Impressions between a j1.1 GTS and j1.2 4S

[Flying ace]

I dropped off my j1.1 GTS Sport Turismo for servicing (seat sensor recall, brake fluid flush, PCM 3892 update). I was pleasantly surprised dealer provided me a 2025 4S CT loaner! It's a $168k car with key features notably PTV+, RAS, Push-to-pass, PSCBs, VLC, Offroad design, CT wheels, Race-Tex and upgraded leather. This is my first time driving a j1.2, 4S, and CT variants of the Taycan. Overall impressions:

1. The biggest difference of the GTS are the steering and suspension tuning. The GTS steering is tuned to be a more responsive feel. There is slight "play" in the steering wheel of the 4S. On road, the steering responsiveness is on the "soft" side. The suspension is very soft too. In Normal mode, I almost thought I had Active Ride, it absorbed road imperfections better than the GTS despite the 21 inch CT wheels. In Sports + mode, the dampening is still softer than GTS normal, but the compression is on (almost) par with GTS in normal mode. I just feel more confident turning harder in my GTS.

TLDR 1: If you want a very sports/race steering and suspension feel, the GTS is a MUST (have not driven a Turbo S, nor PDCC or Active Ride cars yet). For me, this 4S is almost unusable as a "sports" car, it feels like a plush EV with minor sporting characteristics. If you want a comfortable sports sedan, a 4S is just fine, it'll be amazingly soft and comfortable on 19 or 20 inch wheels. A GTS is distinctively and objectively a different car.

2. The efficiency of the J1.2 is amazing. I estimate that it's easily 10% more efficient than the j1.1 GTS. However, the power delivery is on par and likely a bit quicker than the j1.1 GTS.

3. The new PCM software is very responsive. I'm also happy to have experienced the expanded menu options. Notably the Performance and Ionizer displays are neat features. On the instrument cluster, the expanded battery information is the most important new feature IMO. In the PCM, the new filter options are useful, though the key CPO filter feature can be updated in j1.1 PCM v 3892.

TLDR 3: Overall great sets of minor new features adds up. Battery info is the most important. I also don't feel like I'm "missing out" with j1.1. PCM v. 38xx.

4. This car has the Surround view with Active Parking (including 3D views). I have a particular issue backing out of my driveway and needing to look around a parked car on the curb, that I thought this option would solve. This option did not solve my issue as it also didn't solve it on the new Cayenne with the feature. VERY Disappointed in this as my 2022 BMW X5 was significantly better. This can only be fixed with better camera placement and a wider lens. The new camera image quality is sharper.

5. Misc trim and unique option opinions:
- Offroad design is not for me. This car has the black trim package which makes it easier on the eyes. But the wheel gap at the "High" level defaulted on the Normal bothers me.
- The PSCBs is showing some initial signs of surface wear and bedding issues. The surface is not a smooth mirror finish. It could be improper bedding. It's neat to see there is a brake bedding setting in the PCM. Without bedding the PSCBs, confidence is low, I initially thought I had cold steel units. Car has 3k miles.
- This car has the Race-Tex liner with full leather, thereby making it similar to my GTS that was "ruined" by the original dealer selecting the leather package. The 4S has the Race-Tex on B-Pillar. It's a nice touch, and I am now seriously considering retrofitting this in my GTS. The 4S steering wheel is leather. I prefer Race-Tex, but I would "drape myself in Race-Tex" head to toe if it was socially appropriate, lol.
- The car has a different "space ship" hum, more noticable. Car does not have Sport Sound
- There is a notable lip on the underside of the hood just at the front edge. (see pic below) This lip appears to replicate the need to plug the air gap that causes whistling sounds on the j1.1. I noticed it immediately as I opened/closed the hood. Also the hood dampeners have improved (or my j1.1 is failing).

Overall - the j1.2 is a great car. Not enough for me to switch from a j1.1 GTS "down" a trim level. If I could go GTS-to-GTS, that would be the preferred.

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[Flying ace]

Pics

 

[jww]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve been considering this move myself as my lease will come up in about 12 months, so it was great to hear someone with a demo of that change. Lately I’ve been thinking I’ll just buy it out at the end because the GTS is so great. I don’t care about the range difference much, and while it’d be fun to play with the newest toys, I still prefer the appearance of the front on the J1.1 over the “cleaner” J1.2 on the front. It’s not that the J1.2 looks bad, I think its great, just feels like a more bland version of the same car.

