Is the M491 really a 911 GTS?
The essence of a GTS. It’s the focus here at GTSence. I’ve written about models like the 991 GTS and 997 GTS, and plan to explore both in more depth. Porsche offers the GTS as a model across their range, as do other manufacturers.
Though the first 911 GTS came with the 997.2 in 2011, I’ve wondered if Porsche produced earlier 911 models with the essence of a GTS; perhaps even an air cooled version.
Many of the mechanical features that make a 911 GTS can be ordered as options on any 911 model from the factory: alcantera, center locking wheels, X51 Powerkit, etc. While these features certainly help to create the essence of a GTS, they are less special than one particular feature that cannot be ordered as an option: the wide body design.
With the 997 Porsche offered just two ways to buy a wide body, two-wheel drive, naturally aspirated car: the GTS and GT3 RS. Although the number of choices doubled with the 991, the wide body, two-wheel drive, naturally aspirated design was still limited to the GTS, 911R, GT3, and GT3 RS. In my opinion, the wide body design is a defining feature for any 911 that can be said to have a GTSence; more specifically a wide body, two-wheel drive, naturally aspirated design.
While Porsche didn’t use the GTS badge, I think there is an air cooled car that has the essence of a GTS. From 1984 – 89, Porsche offered the Carrera 3.2 with an optional M491 “Turbo Look” package which included:
- Wide body design
- Whale tail style spoiler (or M470 spoiler delete)
- Wrap around chin spoiler
- Turbo suspension, wheels, tires and brakes
The M491 “Turbo Look” (aka SSE for Special Sport Equipment or simply SuperSport in other countries) sounds remarkably similar to a modern 911 GTS with both design and performance upgrades including what I consider to be a defining feature: a wide body design in a two-wheel drive, naturally aspirated package.
In my estimation, the M491 is essentially an air cooled 911 GTS! Here’s a great resource for those interested in the Turbo Look cars: https://www.turbo-look.com/
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