Porsche bills the 430 hp GTS as its "purest" Panamera.
For those who’ve wondered what the limits are for Porsche’s quirky Panamera, the maker is pushing closer with the L.A. Auto Show unveiling of the new Panamera GTS. Short for Gran Turismo Sport, it puts the emphasis on the “wow” factor, adding 30 more horsepower and 15 pound-feet to the already impressive numbers made by the S version of Porsche’s 4-door sports car.
“No other four-seater is more track-capable,” declared Porsche Board Member Wolfgang Hatz during an L.A. Auto Show news conference that also saw the official launch of the seventh-generation Porsche 911. (Click Here for our review of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera.)
Though the new Panamera GTS gets such performance niceties as an air suspension system with adaptive damping and increased braking performance it also gives up the Launch Control system found on the more mainstream – if one can use such a term – Panamera S.
Notably reflecting shifting consumer demand and the evolution of the semi-automatic technology Porsche will only offer the Panamera GTS with its lightning-fast 7-speed PDK double-clutch transmission.
PCNA Chief Detlev von Platen and Porsche Board Member Wolfgang Hartz unveil the 2012 911.
The GTS’s 4.8-liter V-8 turns out 430 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, compared with 400 and 369, respectively, for the Panamera S. The added muscle will propel the new offering from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds, on the way to a 178 mph top speed, noted Hatz.
The new Panamera GTS has been lowered slightly to improve handling and aerodynamics. Visually there are a few minor changes, notably marked by the use of special trim parts like the matte black tailpipes.
Inside, the new model is outfitted in Alcantara, including the steering wheel, with special sport pedals.
Pricing and availability will be revealed early in 2012.
For those who wonder what it might be like to push the new Panamera GTS to its limits the maker announced plans to set up a second Porsche Experience Center 20 minutes south of Los Angeles, in the town of Carson.
The facility will include a test track and handling course – twice the size of the Experience Center going into Atlanta, near Porsche Cars North America headquarters, revealed Detlev von Platen, the CEO of PCNA.
“We’re not selling cars but delivering the distinct Porsche driving experience,” said the executive while outlining plans for the two facilities which will cost a combined $100 million to set up.