The Sweet-Spot 2022 Porsche 911 GTS Comes in 5 Different Flavors

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to 911s, the GT3 is arguably the model enthusiasts want most. But it’s just one of several trims Porsche offers for its iconic rear-engine sports car. And for 2022, the number of trims grows by one—or rather, five. That’s because the Porsche 911 GTS is back, and it’s brought along some cherry-picked parts.

The Porsche 911 GTS returns for the 992 generation in five different forms

2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe | Porsche

Although 2022 marks the first time the current-gen ‘992’ Porsche 911 gets a GTS trim, the trim itself isn’t new. It’s been around for about 12 years, MotorTrend says, and last appeared on the previous-gen ‘991.2’ 911 in 2018. And just like in 2018, the 911 GTS is available in five different configurations.

These five Porsche 911 GTS configurations are split amongst three different body styles: Carrera Coupe, Carrera Cabriolet, and Targa. The Coupe and Cabriolet models offer a choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. But if you want a GTS Targa, it’s only available with AWD.

So, what makes the Porsche 911 GTS different from the ‘regular’ 911 Carrera? In short, it’s meant to be a mid-point in the 911 lineup, The Drive explains. The GTS offers more than the Carrera but isn’t as extreme or as expensive as the Turbo. And it achieves that goal by borrowing a little something from all of them.

Whether Carrera or Targa, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS “might…be the best all-around 911,” MotorTrend says

The rear 3/4 view of a white 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS driving down a mountain road
2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS rear 3/4 | Porsche

The Porsche 911 GTS “has always been a 911 Carrera with a few choice sport options added on,” MT explains. And the 2022 version carries that tradition forward.

Firstly, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS gets a power bump over the Carrera S. Instead of 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, the GTS’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six makes 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That’s sent to the drive wheels via either an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic or a seven-speed manual. And the latter is shortened compared to the standard version.

Besides the extra power, the 2022 Porsche 911 GTS comes standard with a sports exhaust and lower-ride-height sport suspension. It also gets standard adaptive dampers with a GTS-specific tune, Car and Driver reports. Plus, the 911 GTS gets the 911 Turbo’s larger brake rotors and the Turbo S’s black center-lock wheels.

The black interior and carbon-fiber bucket seats of a red 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe interior with the Lightweight Package
2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe interior with Lightweight Package | Porsche

Speaking of black, like the previous-gen Porsche 911 GTS, the 2022 model gets several blacked-out trim pieces. That means a blacked-out spoiler lip, rear grille, GTS badges, and on the Targa model, a blacked-out bar. The rear taillights are also darker, as are the surrounds on the standard dynamic LED headlights.

Inside, all Porsche 911 GTS models come standard with a GT Sport steering wheel. It’s covered in RaceTex fabric, as are the door handles, armrests, storage compartments, seats, and gear lever. And occupants can hear the engine and exhaust better because the GTS models have less sound-deadening material.

The GTS models do offer something new for 2022, though: an optional Lightweight Package. It cuts 55 pounds from the car via a rear-seat deleted, lighter-weight battery, carbon-fiber front sport seats, and lighter-weight side and rear glass. And it adds the rear-axle steering system from the Turbo and GT3, Road & Track reports.

How much will the GTS models cost?

To be sure, a 2022 Porsche 911 GTS isn’t an inexpensive car. In RWD form, the Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet start at $136.7K and $149.5K, respectively. With AWD, those prices rise to $144K and $156.8K, respectively. The GTS Targa 4 also starts at $156.8K.

However, it’s worth noting that the cheapest 2021 911 Turbo starts at $174,300. And getting a GTS is cheaper than getting the equivalent Carrera S or Targa with the same options, MT points out. In that regard, the GTS models are relative bargains in the 911 world, offering more performance than the Carrera without being as crazy-fast as the Turbo.

If that interests you, mark your calendar for early 2022 when US deliveries begin. That should leave enough time to figure out your favorite flavor.

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RELATED: Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package: Subtle Changes, Big Payoff

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The Problem With This Motorcycle Airbag Vest Could Kill You

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s well known that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars, and motorcycle accidents are among the most common causes of death. But that doesn’t mean you should lock up your bike and buy a sedan. However, you should take a few extra safety precautions. But one common safety concern is the lack of motorcycle airbags. And it has prompted companies to create airbag-equipped jackets, vests, and even jeans.

But unfortunately, one motorcycle airbag vest has a potentially fatal flaw.

