PHOENIX — It’s early morning and I’m on the Apache Trail, a two-lane blacktop highway in central Arizona. The Trail opens up with a rare straightaway for the passing zone. Just ahead of me, a wide, smooth hairpin curve comes into view as I negotiate one of the countless hills and dips that open into a seemingly endless serving of S curves carved into the side of cactus-forested mountains and chiseled desert canyons.
   

   


And, by a miraculous stroke of good fortune, I’m behind the wheel of a dialed up $159,000 Porsche 911 GTS, paddle downshifting the silky-smooth 8-speed PDK automatic transmission, arousing sweet melodic notes from the powerful 6-cylinder engine.

Rolling out of the curve and onto the gas unleashes the massive force of twin-turbocharged 420 lb. ft of torque, forcing me back into the bucket seat as the speedometer ticks up with ludicrous rapidity. What ensues is what driving should be like for enthusiasts: precision performance that few, if any other, sports cars, can achieve. It’s a joyous experience behind the wheel of perhaps the finest sports coupe in the world, where each element of the vehicle — from raw power and acceleration, triggerfish handling, bolstered seats, and massive brakes — is an endless reward.

In the 911 model lineup there’s the Carrera, Carrera S, and GTS, driven here, that can be had with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive and your choice of hardtop coupe, a Targa or a convertible. Above the GTS is the outrageous GTS Turbo and finally the track-tuned GT3.

The GTS sits in the middle, hitting the “just right” sweet spot; the Carrera seems too soft and luxurious, and the GT3 a bit too track-focused for daily use.

The 911 GTS is a true sports car: incredibly fast, exceptionally fun. There are fantastic exhaust notes and it handles wonderfully. This is a luxury good that truly performs, and allows you to eke out every ounce of joy and driving pleasure.

Vital Stats
Base Price:  $136,700
Price as Tested: $159,000
Fuel Economy: 18/23 mpg city/highway
Engine-transmission:
3.0-L twin-turbocharged, 473-hp flat 6, paired with either an 8-speed automatic
or 7-speed manual shift transmission
Seating: 2

Fab Features:
Unmatched performance and handling capability
Impeccable fit and finish with no cost-cutting
Adaptive Sport Seats

— Jim Prueter