some opinions please, I am considering one next, I think I have the baby brother in the .1 X51 car, though probably not suspension-wise, but that's the Q, what all do any of you owners find special about them? , seem perfect except for the alcantara in the hi-wear areas, which doesn't make any sense to me...I have seen a few with the alcan-delete option and I would opt for that, the other thing I'm not crazy about is the center lock thang,and, come to think of it, I don't recall seeing any with that option deleted, though i'm sure they must be out there...anyway...whats up with these gems...

 

Just bought a 2011 GTS. I happen to find the CLs and Alcantara a big part of the special nature of the car, but opinions do differ.

 

I've not had any issues with the center locks. You do need to spend a bit more time when removing/installing them. Other than that I'm pretty happy with the car.

 

Why do you need a GTS when you have a x51 car?
You're not going to feel much difference in terms of performance to your current car and like you said, it sounds like you have reservations about the interior and CL wheels. There has to be some reason you like it over your current car no?
For the premium it would cost you to switch cars, i don't think it would be worth it. You already have a nice ride. If it's the suspension, then that can be taken care of for a fraction of the cost. I love the GTS and it's wide body RWD characteristics, but no way i'd pay major $$$ to move up from my 997.1S. They are slightly cheaper than well sorted GT3's and at that price point, i'd have the latter.

 

I have a 2012 GTS that I like better than any car I have owned. The GTS will have more power than your .1 X51 since the GTS is a .2 car. The GTS has 408 HP. Not sure how much yours has, but guess around 375?

I have SPASM option on my GTS, which lowers the car 10mm from standard suspension GTS. The GTS has the same suspension as the regular 997.2S coupe cars. The GTS of course has the wide body of the C4S, which looks very nice.

I like the centerlock wheels and have had no issues with them in the 2.5 years I have owned my car. If you track your car or change wheels frequently, you may not like them. I, like you, am not a huge fan of the alcantara material but my car has full leather, so I don't have to deal with it.

I think it would be a significant upgrade for you, but you will have to decide if the cost is worth it. A huge benefit would be the new DFI engine and no IMS to worry about.

 

997.1 X51 takes HP from 355 to 381.

 

I have had my '11 for about 2 weeks now and absolutely loving it. Found locally, fully loaded, with 6k miles on it! The suspension is a bit stiffer than my turbo was, but I am not complaining. I also have full leather on mine but would have been satisfied with the alcantara (had it in my C63). I am fine with the center locks as well since I am not a big track guy and they will not be coming on and off the car that frequently. Thus far I am totally satisfied with this car.

 

.1 x51 is nobody's "baby brother"

 

yo, I quite agree with you, it is actually the normal .1's big brother, or sister, or...anyway, a little 'splaining about my thinking... I am not concerned with the IMS, this being a 2008 and late in the .1 run, though early or late it still has one, but I have not heard of any fails in the improved motors, and from what I have heard by way of comparison in exhausts, my PSE,, which I have permanently engaged sounds at least as good as aftermarkets costing thousands, gundos , and whatevers...I do like the revamped center console in the .2, though I painted mine black and put in a .2 steering wheel, so i'm almost there...actually as I write this I am wondering myself where I am going with this, I am just missing a sunroof and I wouldn't mind another color...all that being said if something comes along i'll go with it and if not, I'm still a happy mo fo...

 

There are GTS's with 5-bolt wheels out there. Very rare though. I think I've only seen two for sale since the model came out.

 

I have a 2011 GTS that I ordered in the Fall of 2010. It is a coupe ordered with 5 lug wheels, full leather option (but still with Alcantera on seat inserts, doors, steering wheel, shift ****). I know that Porsche is often criticized for charging big $ for their extensive options, however, I like the opportunity provided a buyer to tailor the car to his/her tastes. For example, I also ordered the limited slip rear, but without the SPASM.

This configuration "to me" was the precise compromise in ride, appearance and capability that met my driving preferences. I autocross and do a few DEs, so I wanted to get a second set of wheels to easily swap out. Had Porsche offered the "Cup style" center-locks, I would have opted for the center locks. Also, I do some longer distance drives to attend "vintage" events, so a comfortable ride (not a stiffer suspension) is important.

I doubt I would ever be able to drive the GTS to its capability with or without a stiffer suspension. If I was really into DE and wanted to concentrate on that aspect of driving, I probably would have opted for a GT3 instead of the GTS.

Is the 997.2 GTS a reasonable upgrade from a 997.1 with x51? The only justification for me would be the DFI engine and the wide body. If your .1 engine is running fine, I wouldn't have the desire to upgrade for a wide body - you can hardly see the difference.

FWIW, I have not had issues with the Alcantera in 14K miles, in fact I think it wears well on the heavy contact areas - steering wheel and shift ****. Additionally it is a unique feature that you do not often see in any car.

Good luck with the path you chose.

Regards,
Joe

 

I like my .2 Carrera S X 51. Narrow body GTS. no CL, Alcantata interior adds to the GTS feel.

 

so a .2 X51 is DFI with the heads, mapping, headers, airbox, etc, 408 ps, ? do you have PSE or an aftermarket exhaust...what is the sound like? I understand that my X51 sounds different from stock .1's, though I haven't had the chance to compare, I have my PSE disconnected so louder all the time...really great sound, could you put up a sound clip ? I am going to try to do this as well,

 

here's a rare unicorn

5 lug and manual. Too bad it's a 4 GTS (instead of RWD)

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=11&Log=0

 

Love the black on black