Bluntly, this is the best Panamera in the range. If you have to have a Panamera, this is the one.

Every Porsche range seems to get more bewildering given time, and the Panamera isn't immune to a variant list that reproduces like a virus. Enter the new GTS, pitched to slot neatly under the Turbo and above the 4S.

In fact, it's a bit of both: the front end is basically nicked from the Turbo (headlights, intakes), along with the active rear spoiler. Any chrome is replaced with sober black trim - including around the headlights and windowlines, and there are a few less subtle graphics along the side and a double pairing of matt-black sports exhausts. Ok, so it still resembles a blushing whale in its GTS-specific carmine red paint, but at least it's going in the right direction.

Underneath, there's more of the same, a kind of non-turbo Panamera Turbo. So all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus to give 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and 179mph. The engine is the same 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 found in the 4S, but tweaked to produce 30bhp more, revving some 400rpm higher to 7,100rpm. The result is 430bhp (just 70bhp shy of the forced-induction car) and 384lb ft of torque, but delivered via a free-revving engine tuned by good old-fashioned mechanical changes rather than just an electronic spanner applied to the ECU.

So the GTS gets a new induction system with a couple of new air-filter modules - behind the two intakes in the bottom of the front bumper - that open above 3,500rpm, modified intake camshafts, harder valve springs and tweaked engine management to make best use of the extra air and revs.

Bluntly, this is the best Panamera in the range. Mighty power delivered through a long, sweet rev-band, and a bonkers V8 soundtrack, helped by the Porsche Sound Symposer that pipes engine noise direct to a membrane in the A-pillar. The Turbo (and Turbo S, for that matter) end up being a little dominated by the way the engine makes power, but the GTS is exciting and willing, without being scary.

You can really hammer the throttle and explore the Panamera's surprisingly agile chassis and drivetrain without falling foul of turbo torque. You have to expend more effort to really drive it, but the rewards are far greater. More drama, more fun, more of the time. If you have to have a Panamera, this is the one.

 

What does everyone have against boost? I agree that the Turbo models don't sound as good, but it's not like these engines have horrible lag problems.

 

Lag has always been one of the main issues, but modern turbo technology has largely eliminated it. But ... there is a decided difference in sound and feel between a turbo engine and a naturally aspirated engine. Clearly, the turbo (and supercharged) engines provide more power and torque given the same size motor and so from a performance standpoint, they are superior. However, from a "feel" standpoint, some would argue that the forced induction provides a less natural feel than the naturally aspirated engine. And, IMVHO, the sound of the natural engine is superior. Doesn't mean turbo engines don't sound good, just different.

As with all such things, there is a subjectiveness that can't be overlooked. Some prefer the turbo, others prefer the natural aspiration. It is purely subjective, but nearly every review that I've read has gone on and on about how much better the GTS "sounds" ... though I'm sure the sound symposer has a lot to do with that.

So, no, it's not a knock on the turbo ... and certainly the extra 70HP and, what, 150lb?, of torque cannot be ignored.

 

I'd rather a 911 as a weekend driver's car.

 

The GTS sound is ridiculous! If performance is your thing and by that I mean strictly a #'s guy then you will not like the GTS over a Turbo or Turbo S. My Aston's V-12 sounds sick too but the performance doesn't match the sound BUT I could care less!!!

 

gotta chuckle at that - Car & Driver says this about the GTS vs the 4S (in their GTS review) :

"..The biggest change (and perhaps the best reason to choose the GTS) is the sound...

sounds like a Mas GT salesman's sales talk - "ya gotta listen to the "sound" !"

jeeeeez, any good exhaust shop can make almost any car "sound" good

 

You are right about the sound, but there is more the story, in the auto motor und sport test I posted the gts is clearly faster (michelin super sports also affect this) in a straight line, more sporty and better looking with the turbo look, probably faster on the track etc, but you do lose in comfort. Id go for the gts in the 4s comparison, then again Id take a used PTT over both as I think its the best compromise.

 

oops, wasn't me who said it - twas Car and Driver (and that pesky Maserati sales guy) :

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

 

Dont worry, likewise, although it might have seemed like my response to your comment to most of us to which you responded, it actually was Auto Motor und Sport magazine. I understood you yourself had no comment in your post.

 

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