For Porsche, the Los Angeles show wasn't only about the 2012 Porsche 911. They also showed the long-awaited Panamera GTS. Like the design or hate it, this is the one we've been waiting for — the one with the more powerful naturally-aspirated V8 and sport-tuned suspension.
That V8 is a 430 hp (384 lb-ft) version of Porsche 4.8-liter V8. It's 30 hp more than the Panamera S (15 more lb-ft). The 4,232-pound, all-wheel-drive GTS gets Porsche's seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission only. Despite the weight, the GTS can get from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds — nearly as quick as the Turbo — and runs out of steam at 179 mph.
Like the new 911, the GTS gets Porsche's new "Sound Symposer," which channels intake noise into the interior at will — there's a button for that. Like a drum head, an acoustic diaphragm between the throttle body and air filter amplifies intake vibrations, transmitting the vibrations into the A-pillar.
Suspension-wise, the Panamera GTS gets Porsche's adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which adjusts spring rate, damping and leveling on the fly. Porsche says that with the air suspension at its normal level the Panamera GTS sits nearly a half-inch lower than other Panamera models, and its damping is set to a less-forgiving level.
Also standard on the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and its "Sport Plus" mode, which sharpens throttle, engine, transmission and chassis responses.
The GTS also gets some bits from the Turbo, including 19" Panamera Turbo wheels, front clip, rear wheel spacers and larger brake discs, and adaptive four-way rear spoiler. Inside, the GTS gets extra swaths of Alcantara, five interior colors and 18-way adjustable sport seats.
The harder-edged Panamaera GTS will be out this spring at a price starting at around $110,000.
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