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Porsche 991.1 Carrera GTS

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The naturally aspirated finale · 2014-2016

Porsche 991.1 Carrera GTS Buyer's Guide

The sweet spot of the series: prices, weak points, checks and checklist. So you can assess condition, history and options cleanly in advance.

GTS vs Carrera S Weak points Running costs Market prices Conclusion & recommendation
A historic turning point

The last GTS with a naturally aspirated engine

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS of the 991.1 series marks a historic turning point: it was the last GTS driven by a naturally aspirated engine before the turbo era changed everything. Introduced at the end of 2014, it closed the gap between the Carrera S and the GT3.

The secret of its success for collectors: it combines the wide body (rear end 44 mm wider), normally reserved for the all-wheel-drive cars, with rear-wheel drive as well. At its heart is the 3.8-litre DFI engine with the factory power kit (X51) as standard, giving 430 PS. This combination of emotional naturally aspirated character, wide-body looks and high everyday usability makes it extremely stable in value.

430 PS

3.8-litre naturally aspirated, 440 Nm

X51

Factory power kit as standard

+44 mm

Wide body, on the C2 as well

CL

Centre lock as standard

More than just equipment

What sets the GTS apart from the Carrera S

The technical distinguishing features of the 991.1 GTS.

Power kit X51 (standard)

430 PS · 440 Nm

  • Not a simple software update: newly developed cylinder heads
  • Camshafts with greater lift
  • Revised intake system with six switching flaps (resonance charging)
  • A third centre radiator
  • The result: a greater appetite for revs at the top end

Looks and equipment

Wide body and Alcantara

  • Wide body on every variant
  • Black accents (air intake grilles, tailpipes)
  • Extensive Alcantara package and "GTS" lettering
  • Sport Chrono and PASM as standard (often with the -20 mm sports suspension)
  • Sports exhaust system as standard
Specialist knowledge

Weak points: COV, centre lock and co.

The 991.1 is solid, but specific details can become expensive.

Engine (X51) and changeover valves (COV) +

The engine is based on the robust 3.8-litre MA1.03. Bore scoring is extremely rare. The X51 modifications are durable.

  • Changeover valves (COV): the vacuum system of the 991.1 is vulnerable. It controls the exhaust flaps, the heating and the resonance flaps of the intake system through small changeover valves. These often fail. Symptoms: cold heating, quiet exhaust, loss of power at the top end
  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): The pump for the direct injection system can fail (long cranking when starting, limp-home mode). Cost: €1,500 - €3,000
  • Flap control: the vacuum actuators of the sports exhaust system (standard) seize with corrosion
Centre-lock wheels: a blessing and a curse +

The 20-inch Turbo S wheels with centre lock are standard on the GTS. They look spectacular, but are impractical in everyday use.

  • Maintenance: Changing a wheel requires a special torque wrench (600 Nm), a second person (to hold the brake) and the specified paste for the hubs
  • Risk: improper handling (tyre fitters without experience) damages the hub and the lock. Replacement is very expensive. Check whether the tool is in the car.
Transmission: PDK vs 7-speed manual +

Manual: The 7-speed gearbox is rare and sought after. It is regarded as reliable.

PDK: Very common and fast. But:

  • PDK risk: sensors (the speed sensor) can fail. Porsche often replaces the entire transmission (cost more than €10,000 up to €15,000). Specialists can sometimes repair it
  • Maintenance: Oil change intervals must be observed
Interior, body and PADM +
  • Door trim panels: a known 991.1 problem. The adhesive lets go and the door panels bow upwards at the window edge (warping). Replacement is expensive
  • PADM (engine mounts): dynamic engine mounts (standard with Sport Chrono) often fail (fault message "PADM defective"). Replacement around €1,500
  • Stone chips: the wide rear wings are extremely prone to stone chips (a sandblasted look). Check for protective film.
  • Radiators: The front condensers corrode through leaf debris and stone chips
The 991.1 GTS model bible

The complete knowledge: the Investor Dossier & Technical Compendium, in German

370 pages of expert knowledge on the 991.1 Carrera GTS: detailed weak points, engine codes, specification details, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.

€97

incl. VAT

To the compendium (German)
Risk calculation

Running costs & risk calculation

The GTS is reliable, but specific parts have special status.

Typical work & faults

Work / faultApprox. costNote
PDK gearbox replacement5,000 - 15,000+ €With a total failure of the mechatronics unit
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)€1,500 - €3,000Replacement
PADM engine mount (each)€600 - €900Plus fitting (a wear part)
Door trim panel (each)1,500+ €Where it has come loose (warping)
Centre-lock maintenanceVariableSpecial tool / paste
PDCC repair2,000 - 4,000+ €Hydraulic components
Radiator / condenser€500 - €1,500Stone chips (each)
Market prices & investment, as at May 2025

Market prices & investment

The GTS is considerably more expensive than the S, and rightly so.

CategoryPrice range
Market entry (more than 100,000 km)from €95,000
Market level (well cared for)€100,000 - €130,000
Top examples (low mileage)€135,000+

Factor: rear-wheel drive (GTS) is often more sought after than all-wheel drive (GTS 4). Manuals are rare and fetch enthusiast prices. Coupés hold their value better than convertibles.

The strategic conclusion from 911Finder

For many, the 991.1 GTS is the sweet spot of the range. It brings together the best of the Carrera S and the GT feeling. Investment tip: Look for a GTS Coupé with rear-wheel drive. Pay attention to the condition of the centre locks and to whether the door panels are coming away.

The next step

Buy this 911 with confidence, with 911Finder.

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