I’ve now put over 3,000 miles on my GTS, in 3 weeks! I’ve had about 1,000 miles post break-in, oil change, and electronic counter-measure install. I’ve pushed the car very hard in the last few hundred miles, and here are my impressions.

First the electronic CM install. I have a V1, Escort 9500ix, and dual head Laser Interceptor. Because of the automatic shut-down at stop, and because of the impedance monitoring of all the accessories that gives a fault code if there is a change, my dealer had to install a couple capacitors in-line with all the units to keep them on when the car shuts down at a stop. You can get these from Valentine for $50 each. Nice install of the Laser Jammer button in the cigarette lighter in the console ashtray. The detectors are hardwired with wires coming out each side of the rear view mirror cover. Very clean. I’m very glad I had the dealer do it, even if it did cost me $1K.

Driving impressions. Just to put my driving impressions in context – not to brag/say I’m any more qualified than anyone else – I’m a Porsche track instructor and race a dedicated race Porsche. I’ve driven the Panamera Turbo and S/4S on the track along with most of the Porsche’s and a lot of other cars. For street cars, I’ve owned VW/Audi’s BMW’s and most recently an E60 M5 (130,000 miles, first in Ohio), and a highly track modified Cayman S.

My first impression of this car when I really pushed it the first time is Holy Sh$t! The cornering ability is absolutely freakish. I pulled 1.1g’s without a peep from the tires. The precision of the steering and the lack of any drama in carrying ridiculous speeds into a corner is uncanny. There are only a handful of sports cars that I can think of that would handle as well as this car. Porsche GT_’s, the 991’s, and some of the 997’s. Other than that I’m having a hard time thinking of another street sports car that gives you the same level of stability, precision, composure under trail-braking, turn-in, engine response and cornering load. It feels like a mid-engine small car when really driven hard. This is with relatively crappy Pirelli P Zero’s. With Michelin Pilot Super Sports, I have no doubt this car could pull 1.2g’s. Unbelievable.

I would like more HP. This car can easily handle 50-100 HP more, and a lot more torque. If I could have a N/A engine with 500 HP, I’d be even happier – and say, 8,500 rpm redline. Ha Ha. But if I’m given the choice of the turbo/turbo s or my piddling 430 HP and instant response, higher redline and SOUND, I’ll stick with the GTS engine. I’m probably in the minority here, but no doubt in my mind.

Not sure why Porsche did this, but I would have made the Normal/Comfort setting the same height as the other Panameras. Then I would have gone to 10mm lower at Sport, and 25mm lower at Sport Plus. Not a big deal, but this would make the Comfort ride even smoother. Both Comfort and Sport are 10mm lower, and this makes the softest setting just a bit stiffer than the other Panny’s. Not a problem at all – but would be even better to have the choice.

Overall, the best handling sedan on the road – by a long shot. In a different class than any others. I’m just having a blast running on the backroads to/from the office with Sport Plus on. The PDK settings on Sport Plus are just outlandish. FAST, burbles on throttle lifts, speed shifts at F.T., and wicked rev-matches under braking. The most fun-to-drive, involving sedan I’ve ever driven. Just can’t wait to get out on the road again.

 

great review coming from an instructor, thanks.

 

Great review enjoy. I am considering getting one when lease comes due next year.

 

Nice review! Interesting that you got P Zeros, I took delivery of my PGTS just a few weeks before you and got Pilot Super Sports. Also, on the radar wiring I have a V1 hardwired into the overhead console and it does not shut off with auto start/stop, not sure what happened with your setup?

 

Glad the car is meeting all your expectations!

Would be interested to see your install of thed V1 and 9500 along with button in the lighter plug!

Nice to have a great daily driver and nice to hear that the M5 is quickly becoming a distant memory!

 

I know the GTS comes with Michelin Pilot Sports, but wasn't aware you could also get Super Sports. Lucky you if you did - that's my next tire for sure.

I had to wire into the fuse box for the jammer - and and did the same with both detectors. They didn't want to wire in parallel because of potential error codes due to the impedance reading. Sounds like you just wired into the overhead lights and that worked.

 

Great job on the driving impressions, particularly from someone who has driven the Turbo. Though tuners seem to do far less with NA cars, I'm sure in short time there will be some mods you can make to boost the power output, though it doesn't sound like you find that necessary. Keep the impressions coming!

 

Thanks for an informed review, nice to see you are enjoying it even as a pro. In sport mode, what is the main difference or the thing you dont like about the turbo in comparison? Have you driven the turbo s on track, because that takes aeay the turbo lag and I would say mimics a N/A closely. The sounds are a little dull and the revs though in comparison.

 

I think I took delivery of my PGTS around the same time as sapaman and mine are Pilot Sports, not Super Sports.

 

Haven't driven the turbo s, but I hear the lag is much less than the turbo. The great thing about an N/A engine, especially in a race car, such as a Cup Car, is it's RIGHT THERE exactly when you request it. You have a direct line between your right foot and the rear wheels. With any turbo, you just have to figure in a slight delay - more with some, less with others, but it's always there. The plus is you can count on more torque when it does come on. You do have to be careful if you're driving with all stability controls off since the extra torque can break the tires free.

 

I thinks the Pilot Sports are a bit better than the Pirelli's. The Super Sports are a lot better than either. If the GTS has those on for track testing, you easily pick up close to a second on a big track. Maybe 3 seconds on the 'ring. That's one of the reasons the new M5 does so well on the track - Super Sports are the OEM tires.

 

My mistake, I have the Pilot Sports NOT Super Sports

 

Do you have the pdcc and ptv in your car ?

 

Great review, once again. And the fact that it comes from a very experienced driver enhances the credibility of the driving impressions IMHO. Was somewhat concerned about the comfort setting ride but it doesn't sound too bad. And I'm with you on the response and sound of the NA engine. Enjoy the road!