[mdr718gts]

I picked up the Targa a year ago and was introduced to a track day. That was a very expensive introduction. Fast forward to five track days at Willow Springs, Auto Club Speedway and Buttonwillow and it became clear that while capable, fun and track friendly the Targa wasn't the car to start to rip apart to get on the track. Indeed I got the Targa to drive and enjoy as my daily driver, canyon cruiser and road trips (7 Speed Manual, carbon fiber bits, etc) and knowing that with the 991.2 platform if I ever felt I needed more HP I could Stage 2 Cobb Tune it and cruise past GTS'.

I started to look for a car I could track and was considering an M2 Comp as most of my track friends drove them. I then got to test drive a 718 GTS at PECLA and was floored - it was so light and nimble, it turned in immediately and any oversteer came with advanced notice and easy correction... and many was it fast. I decided right there and then I was getting a GTS. I waited for 6 months until a good spec was offered $12K under MSRP and I jumped on it. It is Graphite Blue Metallic and I don't have a great pic of it but it looks almost Nardo Grey in shadows / dark light but the metallic really sparkles in the sun. Here is my review:

• The car doesn't turn heads like the Targa but it looks great from all angles - very unique but still "Porsche"
• It feels much more like a "sports car" in that it has more of a cockpit feel. You sit low and “in” the car and the front panels rise up creating a unique feeling that the 911 doesn't have with the flatter nose. The term “pilot” really comes in to play.
• The PDK is so much fun and on Sport+ it is def. in "cheat mode". Very aggressive driving and I rarely even use the paddle shifters. Throttle response is immediate and from a stop you get pushed into the back of the seat. Across 5 sessions on Auto Club Speedway (ACS) where you get as fast as 142 and can also take a corner at 50 I only downshifted in one spot for two sessions and the next few sessions the PDK seemed to learn that spot and put it into 2nd for me.
• The GTS PDK is much faster 0-60 (or even 0-80) than my Targa M. Getting sub 4 sec 0-60 launches is easy. The thing is the GTS doesn't "feel" faster - I would glance down and see myself at impound speeds where with the 911 between the noise and shifting you would feel the speed in a different way. Don’t know how to say it other than the 911 “feels” like a faster car but the GTS is a def faster and lighter.
• Speaking of "noise" - yes it doesn't sound like a 911. That's fine with me- I have one. I actually enjoy the sound and it "fits" the car. Most of my friends who have taken it for a spin also enjoy the sound it makes. It doesn't sound as good as a GT4 or 911 sure but it isn't terrible.
• Speaking of the GT4- the 718 GTS engine and suspension is an improvement over the past model's GT4 by all measures except sound. After tracking the car and seeing the potential with upgrades, tunes and mods I have a feeling it will hang-with or out perform the new GT4 as well.
• I have no idea why everyone hates on the 2.5L 4 Turbo- the car has tons of torque, very little lag and just jumps into action. Right before I bought the car I was talking to a track junkie with a modded 981 and asked what he thought about the 718 (982). He said he would never upgrade because of the “engine” - that’s it. And not even that the engine doesn’t perform just that it is a 4 Banger.
• As much as I love this platform seeing as how it is specifically for the track I don’t think I would get a the 718 S- with the GTS the extra radiator, all of the performance upgrades and the bigger Turbo is a necessity for a track car and it also makes the car a worthwhile investment for mods (not that you are getting an ROI but that with a few performance upgrades the GTS will be faster than the new GT4 and hang with 911s). That being said the 718 S can certainly hang and with an extra radiator and PASM / DSC is a fun track tool.
• At the same time if I was just picking up a street car / canyon cruiser or DD I don't think the Base or S is a bad option- it is actually better suited for it.

Here is my overall preview and impressions on the track:

• This was my second time on ACS - the first time with the Targa 4 with Cup 2s and Signature Wheels. My best run was a 1:59 and I averaged 2:00. Between the weight of the car and body roll I never felt that comfortable pushing the car to its limit but it was still a fun drive.
• Last week was my first track day with the 718 GTS - 500 miles and stock everything (PS4S). My first session I ran a 1:58 and was consistently at sub 2:00. My immediate reaction was how “track ready” the car is. In Sport+ the car leapt onto the track and there was very little body roll. Jamming into Turns 7/8 I could do a slight lift entering at around 105-108 and the car never got unsettled.
• Session 2 & 3 I was able to hit 1:56 and ran consistently at 1:57. My friend who runs a GT4 with camber, lighter wheels, track tires, etc has a best time of 1:54. He felt like even with just tires I could get 1:54 and on the final session I was stuck behind an M2 that refused to point by and I couldn't break 1:56. Towards the end of session 5 however I started to feel the tires reach their limits -the track was hot (95+) and the PS4S were starting to get greasy.
• My best time I was able to keep the car at close to 128 around Turn 1- with the right setup I am very confident it can hold at 135-140 without understeer. Exiting the final turns and onto the straight I was consistently pulling on an M2 and keeping up with cars with 40-50+ more HP. I feel like the 365 HP is underrated.
• Did I mention the PS4S isn't great for the track? They got pretty chewed up...

