Live from the Los Angeles AUTO SHOW Porsche debuted the latest concept in go-fast luxury, the Panamera GTS.
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| Porsche Panamera GTS |
The Panamera GTS is the
purest expression of a sports sedan in the Porsche family with a clear
focus on performance. Soon to be seen on the streets of
Beverly Hills!
The new Panamera GTS is based on the Panamera 4S and includes more
power, upgraded brakes and a body lowered by ten millimeters with new,
sportier chassis tuning coupled to air suspension and Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM). These technical modifications make the
Panamera model even more capable of cutting it on the race track without
sacrificing practicality. The sportiest of all Panamera models also
conveys this to occupants and the outside world by its striking sound.
In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design
features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The
interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive sports
seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and exclusive GTS
leather interior with Alcantara surfaces.
The Panamera GTS is powered by a modified 4.8-liter naturally
aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, increasing the
output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp. The maximum torque also
increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb. ft. At the push of a
button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package, the 7-speed Porsche
Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission transmits the engine output
to the all-wheel drive system during gear changes without interruption
to the power flow. This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint
to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, accelerating on to its top track speed of 178
mph.
The 0-60 figures and top speed only scratch the surface of the new
Panamera GTS’s sporty character. Its chassis in particular makes it fit
for the race track: the adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM) connect the chassis and body, constantly
adapting to the driving challenges by regulating leveling settings,
adjusting height, modifying the spring rate and electrically modulating
the damping system. The body has been lowered by ten millimeters and the
damping designed to be tauter, which helps agility and further
reinforces the sporty personality of the Panamera GTS. Five millimeter
wheel spacers between the wheel and the wheel hubs increase the rear
axle track width, giving the Panamera even more stability. The required
grip is provided by standard 255/45 size 19-inch tires on the front axle
and 285/40 on the rear axle. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with
255/40 tires on the front and 295/35 on the rear.
Deceleration on the sporty Panamera is provided by the braking system
from the Panamera Turbo, which includes larger diameter front brake
rotors than Panamera S/4S. Like all other Porsche models, the Panamera
is available with the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB),
featuring brake calipers finished in yellow.
The sports car among Sports Sedans
The Panamera GTS is the purest member of the Porsche Panamera family.
The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its upgraded 4.8-liter naturally
aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it
even better performance. Compared with the Panamera S/4S, these
modifications result in a 30 hp increase in engine output and an
increase in torque of 15 lb. ft. to 384 lb. ft. at 3,500 rpm.
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| Porsche Panamera GTS |
To achieve these enhancements, the engineers increased the speed at
which the engine reaches peak power by 200 rpm; the GTS’s eight-cylinder
engine achieves maximum output at 6,700 rpm. Redline was extended by
400 rpm to 7,100 rpm. The higher engine speed capabilities are enabled
by modified valve springs, ensuring that the valves open and shut
precisely in all circumstances.
In addition to the increase in redline; the engine in the Panamera
GTS employs a higher-flow air intake system. At low speeds, flaps close
each of the two air intake openings. At engine speeds above 3,500 rpm,
both flaps open and allow additional air flow into the inlet duct. In
order to be able to handle the increased flow of combustion air, two new
camshafts with a one millimeter increase in lift control the intake
valves. As a result, especially at higher revs, the engine draws in more
air and, with it, the engine makes more power.
Hearing performance: Sound Symposer transmits intake noises
At the push of the Sport button, driver and passengers can hear the
GTS engine “breathing” even more than usual as a
‘Sound Symposer’
directs the intake sounds into the interior. This is accomplished with
the addition of an acoustic channel, which picks up the intake
vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter. The acoustic
channel incorporates a membrane that transmits the vibrations as an
engine sound into the A-pillar. A controllable valve located in front of
the membrane enables the Sound Symposer to be activated or deactivated
by means of the Sport button.
Exhaust gases exit the Panamera GTS through a standard sport exhaust
system. This exhaust comes with larger diameter pipes to reduce back
pressure and black exhaust tips. This too, is another building block
toward increased power output, and one which adds additional aural
excitement: the sport exhaust system features two tuning flaps, which
expose additional exhaust openings, thereby emitting an even more
powerful sound. The flaps are controlled by a switch in the center
console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last
setting when the engine is restarted.
The control of the GTS engine is handled by modified and upgraded
engine controls. The new system has been tuned for improved torque and
responsiveness. The modified engine management system also enables a
brief shutoff of individual cylinders when changing gears, allowing the
engine speed to adjust even faster to the transmission speed. This
further reduces gear change times and is accompanied a short, sharp
report from the exhaust system, particularly audible when downshifting
in Sport mode.
