Porsche, obviously thinking that there’s an unfilled gap in the range, has released another version of its four-door Panamera.
Claiming that this is “the four door sports car for fast roads of every description”, the new Panamera GTS gets a tweaked engine, more kit and cosmetic upgrades.
As you’d expect, there’s a hefty price increase. The GTS costs £90,409, compared to £84,129 for the 4S model on which it is based. Both are some way from the entry-level model’s price of £59,746.
Porsche says that the V8 in the GTS is now more responsive, with it benefitting from upgrades that boost output by 30bhp and 20Nm compared to the ‘standard’ version found in the S and 4S models. This means it now produces 430bhp and 520Nm of pulling power, which is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox.
Despite weighing almost two tonnes, this sheer power and traction means that the GTS will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 179mph. It’s not all about the go, either. Porsche states that it’ll average almost 26mpg, granting you a range of around 570 miles per tank. It’s a 100 litre tank, mind, so your bank balance will know when you’ve filled it. CO2 emissions are rated at 256g/km of CO2, dropping the Porsche into the highest road tax band, resulting in a cost of £460 a year.
To let you know that you’re driving a potent V8, it comes with a ‘Sound Symposer’ system. This channels the noise of the engine directly into the cabin. You can, however, turn it off should it annoy you. The exhaust system also has controllable flaps in it, allowing for a more aggressive noise when required.
Underneath, the GTS gets a tuned chassis with adaptive air suspension that’s 10mm lower than normal models. Porsche’s ‘Active Suspension Management’ is fitted, which reputedly increases comfort and handling by adjusting the suspension to suit the conditions.
It also comes with Porsche’s Sport Chrono pack as standard, which allows buyers to tailor the engine, chassis and transmission to suit their driving. Buyers can further specify Dynamic Chassis Control and Torque Vectoring Plus. That’s additional technology that basically mean the car will go around corners better.
On the outside, it gets the nose from the Panamera Turbo, featuring aggressive air intakes, a four-way rear spoiler, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and numerous black details to help it stand out. The red colour shown is optional, and exclusive to the GTS.
Porsche has also upgraded and detailed the interior of the new car. It comes as standard with leather and Alcantara trim, while GTS logos are liberally sprinkled around. There’s a choice of silver or red stitching for the seats and various bits of trim. The driver also gets a G-force indicator on the dash, ideal for assessing how far you’ve just overstepped your abilities.
As you’d hope, there’s a vast array of standard equipment. Buyers get sat-nav with a touch-screen display, 19-inch wheels, cruise control, front and rear park assist, electric seats and climate control. The car comes with a three-year warranty, as well as a vehicle tracking system and a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
Is it worth a premium of £6,280 over the 4S? Well, the 4S is hardly slow. Although it outputs a mere 400bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds flat. In terms of outright straight-line performance, you’re paying a premium of £6,280 to knock half a second off the benchmark sprint. On the flipside, you get a lot of upgrades that justify that price increase. So, if you enjoy driving and want a high-specification Panamera – but don’t want a Turbo model – then consider the GTS.
Some will, however, be disappointed by the lack of a manual or rear-wheel drive option. Alternatively, if it isn’t quick enough, then you could always go for the Panamera Turbo. It’s an extra £13,398, but it’s a whopping 0.3 seconds faster in the benchmark 0-62mph sprint. Law of diminishing returns, anyone?
The new Porsche Panamera GTS goes on sale in February 2012, with prices starting at £90,409.