I am so glad I got this car for the track and as as second car. With just tires this is easily putting-up 981 GT4 numbers and with some additional mods including a Cobb Tune, DSC and some basic aero this car will outperform the new GT4 and most other cars in its class. And they way it drives, handles and behaves predictably without actually every being boring is ideal. Yes the PDK on Sport+ basically removes the need to shift but the car jumps and stays in peak Torque range at all times and with some slight pushing can easily break free. *NOTE: I kept traction control on the entire time and the last two sessions - 4 & 5- it engaged several times as the tires got greasier.

Here are the mods I am considering I'd love feedback:

• Titan7 Front: 18x9" ET46Rear: 18x10" ET35
• RE-71R or Nittos or Cup 2s (whatever I can fit widest on 18" without rubbing)
• JB4 Tuner- I know the Cobb flash is the much better tune but I'm looking to squeeze and extra 20-40 HP and not void my warranty
• DSC Controller (I've heard mixed reviews- 911 owners love it but one 718 GTS owner who does a lot of AutoX didn't). I think it would be better for a track environment.
• Techart Rear Wing and Front Spoiler - for that nasty GT4 Look
• Camber - looking at -2.00 / -1.25 without changing stock suspension
• BBI Sliding Seat Base with Race Seats
• Girodisc Slotted Brake Rotors / Hawk Pads
• Soul Performance Exhaust Setup
• Waylens Horizon

I'm not getting this all at once but will def start with the wheels and tires and probably the JB4 Tuner and then go into Camber, Race Seats and Brakes. I'll keep the community updated!

 

[AVM]

I have never even been to a race track, and usually have no value for track reviews regarding vehicles I am considering or own. That stated, I truly enjoyed your sharing 'real life' track experience with the 718 CGTS. Makes me want to get my 718 CGTS out on a track . . . although it is unlikely I will ever exceed spirited daily drives that I love as much, and as you clearly do with your GTS on the track

Thank you very much MDR

AVM

 

[don]

Nice review. I think I spoke to you over at Rennlist.

I agree with all of your comments. This car with some minor mods such as light weight wheels and GT4 size Cup 2 tires will probably outperform an 918 GT4 or at least be on par.

I think Porsche really limited the GTS, which is a shame. There is so much to be gained from the larger variable vane turbo but they have not tuned the GTS to take advantage of it and as a result there really isn't much difference in power output to an S.

However, Stage 1 tune you see a massive increase with +70hp (426hp) near the redline which is really bringing it beyond 718 GT4 territory, with much more torque.

For now I am sticking with light weight wheels and tires but the tune must be something else.

 

[AVM]

I got the COBB AP with stage 1 tune in my Macan Turbo. I also tried the Flat6 Motorsport stage 1+ tune (via the COBB AP).

In short, it was a disaster, as the diverters could not handle the boost. This is a well known problem with the Macan Turbo, although COBB loyalists are quick to jump down your throat for suggesting it is anything but nirvana . . . as I learned on the MacanForum.

I do not see nearly as much discussion regarding COBB tune in the 718 CGTS. This suggests to me a few different things. GTS owners are not typically after 'more?' The GTS doesn't gain much with the COBB tune? The GTS doesn't respond well to the COBB tune? There are better options than COBB for the GTS?

One or more of the above could be true . . . or none of the above? Regardless, I have admittedly grown 'gun shy' after my pursuit of 'more' through COBB with my Macan Turbo.

AVM

 

[mdr718gts]

Don- thanks for the feedback - tires and wheels and the car is perfectly fine as is. I do agree they limit the GTS but it is obvious why - allowing it to get to GT4 HP and you can’t justify a base 911. The GTS is already as quick as a 911S 0-60 with much less HP.
AVM I admittedly don’t know much about the Macan but what was the outcome of the Cobb Tune? Suncoast PORSCHE is running a tune on their 718 S and the Turbo would regularly go into limp mode but the GTS has a bigger turbo and a third radiator. I know the 991.2 engine easily handles 550+HP - the biggest problem is the torque and transmission. Knowing PORSCHE typically builds their engine to handle an extra 50-100 I’m thinking a slight boost in power map to get an extra 40 HP shouldn’t have issues but def interested in hearing from current owners who have tuned.

