With the end of the 997 Series 911 looming, German automotive brand Porsche has strengthened the lineup with another strong variant – the Carrera GTS. This rear-engined, competitive sportster will make its debut at this year’s Paris motor show.

Most markets will receive the GTS in early 2011, in both its cope and cabriolet forms. The new variant does command a higher premium than its Carrera S counterpart though – about five percent more.

The new vehicle combines its sibling’s wide body with an upgraded version of the Carrera S engine. The intake and exhaust functions have been improved too, with a power output of 300kW (compared to the Carrera S, which scores 17kW less). Peak torque remains the same however, at 420Nm at the 4200 rev mark (200 revs lower than the S).

The automaker claims that the GTS’s “improved breathing characteristic” is certainly a noteworthy point of difference between the new variant and the S, principally on account of new six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps.

The new variant has a strong sprint rate too – reaching 100km/hr from a standstill in 4.6 seconds (0.1 seconds better than the S). When engaging the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono Package Plus, this figure improves to an impressive 4.2 seconds.

Common to both siblings is fuel economy – figures are said to be the same.

Visual points of difference can be seen in the wheels – the new variant incorporates black painted, glossy flanged 19-inch RS Spyder wheels, housed by 44mm wide guards. There is also a short exhaust system with two dual-tipped tailpipes, shelled and polished. The SportDesign front apron and skirts with black spoiler edges are also aesthetic differences to be noted.