The Klim Ai-1 motorcycle airbag vest

The Ai-1 motorcycle airbag vest from Klim is pretty advanced and, on the surface, looks like a great purchase. It’s a reasonably comfortable and low-profile vest that fits underneath your jacket and has airbag deployment technology driven by artificial intelligence. Supposedly one of the highest-rated motorcycle airbag systems, the In&Box DPP (Detect-Protect-Perfect) platform is pretty fancy.

According to Klim, the vest costs $399.99, but that doesn’t include the cost of the In&Box module. You can purchase the module upfront for an additional $399, or you can use a subscription service for either $12 per month or $120 per year. Klim seems to push the subscription service by including a new In&Box after three years and an unlimited warranty. The company claims the goal of the subscription service is to eliminate financial barriers to getting the vest.

What happens if you miss a payment for your monthly subscription?

However, the monthly subscription plan poses a major problem, Jalopnik points out. Namely, if something causes you to miss your monthly subscription payment, such as an expired credit card or a glitch, your airbag vest might not work. Which, incidentally, is not what you want from your airbag vest.

Klim does state that it will never turn off your system mid-ride, leaving you in a situation where you think your vest will work and then it doesn’t. Also, LED indicators are supposed to alert you before you put on the airbag vest if it isn’t active. 

Simpler motorcycle airbag garments

If you don’t want to take the risk that your airbag vest might not deploy if you miss a payment, you could opt for a simpler alternative. For example, some manual motorcycle airbags use a tether to pierce a CO2 cartridge to inflate. And other airbags have built-in computers that sense when a rider is crashing and the airbags should deploy. None of these are perfect, though. For instance, electronic airbags must be recharged, and some jackets, such as the Dainese, must go back to the manufacturer to recharge. 

These simpler alternatives might not have the fancy technology the Klim vest boasts, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, the Helite Turtle 2, a mechanical airbag with a tether, inflates around the neck, shoulders, and chest, functioning as a neck brace. The downside is that it works via a physical tether to the bike. But it still inflates faster than many electronic airbags, and it won’t inflate because you stepped off your bike.

Whether you choose the Klim Ai-1 motorcycle airbag vest or the Helite mechanical airbag vest, you should always be aware of how it works, what causes the airbags to deploy, and what alerts you to any malfunctioning. In addition, even without subscription services, electronic airbag vests must be charged, and manual airbags must have a working, properly installed CO2 cartridge. Finally, wearing an airbag garment should not be a substitute for safe riding. 

RELATED: Why Do People Ride Motorcycles When It’s So Dangerous?

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There Are Only 3 Reasons to Choose the Toyota Tacoma Over the Honda Ridgeline

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is here with a new Honda Performance Development package and standard all-wheel drive. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a tried and true rugged beast in the latter end of a generation that began with the 2016 model year. And in all reality, there are only three reasons to choose the Toyota Tacoma over the Honda Ridgeline.  

2021 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

Both of these trucks are considered midsize pickup trucks. They are larger than the new compact pickups like the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2022 Ford Maverick. But while the Tacoma and Ridgeline belong to the same segment, these two trucks are vastly different.

How much weight can a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck tow? 

With the 4-cylinder engine, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Equipped with the stronger V6, the Taco tows up to 6,800 when configured properly. This is one of the primary reasons someone might choose the Toyota Tacoma instead of the Honda Ridgeline.

In fact, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize truck that tows up to 5,000 lbs. While this is 1,500 lbs more capability than the 4-cylinder Toyota Tacoma, it’s nearly 2,000 lbs less than that of the V6 Tacoma pickup truck. If you want a towing machine, the V6 Tacoma pickup truck is going to do more for you than the ridgeline. 

However, the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon both tow nearly 8,000 lbs (7,700) when equipped with the turbo diesel engine option. The Taco may not be the biggest baddest towing truck, but when adequately equipped it does tow significantly more than what the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is capable of. 

The Toyota Tacoma dominates off-road

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is coming with some enhancements to its TRD Pro trim as well as a new 4×4 Trail Edition Taco. The Toyota Tacoma doesn’t just look adventurous. Actually, it’s a proven rock crawler with a sturdy body on frame design and available extras that give off-road drivers an edge when it comes to trucking of the beaten path. 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is made with a unibody construction. That said, it does have reinforced frame pieces and standard all-wheel drive on every model in the new lineup. It’s really no slouch when it comes to off-road driving, but the Ridgeline just isn’t capable of handling off-road obstacles like the trusty Taco. 

The Toyota Tacoma offers a cheap pickup truck model

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Electric Lime climbing over rocks
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Electric Lime | Toyota

Honda’s unibody pickup truck, the Ridgeline, starts at $36,490. This is quite a bit steeper in price than the base model 2021 Toyota Tacoma. One of the cheapest truck models on the market, the rugged Tacoma starts at $26,400 according to Toyota. 

