The new Panamera GTS is the purist member of the Porsche Gran Turismo family. A powerful V8 engine with even more intense responsiveness sits under the bonnet, the sporting chassis has been tuned for added dynamism and agility and the distinctive exterior styling clearly signals these focused intentions.
Engine tuned for higher performance
The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its uprated 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it even better performance. The 30 hp higher engine output and 20 Nm greater torque (compared with the power units in the Panamera S/4S), results in the GTS producing 430 hp at 6,700 rpm and 520 Nm at 3,500 rpm.
For maximum performance, the muscular V8 drives all four wheels via a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission. The four seater GTS has a kerbweight of 1,920kg and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 secs, and on to a top speed of 179mph. Combined fuel consumption on the NEDC is 25.9mpg, and CO2 emissions are 256g/km.
At the push of a button, driver and passengers can hear the engine of the GTS ‘breathing’; the Sound Symposer directs intake noise into the interior at the push of a button. This is achieved by an acoustic channel picking up the intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter. The acoustic channel incorporates a membrane that transmits the vibrations as an engine sound into the A-pillar. A controllable valve located in front of the membrane enables the Sound Symposer to be activated or deactivated by means of the Sport button.
The exhaust gases exit the Panamera GTS through the standard sports exhaust system, which comes with larger pipe diameters to reduce back pressure. This also contributes to the increased engine output: the sports exhaust system features two tuning flaps, which expose additional exhaust openings, thereby emitting an even more powerful sound. The flaps are controlled by means of a switch in the centre console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last setting and restores it when the engine is started.
- Powerful 430 hp 4.8-litre V8 engine with Sound Symposer and sports exhaust
- Dynamic and agile chassis with lowered, air suspension and larger brakes as standard
- Distinctive exterior appearance with Turbo design cues and black styling details
- On sale February 2012, priced from £90,409
