Porsche has pulled the covers of the 2012 Panamera GTS, a new variant aimed at enthusiasts who want to forget that they are piloting a four-passenger sedan. Based on the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S, the GTS is differentiated by a modified 4.8-liter V8 tuned to develop 430 horsepower at 6,700 rpm (that’s a 30 horsepower bump over the standard 4S model) and 384 pound-feet of torque.
The standard transmission is the automaker’s PDK, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, sending power permanently to all four wheels. With the standard Sport Chrono Package (providing launch control) the Panamera GTS will sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 178 mph.
Mechanically speaking, an adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard and the body has been lowered ten millimeters. The shocks are stiffer and there are also wheel spacers to increase the rear track. The brakes, with distinctive red calipers, come right off the Panamera Turbo. Cosmetically, the new Panamera GTS features unique black highlights, adaptive sports seats, a SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and GTS leather upholstery with Alcantara surfaces.
We’re excited to get our hands on the new Panamera GTS, but a rear-wheel-drive model with a proper manual transmission would have made us seriously giddy.
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