“The project ‘Porsche Owners File’ was born from readers’ requests to share the authentic voices of various Porsche owners.” The 22nd installment features a purchase, options, and driving review of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS from “Manma.”

〘Owner Information〙
・Featured car: 991.1 generation 911 Carrera 4 GTS (MY2015)
・Pen name: Manma
・Residence: Hokkaido / Condominium
・Family: Wife (non-driver), high schooler, middle schooler — a family of four
・Previous cars:
Honda Prelude (BB4) → Honda Integra Type R (DB8) → Honda Odyssey (RB1) + NSX (NA1) →
Audi A6 Avant (C6) → Audi S4 (B8) → BMW M3 Sedan (E90) → Porsche Panamera 4S (971) → Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 (C257), and now the first 911, the Carrera 4 GTS, has joined our household.
・Message to readers: I hope this helps those considering purchasing a 911.

1) Background to the Purchase

As I humbly wrote in the blog’s “Porsche Owners File #11,” my basic criteria for choosing a car are “fast, stylish, and with a beautiful illuminated instrument panel,” and Porsche cars perfectly match these points.

After parting with the 971 Panamera 4S after just eight months due to various circumstances, rather than fading with time, a strong feeling of “I want to drive a Porsche again!” — a kind of ‘Porsche loss’— welled up inside me. Also, since the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is such a wonderful car that I couldn’t consider selling it, I decided to boldly add another car to the garage.

(By coincidence, spotting a car that looked like my Panamera nearby also greatly influenced my decision… Panamera really is cool…)

So, I resolved that since this would be an additional car, purely for myself without considering family passengers, I would finally purchase a 911.

Regarding the 911, I also considered the latest 992 generation, but reflecting on my modest car knowledge, I decided to focus on a certified pre-owned 991.1 generation all-wheel-drive model, based on “my foundation built on NA models,” “the air-cooled models being more of a hobbyist’s choice,” and “my fascination with Porsche began with the 991 Carrera 4’s taillights.”

While searching daily for certified pre-owned cars, the GTS model with its blacked-out parts looked very cool, and since it comes standard with the Sport Chrono Package and Sport Exhaust System, it was easy to narrow my search to the GTS.

2) Options / Specifications

Carrara White Metallic, GTS Interior Package (Carmine Red), Seat Heaters (front left and right), BOSE Sound System, Rearview Camera (possibly aftermarket; camera only, no sensors)

When searching for a certified pre-owned car, I set these must-have criteria:

1. Exterior: White tones
2. Option: GTS Interior Package (color doesn’t matter)
3. Wheels: Genuine “Black-painted 20-inch 911 Turbo S wheels with center-lock system”
4. Right-hand drive

Since there are very few 991.1 GTS plus all-wheel-drive models, and with these four conditions, good matches were rare, one day I found this exact car newly updated on a Porsche Center website in Tokyo and ordered it immediately without seeing it in person.

There was no discount, but thanks to the kindness of the sales representative, body coating, rear glass smoke film installation, and new tires were all provided free of charge.

Regarding coding to enable daytime running lights, my local Porsche Center opposed it, so I gave up (apparently coding is not an issue at the purchase location; it varies by Porsche Center).

3) Delivery Timeline

・Order: Early January 2020 → Delivery: Late January 2020

4) Porsche Performance Impressions

① Engine

The naturally aspirated 3799cc flat-six engine boasting 430PS and 440Nm immediately excites you with its powerful startup sound (though you have to be mindful of time and place sometimes).

At takeoff, as the brochure states, torque at low RPM is ample, allowing stress-free acceleration from a stoplight to cruising speed.

Compared to the CLS53, there’s no feeling of sluggishness or lack of power when switching to the 911. Recalling the E90 M3 Sedan, it might have felt a bit slow at low speeds despite pressing the accelerator (the M3 Sedan’s DCT had no creep function; maybe that’s related?).

The 911’s throttle responds sharply and quickly, whether you press gently or aggressively, exactly matching your input. This was also my impression with the 971 Panamera and the 992 Carrera 4S I test drove, so it seems a common Porsche trait.

The tachometer reacts crisply to throttle inputs, transmitting energy to the car without waste — truly a unity of man and machine.

Regarding engine sound, it becomes fierce from 2500rpm and delivers a thrilling, VTEC-like sharpness around 4000rpm, then revs up smoothly (official data notes tonal changes at 4300rpm and 6300rpm, but this is my subjective impression).

I personally interpret the clear, unclouded high-rev sound as unique to NA and GTS models. I’m truly glad to have encountered the 911 and especially the GTS.

These impressions are in Normal mode, but selecting Sport mode sharpens engine response and doubles the clarity and power of the sound (the Sport Exhaust System, which activates simultaneously, greatly contributes), making me feel like I’m driving a race car despite being an amateur.

