Current Porsche Panamera GTS – Ultimate Guide
The Panamera Hybrid models have their strengths, but there is still nothing quite like the visceral experience behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle with a formidable internal combustion engine, a formidable unit like the V8 found in the Panamera GTS (short for ‘Gran Turismo Sport). It plays a significant role in portraying the character of the sports sedan as a lively performance and yet, family-friendly vehicle.
For the 2021 Panamera GTS refresh, the twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant has been upgraded. It now pumps out 473 hp, up from 453 hp in the 2020 model. The torque remains the same at 457 lb-ft, but Porsche says the throttle has been recalibrated for an even sharper response. That power is routed to Porsche’s All-Wheel-Drive system via a quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The Panamera GTS comes standard with Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM), firmer dampers and the chassis now sits 0.39 inches lower than other Panamera models, further underscoring its sporty nature. Also standard is a sports exhaust system that builds from a gravelly warble at idle to a throaty roar as the rpm needle climbs.
Of course, you can choose to upgrade the Panamera GTS with Porsche’s ‘goodie bag.’ There are add-ons like the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB; a nearly $9,000 option), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport with Porsche Torque Vectoring + (PDCC Sport with PTV+), and rear-axle steering.
Visual highlights include the black accents and obvious ‘GTS’ badging on the rear and near the side skirts. With a base price of $130,000, the Panamera GTS is quite pricey, but it is still the least expensive way to access the V8 engine from the Panamera lineup. It can be a very tempting proposition for those who refuse to be swayed by the electric charm of comparable Taycan models.
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Video – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS Review
Press Release – Oct 15, 2018
New Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo Make World Premiere
453 horsepower twin-turbo V8, sport suspension and a wide array of equipment
Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche today announced the forthcoming addition of two sporty models to its Panamera range. The new Porsche Panamera GTS and Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo models add new breadth to the lineup for customers seeking a sportier driving experience positioned between the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo variants.
A four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generates peak output of 453 horsepower from 6,000 to 6,500 RPM and peak torque of 457 lb.-ft. from 1,800 to 4,500 RPM. As compared to the previous Panamera GTS with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8, the current engine offers an increase of 13 horsepower and an additional 73 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine, which sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission via the standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system, allows both the Porsche Panamera GTS and Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo models to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds. The former reaches a top track speed of 181 mph, or 179 mph for the latter.
As is typical with any Porsche “GTS” model, the standard equipment list and chassis setup are oriented with enthusiastic driving in mind. The chassis now sits 0.39 inches (10 millimeters) lower than other Panamera models. The Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM) dampers, which are included as part of the standard Air Suspension, are recalibrated for these models. Large brakes (390 millimeters in diameter at the front, 365 millimeters in diameter at the rear) provide exceptional stopping power.
Other standard equipment highlights include the Sport Chrono package, a Sport Exhaust system including tailpipes in black, the Sport Design package with black exterior elements, and black 20-inch Panamera Design wheels. Matching the aggressive exterior aesthetic, black Alcantara ® and anodized aluminum lends an athletic look to the interior. A heated multifunction sport steering wheel in Alcantara trim and the Connect Plus module for a wide range of digital services are also standard. With the optional GTS Interior package, drivers can contrast elements of the interior including stitching, GTS logos, and the tachometer in either Carmine Red or Chalk. In conjunction with the new model announcement, Porsche also announced that an optional head-up display with multiple configurations will become available for ordering on all models in the Panamera line-up.
A first for the Panamera: head-up display with many configuration options
The GTS models offer all the same innovations as the second-generation Panamera range. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, optional assist systems such as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, and optional rear axle steering. The GTS also offers a highlight that is new to the entire Panamera range – the head-up display. The display can be configured by the driver and projects relevant information directly into their direct line of sight in color.
Even better for day-to-day driving: the first ever Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
As is tradition at Porsche, GTS derives from Gran Turismo Sport and several historical Porsche models. Porsche’s first road-approved sports car, the 904 Carrera GTS, was launched in 1963. This was followed by the 924 GTS and 928 GTS models, which cultivated the concept throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 2007, the GTS nomenclature celebrated its revival with the Carrera GTS. The first generation of the Panamera GTS followed in 2011. Now, the new Panamera GTS is available in both sedan and Sport Turismo body styles. With a large lift gate, low loading edge, increased cargo capacity, and 4+1 seating configuration, the new GTS variant is the perfect combination of everyday practicality and outstanding performance.
The new Panamera GTS models are available to order now. In the United States, the Panamera GTS carries a starting MSRP of $128,300; the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo is available with a starting MSRP of $134,500. Both prices exclude $1,050 for delivery, processing and handling and are expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2019.
