Porsche’s GTS models have often been among the most compelling of their respective ranges, with the old Panamera GTS in particular standing out for its naturally aspirated V8 engine and engaging chassis.
Now there’s a new one, with Porsche confirming GTS versions of both the Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo are now available to order. Pricing starts at £105,963 for the Panamera GTS including VAT, while the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo is £108,110.
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Central to the GTS models is the use of Porsche’s 4-litre biturbo V8, producing in this guise maximums of 453bhp from 6000 to 6500rpm, and 457lb ft of torque between 1800 and 4500rpm. Sport Chrono is standard, while both models send their power to all four wheels, via an eight-speed PDK.
Both variants will reach 60mph in 3.9sec from rest (and 62mph in 4.1sec), while the Panamera GTS will go on to 160kph (99mph) in 9.6sec, the Sport Turismo arriving there a tenth later. Aerodynamics and weight separate the Panamera’s 181mph top speed from the Sport Turismo’s 180mph, those factors also affecting fuel efficiency and CO2: the saloon (or hatchback, if you like) coming in at 27.4mpg and 235g/km, and the Sport Turismo managing 26.6mpg and 242g/km. For the record, the Sport Turismo is 30kg heavier than the 1995kg Panamera GTS.
Chassis changes amount to 10mm removed from the GTS’s sports suspension, with both riding on three-chamber adaptive suspension as standard. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) set-up has been recalibrated for a more dynamic feel, and the GTS gets 390mm front discs and 365mm at the rear, larger than those of regular Panameras but smaller than the 410mm and 380mm rotors of the Panamera Turbo.
Several styling details also separate GTS from regular Panameras, with 20-inch wheels fitted as standard, and a Sport Design package with black styling elements. Inside, the GTS uses Alcantara and aluminium to differentiate itself, with a standard Alcantara-trimmed heated multifunction steering wheel.
An optional GTS package lets you customise the interior with Carmine Red or Crayon colouring for the rev counter, stitching and GTS logos. New, too, is a head-up display, which is also new to the Panamera range in general and can be configured by the driver to show relevant information. Features such as adaptive cruise control and rear-wheel steering are optional, too.
