Porsche has introduced a new GTS variant for the Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo. Powered by a 4.0 litre biturbo V8 engine, the GTS comes with extra dynamic chassis systems and unique design elements and equipment. It slots between the V6-powered Panamera 4S and top dog Turbo.
The heart of the matter is the V8 with 460 hp and 620 Nm of torque. It outperforms its predecessor by 20 hp and 100 Nm, and its good enough for 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds in conjunction with the standard Sport Chrono package. Top speed is 292 km/h for the Panamera and 289 km/h for the Sport Turismo.
Power is transmitted to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system by an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. A sports exhaust system is standard. Fuel consumption is a decent 10.3 litres per 100 km (10.6 litres per 100 km for the Sport Turismo) and a gasoline particulate filter is fitted.
The Panamera GTS duo comes with adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology as standard, which results in flexible control and optimum spring rate spread, according to Porsche. The sports chassis has been lowered by 10 mm, while the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) function has been adapted for an even sportier calibration. The big brakes (390 mm front, 365 mm rear) will be a match to the V8.
Compared to the previous GTS, this one’s basic equipment package has been significantly upgraded. The Sport Design package with a new black front end, black trim at the bottom of the rear, and a variety of darker elements highlights the “more athletic appearance.” 20-inch Panamera Design wheels are standard.
Inside the Alcantara and anodised aluminium cabin, the standard package includes a heated multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and Alcantara trim, and the Connect Plus module for digital services. The optional Interior GTS package, allows owners to customise their car with design elements such as a rev counter, designer seams, and GTS logos in Carmine Red or Crayon.
The GTS models offer all the same tech as the second-generation Panamera range, which first surfaced in mid 2016. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, assist systems such as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, and the optional rear-axle steering.
However, the GTS has one feature that is new to the entire Panamera range – the head-up display. The display can be configured by the driver and projects all relevant information directly into his line of sight in full colour.
By the way, GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. Porsche’s first road-approved sports car, the 904 Carrera GTS, was launched in 1963, bringing racing tech to the streets. This was followed by the 924 GTS and 928 GTS in the 1980s and 90s. In 2007, the GTS badge was revived with the 911 Carrera GTS. The first-gen Panamera GTS debut in 2011.
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not a fan of the first panamera…but they really got it right for this gen