2013 Porsche Panamera GTS

The all-wheel-drive Panamera GTS provides the space and interior comfort of a full-size sedan along with the handling and acceleration of a Porsche. Slotted between the 4S and Turbo models in the Panamera lineup, the Panamera GTS distinguishes itself with a 430 horsepower V8, special chassis modifications and a unique look inside and out.

Outside, the Panamera GTS shows off a clean but sporty look that differs from other Panameras with unique fascias front and rear, distinct side skirt styling sinister-looking black headlamp housings. Besides handsome aluminum wheels, everything else is the same, meaning car has a controversial rear roofline and a 911-inspired face.

The interior is also upgraded for duty in the Panamera GTS with sporty seats accented in red stitching, a SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles, exclusive GTS leather interior and Alcantara surfaces.

Porsche Power
Under the hood lies a 430 horsepower naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 that produces a healthy 384 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels and managed by a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (non-Germans call it PDK) transmission. The powertrain setup is good for a claimed zero-to-60 capability of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 178 miles per hour.

The GTS bests the power output of the lesser 4S by 30 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque, a feat accomplished by increasing the speed at which the engine reaches peak power by 200 rpm; the GTS's eight-cylinder engine now achieves maximum output at 6,700 rpm. Redline was also extended by 400 rpm to 7,100.

Of course, Porsche engineers didn't simply decide to wring the engine out harder; the changes were accounted for with modified valve springs, ensuring that the valves open and shut precisely in all circumstances.

Handling Enhancements
Having been designed with track performance in mind from the beginning, the Panamera GTS is far from being a slouch by any standards. A 10-millimeter lowering kit with five millimeter wheel spacers between the wheel and the wheel hubs to increase the rear axle track width gives the car better stability. The Panamera GTS also makes use of a specially-tuned chassis with an air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

Handling is aided by 255/45-R19 tires in the front, while 285/45-R19 tires take up the task in the rear. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with 255/40 tires on the front and 295/35 on the rear. All of that rubber is kept in check by the same beefy brake system found on the Panamera Turbo.

Should the Turbo's brakes not be sufficient for your driving needs, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), featuring brake calipers finished in yellow, are also available on the GTS.

Standard and Optional Features
Befitting its high price point, the Panamera GTS comes standard with leather upholstery, heated and power adjustable front seats, a navigation system with a seven-inch display, a ParkAssist system, an automatic tailgate, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod jack, and more.

There is no shortage of options for those willing to pay extra. Highlights include Bose or Burmester premium stereo systems, ventilated and heated front and rear seats, adaptive cruise control as well as Lane Change Assist and Blind-Spot-Detection systems.

Occupant Safety
The Panamera GTS is fitted as standard with dual front, front knee, curtain and side airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, ABS, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
Sportier than the run-of-the-mill Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Audi A8 but not as powerful as the S63 AMG or the S8, the Panamera GTS occupies a somewhat narrow niche. Perhaps its closest competitor is the slightly pricier Maserati Quattroporte S.