Even more 911 derivatives

Carrera, Turbo, Carrera 4S, GT2 RS, etc., etc. Coupé, Convertible and Targa. With seventeen models, representing just about every conceivable engine, body style and transmission permutation, nobody could accuse Porsche of not trying to offer a 911 to suit the tastes and wallets of every potential purchaser.



But it appears that there were still some tiny niches being ignored, because now there are another three variants: Carrera GTS Coupé, Carrera GTS Cabriolet and Speedster.



911 Carrera GTS

The role of the GTS is to satisfy those who clearly think that the Carrera S doesn’t have quite enough power, but the GT3 simply has too much. Hence the 3.8 litre flat six Porsche has specified for the GTS produces 402 bhp (300 kW / 408 PS), an output that ideally fills the narrow chasm between the 379 bhp (283 kW / 385 PS) of the Carrera S and the GT3’s 429 bhp (320 kW / 435 PS).



Predictably, its performance slots neatly between those other two 911 models, too. The GTS Coupé gets from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, while the real world 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment takes 5.6 seconds in fifth gear, and top speed is 190 mph (306 km/h). Acceleration times for the GTS Cabriolet are marginally slower, but flat out it’s as fast as the hardtop.

The GTS also addresses another omission in the 911 line-up that has, up until now, gone unsatisfied: it combines rear-wheel drive with the slightly wider bodywork from the all-wheel drive Carrera 4. Further differentiating the GTS is a SportDesign front apron with black spoiler edge, special side skirts, nicely subtle graphics and a black Alcantara interior. Helping to show off the wider track are 19” centre-mount RS Spyder alloys, finished in black but with high gloss rim flanges.



In fairness though, the overall effect is appealing. The result is a car that’s less anonymous that a normal Carrera, but not as brash as a GT3. Mid-way between the two, then.

It’s not quite the same story with the pricing, though. In the UK, the Carrera S Coupé and GT3 cost £74,606 and £87,935 respectively, so it would be reasonable to assume that the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé would be around £80,000. It is, in fact, £76,758 which, by comparison, seems like rather good value. The Carrera GTS Convertible is £83,493.



911 Speedster

Depending on your point of view, the Speedster is either an essential addition to the range, or a cynical marketing exercise.



Of course, the name is taken from the original 356 Speedster and, in a move that’s not at all tacky, only 356 examples of the 911 Speedster will be produced.



With its 402 bhp (300 kW / 408 PS), rear-wheel drive and wider bodywork, the Speedster is essentially a Carrera GTS Convertible fitted with a 60 mm lower windscreen, manual roof, two seats and a ‘double bubble’ cover for the retracted soft top. It also gets bespoke side skirts and front and rear aprons.



The only transmission choice is the seven-speed PDK (double clutch) gearbox, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes come as standard. Performance is similar to that of a PDK-equipped GTS Convertible, with 0-62 mph (100 km/h) taking 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph (305 km/h).



Available only in Pure Blue or Carrera White paintwork with a black leather interior, UK pricing for the 911 Speedster is yet to be confirmed.



However, in Germany, it will cost a shocking €201,682 - that’s 75% more than a Carrera GTS Cabriolet. On that basis, the Speedster could end up being around £146,000, which is lunacy when the quicker and more practical 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is ‘only’ £130,791.

Even more 911 derivatives

Carrera, Turbo, Carrera 4S, GT2 RS, etc., etc. Coupé, Convertible and Targa. With seventeen models, representing just about every conceivable engine, body style and transmission permutation, nobody could accuse Porsche of not trying to offer a 911 to suit the tastes and wallets of every potential purchaser.



But it appears that there were still some tiny niches being ignored, because now there are another three variants: Carrera GTS Coupé, Carrera GTS Cabriolet and Speedster.