The Sport Exhaust is so wonderful I want it on all the time. Honestly, I didn’t expect the sound to change so dramatically between on and off.

As for Sport Plus mode, shift points move higher in the rev range, downshifts happen quickly with slight deceleration or throttle input, and throttle response is ultra-sensitive, as if engine power flows directly to my right foot. It’s completely beyond my control.

I strongly agree with the manual’s description of it being a “setting intended for circuit driving…”

② PDK

The PDK description in the 991.1 Carrera/Carrera S brochure is nearly identical to that for the GTS, so I can’t imagine special GTS functions, but compared to the Panamera and M3, the 911’s shifts are much smoother.

In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the shift speed stands out even more than smoothness. Sport Plus shifts at lightning speed.

Regarding sound, as noted by the blog owner, it indeed connects with a “thud!” sensation. I find this stimulating enough, though I’m curious about the 981 GTS’s “pshun!” sound.

As a side note, I felt the paddle strokes could be a bit lighter for shifting. The paddle travel on the 992 Carrera and 971 Panamera feels closer to a typical shift.

I have yet to master controlling shifts solely with throttle input, so I need more time.

③ Handling

The strongest sense of unity with the car comes when turning the steering wheel.

It feels like all four tires maintain proper load and balance, firmly gripping the road. Whether climbing, descending, or cornering, the car sticks to the asphalt like a powerful magnet — truly otherworldly handling.

The precise, light-footed feel thrills me every time I steer, whether at intersections or on winding country roads.

In Sport Plus mode, everything becomes dramatically sharper. It’s like watching a video suddenly playing at double speed, with the scenery outside the driver’s window jumping in sharp, distinct frames.

My car has the PASM Normal chassis, but I’m curious about the world PASM Sport chassis (standard on 991.2 GTS), PDCC, or rear-axle steering (not available on 991.1 GTS) would reveal — Porsche’s depth fascinates me.

④ Fuel Economy

I get about 5-6 km/l in city driving and 10 km/l on highways, slightly worse than the 971 Panamera 4S. The fuel filler is at the front; I wonder if keeping some fuel in the tank improves balance?

Since the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Earthquake, I never let the tank drop below half, and I wonder if fuel load affects the car’s behavior.

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

When I rode in a 997 Carrera 4S passenger seat, I felt the front wheels lift slightly during mid-speed acceleration, but with this 911, there’s no such sensation; the car feels glued to the road in all situations. Yet the ride is smoother and flatter than expected for a sports car — very comfortable.

However, the car picks up every bump and joint on elevated roadways and rough surfaces, regardless of severity, which might be uncomfortable for passengers.

According to a blog about the 991.2 GTS (April 5, 2020 Porsche 911 GTS (991 late model test drive) – Wife’s daily use review), the PASM Sport chassis is basically a firm setup.

The seat position is low and you sink into it, so you drive from a lower vantage point than surrounding cars. Seeing guardrails and adjacent tires right next to you is a sports car hallmark and adds to the thrill.

The standard “Sports Seat Plus” offers good fit and comfort, which I find satisfactory. Initially, I thought the manual fore-aft adjustment felt cheap, but since I rarely adjust it, that feeling has faded.

Choosing between Sports Seat and Sports Seat Plus, adding 14-way adjustment, enhanced hold, or easy entry depends heavily on personal preference and use, so I plan to keep learning from blogs and showroom visits.

Regarding brakes (standard equipment), they’re said to be “the best in the universe,” and they really are incredibly effective. High braking performance directly translates to peace of mind while driving.

The standard brake disc sizes are 340mm front and 330mm rear; with PCCB, 350mm, according to the brochure.

⑥ Family Reactions

My wife seems resigned that nothing I say will sway me, or perhaps she thinks cars can always be sold, as she feigns indifference, saying, “You can really pay off the loan, huh…”

My eldest son (like many young people, uninterested in cars) commented, “Dad buys cars like I buy mechanical pencils.” My daughter bluntly said, “The previous car (971 Panamera) was cooler! I hate the round headlights (911)!” Overall, I feel a bit out of place.

⑦ Favorite Points

The 911’s curves are beautifully finished, and depending on the angle and light, just gazing at the body leaves me speechless with awe. The black exterior parts, wide rear fenders, and especially the straight LED rear light strip unique to 4WD 991 models enhance the 911’s beauty.

The ritual of inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to start the engine—initially I questioned using a car-shaped key, but now it’s a favorite gesture.

Also, the “click” sound when locking or unlocking the door with the key somehow feels sporty.

The Alcantara texture and carbon parts in the GTS Interior Package are also highlights.

And of course, the engine sound — hearing that racey engine note from behind the driver’s seat always stirs my heart.

Next page → Must-have options, quirks of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS… etc.