(continued from above)
The 2012 Porsche 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 2012 Porsche 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 Porsche
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.
Porsche Panamera GTS: Review (2/2)