TechArt GrandGT - A bold new look for Porsche's Panamera
Wide arches, big wheels and a fixed rear wing turn Porsche's sober saloon into a wild looking machine
Whether you like the look of the new Porsche Panamera or not, the general consensus is that it’s much better looking than its predecessor. But if you don’t think the new car’s appearance is aggressive or wild enough, then German tuning firm TechArt has the solution.
Its latest car, the GrandGT, takes the new Panamera and replaces its air of dignity and restraint with bold, exuberant looks. At the front is a deeper front bumper with an integrated splitter. The reprofiled bumper includes larger intakes to feed more air to the intercoolers and to the front brakes as well as a 911 GT3-style vent positioned forward of the bonnet.
> Read our review of the Porsche’s latest Panamera
The bonnet itself looks similar to the standard Panamera’s, but it’s made entirely from carbonfibre with a slightly larger, raised centre section.
Around the back is a prominent diffuser that frames the new titanium and carbonfibre tips for the quad-exit exhaust. The Panamera’s party-piece rear wing, that unfolds in a smooth and elegant fashion, has been replaced by a large fixed no-nonsense spoiler.
The modification that gives the GrandGT real presence, however, is its wider body. A set of 25mm arches increase the front bodywork by 50mm, while the rear is a whole 80mm wider. These extensions cover a set of huge 22-inch wheels, that are not only an inch bigger than the biggest optional factory wheels but are also wider. Rather than 275/35 front and 315/30 rear tyres, the GrandGT’s wheels are shod with 285/30 front and 335/25 rear Continental Sport Contact 6 tyres.
> Find out what TechArt’s modified 718 Boxster is like to drive
As is typical of TechArt’s cars, the GrandGT can be personalised to each customer’s tastes. The wheels and brake calipers can be painted to match, complement or, if you really wanted, contrast the rest of the car. The interior can also be finished in a range of colours and materials, including leather, Alcantara, carbonfibre and aluminium. TechArt will even go the extent of covering the cold aluminium paddles with leather.
If you’re hoping for more power, you’re going to be disappointed; the GrandGT has been left mechanically standard. TechArt will start supplying exhaust systems and increasing the Panamera’s power later this year.
