Porsche's LA surprise has finally been revealed. Having told the world that it was bringing a surprise car to the City of Angels Porsche set the internet into high gear with talk of a production 918 Spyder, Cajun SUV or 550 Spyder. Today (November 16), the German car maker lifted the covers on its secret - the Panamera GTS.
Yes we know it is a bit of a let-down but the GTS moniker is usually reserved by Porsche for the ultimate iteration of its naturally aspirated cars (911 GT3 models excluded) and Porsche says the Panamera GTS is the purest member of its Gran Turismo family. Power is supplied by an uprated 4.8-litre V8 engine that churns out 430hp and 520Nm (30hp and 20Nm more than Panamera S/4S) meaning the 1,920kg über-saloon can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and tops out at 288km/h. On its way to the tarmac the power is funnelled through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, a four-wheel drive system and 19-inch wheels borrowed from the Panamera Turbo.
Also borrowed from the Turbo model is the nose, adaptive four-way rear spoiler and oversized brakes. Something exclusive to the GTS though is the sound; at the flick of a switch noise is directed from between the throttle valve and air filter into the cabin allowing occupants to experience the sound of the V8 while also keeping sensitive Eurocrats happy.
The Panamera GTS features as standard many of the performance upgrades that are optional on 'lower' models. These include the Sport Chrono Package (complete with Sport Plus mode), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and suspension that is 10mm lower than any other Panamera. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus can be specified from the options list for those who find the standard GTS just a bit too tame.
Porsche's Panamera GTS is due to do on sale in February 2012.