 

[mdr718gts]

Here are a few pics

 

[AVM]

AVM I admittedly don’t know much about the Macan but what was the outcome of the Cobb Tune?

For me, I completely abandoned the COBB AP.

I was not about to chase weak links in the system to accommodate the COBB tune. In mine, and seemingly many Macan Turbo owners, the first weak link was diverter inability to handle the boost pressures.

AVM

 

[Guaji]

Nice lil Porsche collection. Both cars are so beautifully designed , but not over designed like some cars today. Classic Porsche lines. Love the Targa, one of my favorites in the 911 line.

 

[mdr718gts]

Nice lil Porsche collection. Both cars are so beautifully designed , but not over designed like some cars today. Classic Porsche lines. Love the Targa, one of my favorites in the 911 line.

Thanks Guaji- I love the Targa and for me it is going to be a keeper- after seeing the 992 in person I have no desire to "upgrade". And for the 718 I love the look, lines and handling of the car. I do see the new GT4 as something I could def fall in love with but it's more about the more aggressive look vs the actual manual / NA engine. The GTS is a faster car 0-60 and with modest upgrades you can keep blast by the new GT4 and still save $20K-$30K. The Carrera T is right up there with Targa and GT3 Touring as my current favorite 911 models. Any feedback as a current 718 GTS owner?

 

[Guaji]

I actually followed the 2000 mile break in period pretty well. It had 70 miles on it when I purchased it, so I’m sure it was beat on a lil bit. Now that I am finished with the break in, it is an amazingly quick car. I had a manual 718 before, this is my first “auto” transmission. On the congested roads of Miami it is difficult to go too fast, but when I find some room the PDK makes going fast so effortless. I hope to be able to track this car when time permits. I have my Carrera T in LA and love driving it in the canyons. Now I wish that I could have the 718 in SoCal also to enjoy the open canyon roads and get a better feel for how both cars differ on similar roads. I have absolutely no doubt the 718 would be a blast. I know to enjoy the car even more ( in Florida ) is to take it to the track.

In regards to the GT 4 and Spyder, what I like most is the aggressive front end styling. For street driving, it seems the T4 is possibly a better option from what I see in the reviews. It doesn’t sound like the F6 but it has it’s own character/ charm that I like. Maybe I’ll put on a Soul sport cat in the future, at the moment I am enjoying it stock.

 

[RotorOver]

Thanks for the write-up and especially the comparo to the Targa. Both beautiful cars! A couple of comments on your mod list-

As far as a tune, the JB4 could still cause Porsche to deny a warrantee claim and put you in the doghouse. Another option could be APR as they are close to dropping the 718 tunes and will most likely offer their APR Plus warranty which matches the Porsche new car warranty in case Porsche denies a claim.

I’ve installed the Waylens Horizon in my Bimmer with a Blendmount and a hardwire set-up. After having issues with the original camera, it was replaced under warranty, no problem and have had no issues since. It is a high quality camera with a whole load of functionality, especially for track use.

 

[mdr718gts]

@Guaji completely agree on the 718 as a canyon cruiser- I still usually take the Targa as the sound + top-down driving is a blast in CA. I also love the GT4 front and rear styling and am considering swapping the front bumper for the GT4 bumper- or at the least getting a GT4 or TechArt wing.

@RotorOver - from everything I read the ECU won't actually record the JB4 being used unlike a flash-tune. That being said Porsche can always void warranties for a variety of reasons- it's really a balance between the dealer and Porsche NA as most times the dealers just want to get paid and leave it to Porsche NA to determine if the car shouldn't be covered. That being said after talking with Suncoast who has the Cobb + Protune on their 718 S (which has constant turbo overheating issues the GTS doesn't have) I'm leaning towards getting the Cobb tune and going higher quality - you pay more and yes you have to flash the ECU but as people point out the goal is to not have an engine problem- not avoid warranty claims. I will check in with APR as a warranty sounds interesting- TechArt also provides a warranty on their ECU upgrade but its around $4,650 (!) without install. (911 tune is $6,000).

Look forward to the Waylens it seems like a pretty amazing all-in-one setup.

 

[Guaji]

Swapping the front bumper is an interesting idea. The Carrera T is alot of fun in the canyons. I like to open the windows to hear the engine and connect a little with the outside. Plus rowing thru the gears is great, not so much in traffic.

I hope to check out the roads in Green Valley tomorrow east of Magic Mountain. I’ve never been over there, lots of new places I need to discover.