Porsche GTS Gains Horsepower, Wagon Variant Arrives Next Year
Porsche is fleshing out its Panamera lineup by incorporating the Sport Turismo into the GTS trim and slathering on an extra 20 horsepower. Slotting in just below the Turbo, GTS-trimmed Panameras place an added emphasis on performance — swapping the base 3.0-liter V6 for a less rowdy version of the 4.0-liter V8, without forcing customers to write a check in excess of $150,000. It sounds a little odd saying this, considering the model’s elevated price points, but the GTS is the “value option” for serious enthusiasts.
While we’re happy to see a peppier GTS, the big get is that Porsche is willing to bless the wagon with a more-affordable V8. Hopefully it means we’ll see more of them on the road, as these rigs are exceptionally easy on the eyes.
The manufacturer claims the new GTS models should arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2019. Beneath their hoods, newly installed V8s boast 453 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant step up from the base model’s 330 hp and 331 lb-ft — though it can be had with more oomph and all-wheel drive if you option the 4S.
Porsche claims 3.9 seconds to 60 mph for the GTS, thanks to a little help from its fancy all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed PDK transmission. Maximum velocities are estimated to be around 181 mph for the Panamera GTS and 179 mph for the longer Sport Turismo.
Of course, it’s not just about straight-line speed. Owners will also enjoy Porsche’s Advanced Suspension Management (PASM), upsized brakes, and the Sport Chrono Package as standard. The GTS will also have some disparate exterior pieces to help set it apart, an upgraded interior with Alcantara everything, 20-inch wheels, sport exhaust, and an entirely new head-up display that the company is claiming is highly configurable.
Even though Porsche’s digitized order form has yet to be updated on its website, the company says it’s still ready to take them now. Prices begin at $129,350 for Panamera GTS and $135,550 for the wagon variant, excluding $1,050 for delivery.
Expensive, to be sure, but a comparative bargain when you realize it’s the more-complete performance package. The 4S has to crest the six-figure mark so you can have Audi’s excellent 2.9-liter V6 and a second turbocharger, but the GTS offers more of everything (inside and out) for a markup that’s less than the price of a new Subaru Impreza.
[Images: Porsche]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
$1,050 for delivery?? Arggh!
"It sounds a little odd saying this, considering the model’s elevated price points, but the GTS is the “value option” for serious enthusiasts." A little odd? Porsche hasn't had a value option since the 914. Don't get me wrong, it's probably a wonderful car to drive and I think the wagon version of the Panamera looks better than the sedan. But you probably shouldn't use the term "value option" anywhere in an article about the latest Porsche.