For buyers that want a budget-friendly work truck, the Toyota Tacoma SR makes more sense than the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport model. One reason to choose the Toyota Tacoma over the Honda Ridgeline is for its low price point––but keep in mind that this pricing doesn’t allow for the V6 engine option. 

The Honda Ridgeline is a well-round midsize pickup truck 

a red 2021 Honda Ridgeline driving on a country road
2021 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

With all new rugged styling tweaks, enhanced engineering, and standard all-wheel drive, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck that doubles as a city truck with a smooth ride and a toy hauler for weekend fun. 

It’s not easy to say exactly whether the Toyota Tacoma is better than the Honda Ridgeline or vice versa. However, there are really only 3 main reasons someone might choose the Toyota Tacoma over the Ridgeline. If you need a truck with a budget pricing option, better towing strength, and serious off-road capability, then go with the Toyota Tacoma. 

On the other hand, The Ridgeline is a truck with nice road manners, a loaded base model, and cool features like a trunk in the bed that can be used as a cooler. They are both compelling options for different reasons.

RELATED: Avoid Scams When You’re Buying a Camper Van on Craigslist

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Is the 2021 Audi TTS Worth the $60,000 MSRP?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Audi TTS might not be on your radar of new sports cars to test drive, and if it isn’t, you should definitely think twice. This refined coupe is a sporty, upgraded version of the standard TT, and it offers a performance-oriented driving experience combined with plenty of comfort and luxury to make your daily drive as comfortable as it is exciting. But, the 2021 Audi TTS doesn’t come cheap, with an MSRP of just over $60,000 for standard pricing, so is it really worth the price?

The Audi TTS offers luxury and performance wrapped into one

An Audi TT Coupe | Guillaume Payen, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images

Many of the vehicles offered by Audi combine performance and luxury to varying degrees, but the Audi TTS is the brand’s more official sports car — though you could argue most of their two-door options are very nearly sports cars themselves. The latest generation of the 2021 Audi TTS makes the car look like a miniature version of the brand’s flagship supercar, the Audi R8, and it comes with a much more affordable.

Standard features for the 2021 Audi TTS

For the price, it wouldn’t be wrong for buyers to expect quite a bit from the 2021 Audi TTS. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine might not sound like something to brag about with its 288 hp, but the lightweight construction of this coupe makes it plenty of power for the driver. All-wheel drive is standard for the TTS, and it does well to enhance the driving and handling experience of the coupe in any kind of weather. It also offers many of the features and driving aids you would expect from a new car, especially for this price:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Upgraded 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Navigation
  • Keyless entry
  • Keyless ignition
  • Adaptive suspension dampers
  • Modern digital gauge cluster
  • LED headlights
  • Heated, power-adjustable seats
  • Dual-zone climate control

Add-ons and options

If you love the 2021 Audi TTS for the price but still want a bit more, you can opt for a few more add-ons and options to kick it up a notch — but, of course, it will cost you. These packages focus on different things, and you could theoretically opt for either because one is more performance-oriented while the other is more cosmetic-oriented.

The Black Optic package will set buyers back an additional $900 and focus on the cosmetic aspects of the vehicle to make it look sportier and more aggressive. This includes:

  • High-gloss black exterior trim
  • High-gloss black exterior window housings
  • 20″ 5-spoke anthracite wheels
  • Red brake caliper covers
  • From the factory, it comes with 255/30 R20 summer tires

Of course, if you want to increase the performance capabilities of the car as well as the cosmetics, you’ll have to opt for the more expensive Competition package, which tacks on an additional $2,200. For the price, buyers will also get:

  • High-gloss black exterior trim
  • High-gloss black exterior window housings
  • 20″ 10-Y-spoke wheels in gloss black
  • Black fixed-wing rear spoiler
  • Leather/Alcantara sport steering wheel
  • Red 12 o’clock steering wheel marker
  • Carbon fiber inlays
  • Also comes from the factory with 255/30 R20 summer tires

For buyers looking for a sporty ride, the 2021 Audi TTS might be worth the money. All-wheel drive gives the car a leg up over some rear-wheel-drive competitors, especially for drivers who live in icy or wet climates. Like most Audis, the TTS has a high rate of depreciation because it is a luxury car as well as being a sports car, which is also something to keep in mind when balancing the pros and cons of the vehicle with the price tag it comes with.

RELATED: The 2020 Fiat 124 is the Affordable Sports Car You’ll Love

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