters specced cars
with both options, but I believe that overall the majority came with the
alacantara and SD steering wheel.

given that the PDK loves 7th gear and the shifter is in the wrong direction, you will want the SD wheels paddles, trust me.

 

I'll definitely keep that in mind, thank you. Agreed on the paddles, I don't want buttons.

 

+1 on all the above. Especially going out and grabbing one. I've had mine for ~6mos now and love it more and more each day. I daily drive it with two small kids

Did you know that the SD steering wheel does have a stalk that you can use to scroll through the menu and select actions, without removing your hands from the wheel?

Its more effort than the MF wheel, but is functional and totally worth it to get the paddles. I had the MF wheel on my Cayenne and PTT and hated the button shifters.

 

My 991S had the push/pull button shifters and actually I got used to them. My PTT and my GTS have the paddles which I like better. The heck with MF wheel, leave that on the Rav4.
My observations on a GTS:
My car doesn't have it but PDCC is something to look into.
The Alcantara setup on the GTS is stellar! I also like the black sideskirts outside the car.
Turbo S black rims- top notch.
Go for the GTS interior package; very nice and makes it more special.

 

Curious on the appeal of Alcantara besides the contrasting color shade and less slipping in the seat? Or are those the two main reasons?

 

Definitely try to find a GTS. It's a really amazing car. I've got the alcantara with the GTS interior package (in carmine) and it's a really nice and very sporty interior.

 

Having Alcantara on the steering wheel, shifter, and seats IMO feels amazing to the touch and is always super-grippy. Lots of sports/track enthusiasts prefer alcantara wheels and seats because of this.

To me, the alcantara interior was a way to differentiate the car from other 911s.

 

Great responses everyone, thank you so much. I'm glad I asked about Alcatara.

Considering it won't be a daily driver or commuter baking in the sun every day, ventilated seats may not be so important after all. Now my wife may not like how grippy the material is, so it looks like we've got more research to do...this will be her car too and she has great taste.

Thanks again!

 

When I spec'd my Turbo S, the alcantara that mattered to me was things that I would touch. I was able to spec the sport-design wheel in a specific color of alcantara and also got the PDK shifter in a matching grey.

I'm a big fan of ventilated seats, and I've had alcantara seats that picked up a lot of stain from jeans in other cars, so I was excited to go with the normal perforated leather and ventilation on 18-way seats. I got seat centers in "platinum" (that roughly matches the wheel and shifter) and contrasts with the espresso leather interior. I also got as much contrasting stitching as Porsche would offer in the "platinum" color as well.

The interior came out looking even better than I hoped and everything has been perfect (except for a few Volkswagen electrical and mechanical gremlins).

I started out at the dealer looking for a GTS... and loved it, but wanted more power and got really carried away.