2011 LA: 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS is the purest one yet

At today’s Los Angeles International Auto Show, Porsche debuted its latest model based on the Panamera 4S, bringing you the faster, tougher and sportier Panamera GTS.

To provide driver’s with a sportier experience, Porsche started with the 4S and dropped the body 10mm, tightened the damping system, and tuned the chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and air suspension. The two systems connect the body and chassis, and regulate height, leveling, and spring rate. Stability is also further enhanced with wheel spacers that widen the rear axle track.

The appearance of the Panamera GTS was only slightly altered, but features black highlights and subtle distinguishing characteristics around the body. Sitting on the inside, the Panamera welcomes you with adaptive sports seats, a limited GTS leather interior, Alcantara surfaces, and a SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles.

Porsche modified the S/4S 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine to give the GTS an additional 30-hp, putting the power output to 430-hp at 6,700 rpm. Torque has been increased from 360 lb-ft to 384 lb-ft, as well. The motor is coupled with a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission in the Sport Chrono package, which comes standard. This transmission is designed to transfer power seamlessly to the all-wheel drive system. These systems combine to move the GTS from 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds, with speeds topping out at 178 mph.

A set of 255/40 tires up front and 285/40 in the rear stick the Panamera GTS to the pavement. Stopping power is provided by the bigger-diameter Panamera Turbo system, with Porsche Ceramic Composite Breaks (PCCB) still an option.

This is awesome blend of function and form, and was topped off in the Panamera GTS with the raw power of its naturally aspirated motor.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

– By: Alexandra Koken