2012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe

It’s hard to believe it took Porsche until the facelift generation of the 997 to utilize the GTS moniker on a 911 considering it started way back in 1963 with the 904 Carrera GTS. It had a nice run on the 924, 928, and even the Cayenne of all things before hitting the signature model 911. Strategically, it slotted in perfect between the Carrera S and the hardcore GT3 for the drivers who wanted more but not enough to rattle the fillings out of their teeth. Now, the GTS badge is literally on every model Porsche produces as the value is there for buyers and well, people see it as the true sweet spot of their model range.

Today we have a 2012 up for sale in today in the Bay Area with just under 8,000 miles on the odometer. On the outside you have the classic Basalt Black Metallic, while the interior is covered in Carrera Red leather. This is a special one.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe on Rennlist

Year: 2012
Model: 911 Carrera GTS Coupe
VIN: WP0AB2A95CS720684
Engine: 3.8 liter flat-6
Transmission: 7-speed Doppelkupplung automatic
Mileage: 7,939 mi
Location: San Carlos, California
Price: $120,000

Almost since the very beginning of the 911 in 1963, Porsche has offered a dizzying array of models to suit the varied preferences of consumers. As the decades have passed, the variety has only grown, with key configuration options being added, such as the Turbo, cabriolet, and four wheel drive. One of the more recent additions has been the GTS about ten years ago, which sits above the base Carrera and Carrera S. The GTS provides more power and dynamism without the full-tilt race car for the road vibe of the GT3 and GT2. Critically, the GTS comes with back seats and is available in all three body styles and with four wheel drive, none of which are available on the GT3 and GT2.

The pick for enthusiasts is the rear wheel drive coupe, ideally with center lock wheels, which were optional. This particular GTS is one such car, and is a beautifully configured example which has covered just 7,900 miles. It is finished in basalt black with red natural leather interior with heated adaptive sport seats. Other options include PDK, self dimming mirrors, silver wheels, xenon lights with PDLS, sport chrono, extended navigation PCM 3.0, Bose stereo, and satellite radio. The car also has quite a few Exclusive options, including exterior color coded door finishers, switch panel, center console, and seatbacks, as well as clear tail lights, black carpets, leather shifter surround, illuminated door sills, center console logo, and embossed headrest crests. The total MSRP was $130,450. The car was sold new on the 9th of November 2011 by Porsche of Highland Park in Illinois, and remained with its original owner for about a year before its second owner purchased it. That owner retained the car for 8 years until the current owner acquired it. The car comes with a thick file of service records showing regular maintenance, as well as window sticker, books, and rubber floor mats.

In terms of perfect daily driver for me, this one is up there. Yes, the center-lock wheels are less than ideal, but you just keep your fingers crossed you never need to change a wheel yourself. Otherwise, this one is pretty sublime. It follows my favorite recipe of subtle on the outside and wild on the inside like we’ve seen many times before and Carrera Red fits the bill nicely.

In terms of price, it is certainly up there. We’ve seen these kind of prices before for the sub-10,000 mile examples but they’ve always had the six-speed gearbox and not the PDK this one has. Is it a six-figure car? Probably considering the condition. I don’t know if I would go all the way to $120,000, but I’m sure that might just be a launching point. Still, you have to pay to play with these and this one is certainly one of the best on the market right now.

– Andrew