Porsche 924 Carrera GTS

Porsche 924 Carrera GTS

The Porsche 924 Carrera GTS is one of the rarest and most significant front-engined Porsches ever produced, a homologation special created to satisfy Group 4 racing regulations. Only 59 examples were built (some sources cite as few as 50 road-registered units), each hand-assembled at the Zuffenhausen factory rather than the Neckarsulm plant where standard 924s were made. The GTS was the ultimate evolution of the 924 Carrera GT program and represented Porsche's commitment to racing the transaxle platform.

The engine was a highly developed version of the 924 Turbo's 2.0-liter inline-four, now producing 245 horsepower through extensive modifications including a larger KKK K26 turbocharger, revised intercooler, higher boost pressure, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a strengthened bottom end. The power-to-weight ratio was exceptional: with a curb weight of just 1,121 kilograms thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials, the GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds.

The bodywork was the most obvious external change. Massively flared fiberglass fenders covered wider tracks at both front and rear, giving the GTS an aggressive, purposeful stance far removed from the standard 924's somewhat delicate proportions. A deep front air dam, revised rear spoiler, and functional NACA ducts in the hood completed the aerodynamic package. The plastic windows saved weight, and the interior was stripped of luxury items, retaining only the essentials for homologation purposes.

Braking was addressed with components borrowed from Porsche's sports car racing parts bin. The front brakes used four-piston calipers derived from the legendary 917 Le Mans car, gripping large ventilated discs. The rear brakes were similarly upgraded. This braking system was vastly more capable than anything fitted to the standard 924 range and gave the GTS genuine racing-car stopping power.

The GTS existed because of Porsche's Group 4 racing ambitions. The 924 Carrera GT had already shown promise in competition, including a class win at Le Mans in 1980, and the GTS took the concept further. Many of the 59 built were subsequently converted by the factory or privateers into the even more extreme GTS/R (Club Sport) specification for racing, further reducing the number of road-going examples that survive in original condition.

The transaxle layout gave the GTS near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and the handling was considered exceptional by contemporary standards. Combined with the turbocharged engine's punchy power delivery and the light weight, the GTS was a genuine drivers' car that could embarrass far more expensive machinery.

Today, the 924 Carrera GTS is recognized as one of the great Porsche homologation specials, alongside the 911 RS 2.7 and 959. Values have risen dramatically as the collector community has come to appreciate its racing pedigree, extreme rarity, and historical significance. Original, unrestored examples are exceptionally scarce, with most cars having seen some competition use during their lives.