2013 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Performance Review

The message is clear and unmistakable: force, power and dynamics. With direct fuel injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus, the uprated 3.8-litre sixcylinder rear engine of the new 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS models generates 300 kW (408 hp) at 7,300 rpm. Maximum torque is 420 Nm and both models achieve a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h). The Coupé accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8. The optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) further improves acceleration, reducing these times to 4.4 and 4.6 seconds respectively. The throttle response is even more direct and acceleration is even sportier. The engine power is 23 hp higher than that of the Porsche 911 Carrera S. This was made possible by the redesigned intake manifold, the modified cylinder heads and the optimised engine electronics.

Take a deep breath. The 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS  models are fitted with a variable resonance intake system featuring six switchable, vacuum-controlled valves. These valves enable the system to switch between power- and torque-optimised geometries for all six air intake tracts to produce even higher torque in the mid-rev range. The improved charging of the combustion chamber is made even more efficient by a flow-optimised intake duct. The cooling system has been adapted to the increased engine output. Efficiency is about getting more from less, and direct fuel injection (DFI) is fitted as standard. With millisecond precision, DFI injects fuel at up to 120 bar directly into the combustion chamber by means of electromagnetically actuated injection valves.

The spray and cone angles have been optimised for torque, power output, fuel consumption
and emissions, thus ensuring homogeneous distribution of the air/fuel mixture and, consequently, efficient combustion. In the direct injection system, the EMS SDI 3.1 engine management system adjusts the injection timing individually for each cylinder and the injection quantity for each cylinder bank. This optimises both the combustion curve and fuel consumption. A hot-film air mass meter takes care of the airflow, so that the combustion chambers contain exactly the right mixture at all times. Dual injection is implemented at engine speeds of up to 3,200 rpm and triple injection up to 2,500 rpm. The required quantity of fuel is distributed to two or three successive injection processes per cycle. This strategy achieves faster heating of the catalytic converters after a cold start and produces greater torque in the
upper load range.

DFI improves the internal cooling of the combustion chamber by forming the mixture directly
in the cylinder. This has made it possible to increase compression (12.5:1), resulting in more
engine power and even greater efficiency. Injection is regulated by the electronic engine management system. The exhaust gas cleaning system ensures that emissions remain below the strict limits of the Euro 5 emission standard, thus helping to protect the environment. VarioCam Plus is a variable valve timing system on the inlet side which also features two-stage valve lift. This allows even smoother running with comparatively efficient fuel consumption and low emissions yet with greater power and torque.

This two-in-one engine concept seamlessly adapts in response to driver input. The result
is instant acceleration and extremely smooth running. The timing of each valve is steplessly
and electrohydraulically controlled by means of a rotary vane adjuster. For optimum responsiveness during the warm-up phase, Vario Cam Plus will select the higher valve lift setting and retard valve timing. At medium revs and low engine loads, the lower valve lift setting is selected and timing advanced in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The higher lift setting produces high torque and even more power output.

Integrated dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even when a sporty driving style
is adopted. It also has additional cooling functions. The oil tank is located in the engine, thereby eliminating the need for an external oil tank. Four oil pumps remove the oil from the cylinder heads directly into the oil sump. A fifth pump in the oil sump directly supplies the lubricating points in the engine. To prevent foaming, the oil is channelled through cylinders known as swirlpots. In this way, optimum lubrication is guaranteed at all times. To reduce drive losses and
increase efficiency, an electronic on-demand oil pump is used. This means that the oil pump is operated at high power when there is high demand and at low power when there is low demand. The result is an optimised oil supply appropriate to requirements, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Single-jet piston spray nozzles cool the piston crowns with oil from the main lubrication circuit another detailed solution that helps to reduce the thermal load on the engine. For the engine, these detailed solutions mean a consistent supply of oil regardless of gravitational loads, even in the most demanding track conditions.

DFI and Vario Cam Plus enable a tremendous amount of power to be produced with comparatively low emissions, fuel consumption and noise. The same applies to our efficient cross-flow cooling system, as used in motorsport. The ignition system is a static high-voltage system. Each individual spark plug has a separate ignition coil, ensuring excellent combustion every time. If you want to be heard, it’s better to speak forcefully rather than loudly. The sports exhaust system follows this principle. Fitted as standard in the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS models, it makes the typical Porsche sound even more powerful, even more resonant, and even more sporty. The sound varies with driving behaviour, ranging from a robust output during normal driving to a distinctly more aggressive tone during performance use. 

The sports exhaust system is activated using a button on the centre console. The look, like the acoustics, has a clear accent. The tailpipes are painted black on the outside, and are polished on the inside. They are also nanocoated, which makes them particularly easy to clean. To increase the distance that your vehicle can cover on a tank of fuel, an optional fuel tank with a refill volume of 90 litres is available in place of the 67-litre tank fitted as standard.

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