911 Carrera GTS

The role of the GTS is to satisfy those who clearly think that the Carrera S doesn’t have quite enough power, but the GT3 simply has too much. Hence the 3.8 litre flat six Porsche has specified for the GTS produces 402 bhp (300 kW / 408 PS), an output that ideally fills the narrow chasm between the 379 bhp (283 kW / 385 PS) of the Carrera S and the GT3’s 429 bhp (320 kW / 435 PS).



Predictably, its performance slots neatly between those other two 911 models, too. The GTS Coupé gets from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, while the real world 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment takes 5.6 seconds in fifth gear, and top speed is 190 mph (306 km/h). Acceleration times for the GTS Cabriolet are marginally slower, but flat out it’s as fast as the hardtop.

The GTS also addresses another omission in the 911 line-up that has, up until now, gone unsatisfied: it combines rear-wheel drive with the slightly wider bodywork from the all-wheel drive Carrera 4. Further differentiating the GTS is a SportDesign front apron with black spoiler edge, special side skirts, nicely subtle graphics and a black Alcantara interior. Helping to show off the wider track are 19” centre-mount RS Spyder alloys, finished in black but with high gloss rim flanges.



In fairness though, the overall effect is appealing. The result is a car that’s less anonymous that a normal Carrera, but not as brash as a GT3. Mid-way between the two, then.

It’s not quite the same story with the pricing, though. In the UK, the Carrera S Coupé and GT3 cost £74,606 and £87,935 respectively, so it would be reasonable to assume that the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé would be around £80,000. It is, in fact, £76,758 which, by comparison, seems like rather good value. The Carrera GTS Convertible is £83,493.



911 Speedster

Depending on your point of view, the Speedster is either an essential addition to the range, or a cynical marketing exercise.



Of course, the name is taken from the original 356 Speedster and, in a move that’s not at all tacky, only 356 examples of the 911 Speedster will be produced.



With its 402 bhp (300 kW / 408 PS), rear-wheel drive and wider bodywork, the Speedster is essentially a Carrera GTS Convertible fitted with a 60 mm lower windscreen, manual roof, two seats and a ‘double bubble’ cover for the retracted soft top. It also gets bespoke side skirts and front and rear aprons.



The only transmission choice is the seven-speed PDK (double clutch) gearbox, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes come as standard. Performance is similar to that of a PDK-equipped GTS Convertible, with 0-62 mph (100 km/h) taking 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph (305 km/h).



Available only in Pure Blue or Carrera White paintwork with a black leather interior, UK pricing for the 911 Speedster is yet to be confirmed.



However, in Germany, it will cost a shocking €201,682 - that’s 75% more than a Carrera GTS Cabriolet. On that basis, the Speedster could end up being around £146,000, which is lunacy when the quicker and more practical 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is ‘only’ £130,791.

Doblò is Van of the Year

The original Fiat Doblò was notable for its ‘challenging’ looks, but that didn’t stop it winning the International Van of the Year award back in 2006. Now the same feat has been repeated by its successor, the recently launched all-new Doblò, which certainly seems to have had a bit more attention paid to its visual appeal.

The decision to give the 2011 International Van of the Year title to the Doblò was made by a jury of 24 journalists, all from commercial vehicle publications in different countries. It achieved 128 points out of a possible 168, with the judges citing the wide range of body types and engine choices as particularly praiseworthy.



Available in either Cargo panel van or Combi five-seater versions, both can be specified in either standard or Maxi long wheelbase configuration. There’s also a chassis cab in the Doblò range for third-party bodybuilders to adapt.



Engine choice comprises a 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) 1.4 litre petrol, together with three MultiJet diesels. These have capacities of 1.3 litres (88 bhp / 66 kW / 90 PS), 1.6 litres (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS) or 2.0 litres (133 bhp / 99 kW / 135 PS), and all better 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle.



Pricing in the UK starts at £11,305 (excluding VAT) for the Doblò Cargo 1.4 16v Petrol, and rises to £17,115 for the Doblò Combi Maxi Active 2.0 MultiJet 16v.