A sports car and luxury saloon in one – that's the Porsche Panamera. The wide range of products offered in the Panamera series includes two particularly dynamic models: the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo. They combine a unique performance package with the powerful drive of the four-litre V8 biturbo engine (353 kW/480 PS), chassis systems with an emphasis on dynamic capabilities, including adaptive air suspension and model-specific design and equipment features. As you would expect from a GTS, the factory equipment package is extensive. It includes the Sport Design package with numerous accents in Black on the outside as standard, as well as generous Alcantara surfaces on the inside.
The Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo now feel as though they’re powered by naturally aspirated engines, despite the two turbochargers. In optimising the four-litre V8 biturbo engine, two main objectives were pursued: making the engine tangibly more powerful while simultaneously creating an even more emotive driving experience typical of a GTS model. The dominant technical features of the direct-injection V8 biturbo petrol engine are the Central Turbo Layout, with the two turbochargers positioned in the inner V, injectors centrally located in the combustion chamber, a racetrack-ready oil circulation system, an almost wear-free coating for the cylinder bores and cylinder shut-off capability.
The Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo currently produce 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 Nm. However, it’s the way the power is developed that will likely be most important for purist drivers. Its linear delivery is reminiscent of a traditional, naturally aspirated engine: power continuously increases until maximum rpm is reached.
The torque curve drops much more slowly in the high rev range, meaning that the driver can feel the increase in power above 5,500 rpm. The torque characteristic has also been geared towards a very constant increase in power in the medium rev range. The result is linearity in the power delivery of the kind one would expect from purist sports cars – and previously reserved for naturally aspirated engines.
With its standard sports exhaust system, the Panamera GTS weaves a highly emotive tapestry of sound. Its rear silencers, in asymmetrical layout, counteract the increased noise reduction in the exhaust and the distortion of the specific sound produced by the V8 firing order. These silencers support specific exhaust-gas pulses to create the right engine sound, for an even more prominent rendering of the classic V8 noise.
The 353 kW (480 PS) power boost, the naturally aspirated engine characteristics in power delivery and the unmistakable V8 sound combine to further emphasise the strong character of the new Panamera GTS models and provide an even more exciting driving experience. In Sport Plus mode the sprint from 0 – 100 km/h can be completed in 3.9 seconds. In just 15.1 seconds, the saloon reaches a speed of 200 km/h; the Sport Turismo achieves the same in 15.4 seconds. The saloon reaches a top speed of 300 km/h while the Sport Turismo tops out at 292 km/h.
Perfectly tailored to racetrack driving, the Panamera GTS models are equipped with a standard Sport Chrono Package with Launch Control and mode switch, plus a Sport Response Button on the multifunction steering wheel. Thanks to its ergonomic position on the steering wheel, the rotary mode switch provides the driver with direct access to the four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual).
Like all other Panamera models, the GTS versions also come with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. In general terms, the eight-speed PDK allows for the ideal gear ratio spread and efficient fuel consumption, while still delivering optimum comfort and maximum agility. That is because the seventh and eighth gears are designed as rev-reducing overdrive gears. Top speed is reached in sixth gear. The Panamera's eight-speed PDK can change gear without interrupting drive to the wheels, because the next gear ratio is already waiting in the wings, ready to be activated within fractions of a second.
The Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo deliver power to the road via the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) function – an active all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. Depending on the driving situation, the multi-plate clutch spreads the engine's power between the front and rear axles to achieve optimum performance at all times. The PTM sensors constantly monitor wheel speeds, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and steering angle. The PTM delivers perfect performance, whether the roads are dry, wet or covered in snow.
As for the overall Panamera concept, the chassis in the GTS models also combines the comfort of a luxury saloon with the performance of a sports car. However, it has been given an extra dynamic makeover to achieve the hallmark GTS response. The GTS models are equipped with adaptive air suspension, which is familiar from other Panamera derivatives, as standard. Its three-chamber technology allows flexible control and spread of the spring rates. The sports chassis of the GTS models is lowered by 10 mm as standard and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) provides specific, even more dynamic tuning to match the performance standards of the GTS models. The result? Outstanding cornering dynamics.
