Since this is a certified pre-owned car, I knew it would be impossible to find one that 100% matched my ideal order.
As mentioned, I set only these must-haves: white exterior, GTS standard wheels, GTS Interior Package, and right-hand drive. I hoped for LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, interior light design package, seat heaters, adaptive cruise control, park assist with rearview camera, and entry & drive system if possible.
In the end, the car had the options listed in “2) Options / Specifications,” but here are my comments:
Maybe some equipment or aftermarket parts allow customization, but whether Carmine Red or Rhodium Silver, I absolutely wanted the GTS Interior Package. I’m truly satisfied with its effect.
Here, winter tires are usually on from November to April. Since the GTS doesn’t have winter tires and I planned not to drive it in winter, I wasn’t particular about seat heaters.
Still, I’m glad it has them because I started driving as soon as the snow melted, and it was still cold (seat heaters are standard on 991.2 Carrera 4 GTS and 992 models).
Like the Panamera, the body color is Carrara White Metallic, but unlike the Panamera, it doesn’t feel bluish-white; it’s closer to solid white.
Since I prefer solid white, this was good, but it renewed my resolve to always check colors in person when buying future Porsches.
This car has a backup camera but no park assist. Since there’s no factory option for camera only, I assume the camera is aftermarket. I definitely wanted park assist.
Also, when shifting into reverse, the car is silent. Is that normal for a 911?
It’s a bit hard to tell if the car is in reverse since there’s no sound or indication.
Even without folding, the mirrors don’t protrude much, so I leave them unfolded in my condo parking. Still, power folding would be convenient (the Porsche Center rep said most customers park without folding mirrors).
Also, I wish the passenger mirror tilted down automatically in reverse. Since the mirrors are power adjustable, reverse mode should be standard.
This option costs about 250,000 yen, but honestly, I don’t miss it much. Except at idle in Normal mode, I rarely have an environment to enjoy music, so it sees little use.
For a similar price, you can get park assist with front and rear sensors and rearview camera, so I’d personally prefer park assist over BOSE.
When driving a high-performance Porsche, to fully enjoy its capabilities, I agonize over options related to driving:
Sport Chrono Package, Sport Exhaust System, PASM Sport Chassis, PDCC, Rear Axle Steering, PCCB brakes
My recent conclusion is that the standard setup for each model and grade is usually the best balance. If unsure about driving-related options, either get all or none — that’s a valid approach.
In that sense, I’d love to experience the PASM Sport Chassis standard on the 991.2 Carrera GTS someday.
The 991.1’s instrument panel LCD doesn’t sync with the navigation system (the manual mentions it but notes “not available on Japanese models” dismissively), which is a bit disappointing. There’s no USB port either, so this area feels outdated.
Also, the four-point daytime running lights, a Porsche identity feature, are missing on the MY2015 model, which is unfortunate. If you want those, you need a 991.2 or later.
That leads to thoughts like: GTS is turbocharged, so maybe 992 is better; 992 looks great all around, but I really want an NA model; then 991.2 GT3 is tempting but means giving up the light strip; and GT3 might be beyond me…
So I gave up on the four-point DRLs.
Also, the rear overfenders are a bit bothersome when washing the car. The 971 Panamera had them initially but lost them around the 2018 model, making the look cleaner. I wonder when 991 lost them. Small things, though.
Finally, compared to the Panamera and NSX, this car draws overwhelmingly more attention. Whether stopped at intersections, at convenience stores or supermarkets, or refueling on the highway, I feel like I’m being watched more than ever before.
Is it Porsche’s prestige? The 911’s presence? The GTS design? I don’t know, but it’s definitely an eye-catching car.
I believe Porsche’s philosophy of “fusion of high performance and practicality” is strongly felt in every model.
Each model has its own core Porsche philosophy — Panamera has its, 911 has its — but for me, a late-40s leisure driver wanting to unwind on weekends or spare moments in a sports car, the 991.1 Carrera 4 GTS fits perfectly.
From daily driving to long weekend trips, straight roads, winding routes, low-speed to high-speed cruising, the joy of “Yes, I’m driving a sports car” bubbles up constantly.
I look forward to spending more time with this 911.
Porsche is a cherished partner walking alongside me through life. I have gratitude for the Panamera and expect excitement and inspiration from the 911.
〘Blog Owner’s Thoughts〙
The early 991 GTS is a dream car I’d love to drive. As the last naturally aspirated model available in a standard version, and with its dramatic transformations between Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes, I imagine it offers a depth the latest 911s can’t match. Thank you, Manma, for sharing your experience!
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