Sport Chrono Plus Package for individual sportiness
The Panamera GTS comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, which
in addition to Normal and Sport modes offers a Sport Plus program as
well. Specific characteristics of the Panamera GTS are further
accentuated depending on which mode is selected: for example, activating
Sport Plus mode enhances gear-shift parameters and throttle response
and includes Launch Control for faster off-the-line acceleration.
Moreover, in Sport Plus mode the Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
stabilization system intervenes later. The Sport Plus mode offers even
greater agility with the PSM deactivated. For safety’s sake however it
remains on permanent standby in the background, intervening
automatically if both front wheels are in the ABS control range. In
addition, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to the low
setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of
attack also changes to the performance-oriented setting.
Options for even greater driving dynamics: PDCC and PTV Plus
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is the final level of
development of the Panamera GTS chassis, paired with an electronically
controlled rear axle differential lock and PTV Plus. PDCC prevents the
body from rolling by using active stabilizers on the front and rear axle
to apply a counteracting force.
PDCC is further enhanced by Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).
The system works by varying the torque distribution to the rear wheels
and by employing an electronically regulated rear differential lock,
optimizing steering behavior. Braking interventions applied to the
inside rear wheel generate an additional rotational pulse in the
direction in which the steering wheel has been turned. This results in a
direct and dynamic steering action as the car enters the curve.
PTV Plus improves steering behavior and precision by modulating
braking interventions to the rear wheels when the car is being driven in
a highly dynamic way. When entering a corner, braking force is applied
to the inside rear wheel as the steering maneuver begins. This imparts
greater drive torque to the outside rear wheel and improves the car’s
agility.
Panamera GTS aerodynamics package
The aerodynamics of the Panamera GTS are on par with the Panamera
Turbo: with its large air intake openings, the standard front fascia
from the Panamera’s SportDesign package emphasizes the vehicle’s sporty
dynamics and ensures an optimal air supply for the larger air filters
unique to the GTS. This is matched in the rear section by fitting the
adaptively deploying four-way rear spoiler from the Panamera Turbo. At
speeds of 125 mph and above, it positions itself to generate downforce
on the rear axle, thereby ensuring stable driving safety at high speeds.
Exterior: Sporty at first glance
The exterior features a high-gloss black exterior package as
standard, comprised of side window trim, decorative trim on the rear
lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air
outlet panels. Together with the black front fascia grills, black side
skirts, black lower rear fascia the sport exhaust system’s matte black
tailpipes, the resulting appearance is striking.
A further point of differentiation: Bi-Xenon headlights with black
inner bezels. They feature four LED daytime running lights. Optional
paintwork in Carmine Red, available exclusively for the Panamera GTS,
emphasizes the vehicle’s sportiness and provides an ideal contrast with
the black exterior accessories.
Interior: Acceleration display, unique appointments
The Panamera GTS includes a lateral and longitudinal acceleration
display. The multi-function display in the instrument cluster and the
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system informs the driver about
the instantaneous acceleration.
The Panamera GTS’s interior includes leather and Alcantara trimmed
seats in a choice of five colors. The standard adaptive 18-way
adjustable sport seats feature Alcantara center panels. Alcantara trim
is also used on the upper sections of the door armrests and front center
console armrest, as well as the roofliner. The SportDesign steering
wheel with shift paddles and a twelve hour marking on the steering wheel
combines dynamic looks with sporty functionality. This steering wheel
can also be clad with black Alcantara if so desired. To ensure clear
differentiation, the front brushed aluminum door entry guards are
adorned with “Panamera GTS” lettering. “GTS” lettering is also found in
the instrument cluster and on the embroidered headrests.
Porsche has put together two special optional interior equipment
packages for the Panamera GTS. These packages marry a black interior
with decorative stitching on the seats, foot mats, dashboard, door
panels, center console armrest and doors, executed in Carmine Red or GT
silver. Embroidered “GTS” lettering on the headrests and safety belts is
also in the corresponding color.
Beverly Hills Porsche, Number One in New Porsche Sales for all of the USA!
Beverly Hills Porsche is
an authorized factory dealership of Porsche cars, SUVs,
accessories, parts and merchandise. Centrally located to all of
Los Angeles, we aim to be a complete lifestyle destination for all
Porsche Panamera GTS owners and fans!
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