2017 Porsche 911 GTS release date, specs, price news: sports cars gain more power and upgraded visuals

Porsche has expanded its 911 model line with the introduction of five new high-powered sports cars: the 911 Carrera GTS and the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, both available as a Coupe or Cabriolet, as well as the 911 Targa 4 GTS. All new models gain upgraded visuals and more power under the hood.

The 2017 Porsche 911 GTS models are powered by a 3.0-liter flat-six engine that are equipped with larger turbochargers. This translates to 450 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The sports cars come standard with a seven-speed manual transmission but customers can choose to avail the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. This allows the sports cars to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just 3.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 193 mph.

The sports cars come standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) while the GTS coupes come with PASM Sport Suspension which translates to a lower ride height.

In terms of design, the all-new GTS models retain the 911's iconic and clean design but do come with upgraded visuals that make them stand out even more. The Sport Design front fascia features a more aerodynamic front bumper, revised air vents, a black spoiler lip, higher rear spoiler, tinted tail lights, rear lid grille strips in satin black and tailpipes in high-gloss black. Furthermore, there are Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch satin black wheels and black GTS logos on the doors that help give the models a striking appearance.

Rear-wheel drive variants also gain a new black trim strip between the taillights while all-wheel drive models receive a light bar.

Complementing the exteriors is a unique cabin that comes standard with the stopwatch from the Sport Chrono Package, Sport Seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests, Alcantara for the upholstery, GT Sport steering wheel, gear level and armrest, as well as a brushed aluminum interior trim that has been anodized with a black finish. The Porsche Track Precision App has also been enhanced with automatic recording, a detailed display and analysis of driving data on one's smartphone.

Pricing is as follows: 911 Carrera GTS for $119,000, 911 Carrera 4 GTS for $125,900, 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet for $131,300, 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet for $138,200 and 911 Targa 4 GTS for $138,200.

The 2017 Porsche 911 GTS models are now available to order and will arrive at U.S. dealerships in April.