 

[Flying ace]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve been considering this move myself as my lease will come up in about 12 months, so it was great to hear someone with a demo of that change. Lately I’ve been thinking I’ll just buy it out at the end because the GTS is so great. I don’t care about the range difference much, and while it’d be fun to play with the newest toys, I still prefer the appearance of the front on the J1.1 over the “cleaner” J1.2 on the front. It’s not that the J1.2 looks bad, I think its great, just feels like a more bland version of the same car.

I see you also have a ST. I recommend you take a 4S and a Turbo (s) CT out for a street drive and spirited run on some high and low speed turns. Test it on Normal and Sport +.

I can tell the difference immediately on the crispness and responsiveness of the dampening and steering. The GTS is a completely different car. I feel like going to a 4S/4 would be a step down in the experience despite gaining the added efficiency and PCM features on the j1.2. The tradeoff would not balance for me.

As to the refreshed non-turbo bumper design, it's a total failure in marketing IMO. Moreso, the Sport Design package is now indistinguishable. The j1.2 GTS has it, can you really tell the difference? On the j1.1. the larger bumper intake is noticeable with the longer front splitter.

The j1.2 turbo front bumper is amazing. I love it.

 

[tylerdurden]

Sold my J1.1 GTS to WBAC and picked up a new J1.2 4S.
Both are saloons. The J1.2 4S is a Black Edition. UK cars

only done < 100 miles in it. It’s a heavily specced 4S with UK BLACK ED SPEC and 18w seats, innodrive etc etc

immediate thoughts
1. Range meter too inaccurate currently to comment on range
2. Push to pass chrono is a total game changer
3. Car feels as fast if not faster than the j1.1 GTS.
4. I understand why they say the 4S is the sweet spot
5. Full leather feels so much nicer than alcantrara which is a total PITA to keep clean.

 

[mystermykee]

Totally agree with your sentiments toward the GTS and its handling. However, I can see for some it might be too harsh for every day driving, and turning the knob over to Sport (sport chronology) is enough.

Like you, I too would not be able to go back to a non GTS. But Porsche sure does get to nickel and dime you for that badge. A 4S with the same options, at least for the ones that count, RWS, PTV+, PAR comes out to about 10k cheaper than a GTS?

I say the "sweet spot" is a 4S with those options, a map ev and GTS suspension tune. That's the best bang for your buck if you want the GTS handling and power to go with it.

 

[Flying ace]

Totally agree with your sentiments toward the GTS and its handling. However, I can see for some it might be too harsh for every day driving, and turning the knob over to Sport (sport chronology) is enough.

Like you, I too would not be able to go back to a non GTS. But Porsche sure does get to nickel and dime you for that badge. A 4S with the same options, at least for the ones that count, RWS, PTV+, PAR comes out to about 10k cheaper than a GTS?

I say the "sweet spot" is a 4S with those options, a map ev and GTS suspension tune. That's the best bang for your buck if you want the GTS handling and power to go with it.

For sure, what I didn't mention was how harsh the GTS ride is, especially on 21 inch summer tires.

It's definitely not for everyone. You can soft it up with tires and wheel choices

 

[SoccerMan94043]

For sure, what I didn't mention was how harsh the GTS ride is, especially on 21 inch summer tires.

It's definitely not for everyone. You can soft it up with tires and wheel choices

Active Ride helps as well.

 

[tophamn]

For sure, what I didn't mention was how harsh the GTS ride is, especially on 21 inch summer tires.

It's definitely not for everyone. You can soft it up with tires and wheel choices

I have a MY23 GTS ST on 21" Mission-Es and I don't consider the ride harsh - quite comfortable, in fact, especially in Normal. If you want harsh try an M4 .

 

[William992]

22 here with PDCC and it's fine!

 

[Flying ace]

I have a MY23 GTS ST on 21" Mission-Es and I don't consider the ride harsh - quite comfortable, in fact, especially in Normal. If you want harsh try an M4 .

I've driven the M cars and owned two. M cars are quite comfortable especially newer ones, even on Sport+ setting. If you want harsh try an GT3

 

[mystermykee]

22 here with PDCC and it's fine!

Same! PDCC helps a lot with the comfortability.

 

[Murph7355]

I have a MY23 GTS ST on 21" Mission-Es and I don't consider the ride harsh - quite comfortable, in fact, especially in Normal. If you want harsh try an M4 .

Agreed (MY22, 21" Spyders...).

 

[Emm]

If you want harsh try an GT3

If any of you guys want *really* harsh, try the Audi RS6 Avant C7 with DRC (Dynamic Ride Control, replacing the standard air suspension) set to Sport mode...

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