Generously dimensioned brakes with a diameter of 390 mm at the front and 365 mm at the rear support the longitudinal, decelerative dynamics of the car. What's more, the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control function analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time to ensure optimum vehicle response. The Panamera GTS models can deliver an even more dynamic performance with innovative optional systems, such as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) and rear-axle steering.
The GTS models underline their unique position as sports cars in the luxury saloon category with their especially dynamic design and equipment. The Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo come with 20-inch Panamera design wheels, painted in Satin-Gloss Black as standard.
Black is also the defining motif of the upgraded Sport Design package, which is supplied as standard with the Panamera GTS. Compact, grained air intakes in Satin-Gloss Black and C-blades in the exterior colour emphasise the car’s unique aesthetic. The Sport Design side sills also in Satin-Gloss Black reflect the dynamic and elegant design language of the GTS.
As standard, the Panamera GTS features darkened Exclusive Design tail light clusters with dynamic Coming Home/Leaving Home function. The rear is further differentiated by the Sport Design rear bumper in Satin-Gloss Black with diffuser trim in the exterior colour. The sports exhaust system including two twin tailpipes in High-Gloss Black underlines the dynamic appearance.
Inside, the Panamera combines a high standard of comfort, the dynamism typical of Porsche and an avant-garde design with a high degree of variability. The two GTS models also feature particularly dynamic highlights and offer an extended range of standard equipment. The adaptive, electric 18-way Sports Seats with memory package offer both the driver and front passenger good side support and plenty of comfort. The centre seat panels come in Alcantara, which also covers the armrests on the doors, the sun visors, the headliner, and the A, B and C pillars. Standard equipment also includes a heated multifunction sports steering wheel with Alcantara trim, gear-change paddles, and the mode switch for the Sport Chrono Package. The rev counter dial is optionally available in Carmine Red or Crayon. The interior can be further enhanced with the GTS interior package. This includes seat belts, embroidered lettering on the head restraints, and decorative stitching on the seats and floor mats in the contrasting colours Carmine Red or Crayon.
The GTS models offer all the same innovations as the second-generation Panamera range. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, assistance systems such as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, and optional rear-axle steering. The GTS also, for the first time, features a highlight 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 their direct line of sight in full colour.
Special features of the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
In the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo, the higher roof line in comparison to the sports saloon makes it easier to get in and out of the car and provides considerably more headroom. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide-opening, power-operated tailgate as standard and the load edge, which is only 622 mm lower. When loaded up to the top edge of the rear seats, the GTS Sport Turismo offers a stowage capacity of 515 litres. The three rear seat backrests can be folded down separately at a ratio of 40:20:40 or completely – in this case the load volume is increased to up to 1,384 litres.
Porsche also offers an optional load compartment management solution for the Panamera Sport Turismo. The variable system is designed to safely transport objects of all shapes and sizes and includes two securing rails integrated into the luggage compartment floor, four lashing eyes and a luggage compartment partition. If the driver or passengers wish to charge a laptop on the way to an important meeting, this can be done using the optional 230 V socket in the luggage compartment.
Just like all Sport Turismo models, the Panamera GTS is equipped with a three-seater rear bench as standard. As the two outer seats are designed as individual seats, the rear accommodation is a 2+1 configuration. Customers can also opt for two electrically adjustable individual seats for the rear.
The Panamera Sport Turismo's standard roof spoiler is unique in this vehicle category. Its angle can be adjusted to one of three settings depending on the driving situation and selected driving mode. It can generate up to 50 kg of extra downforce on the rear axle. As part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) system, the spoiler is retracted at speeds up to 170 km/h and follows the rear sloping roof line at an angle of minus seven degrees. From speeds above 170 km/h, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position at plus one degrees, increasing the ride stability and lateral dynamics. In the Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the roof spoiler moves into this position from 90 km/h.
