Porsche's line-up of GTS badged cars has often proven to be something of a sweet spot in its ever expanding range. Offering a nigh on perfect blend of elevated performance, everyday usability and enhanced visual appeal, the GTS models seem to combine all the best bits of Porsche's catalogue into one greatest hits package.
Even within this subsection of the manufacturer's output, though, there's already a great deal of choice. The 911 GTS alone is available in coupe, cabriolet and targa, with rear- or all-wheel drive and the option of a manual or PDK transmission. Then there are the Cayman and Boxster GTSes as well, and there was even a Macan - although the GTS treatment hasn't made it to the new iteration just yet.
It hadn't yet made it to the current Panamera either, until today that is, with Porsche announcing new Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo models. Power comes from a de-tuned version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 already found in the Panamera Turbo, here producing 460hp and 457lb ft of torque. Sent to all four wheels via Porsche's eight-speed PDK transmission, it enables both the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo to hit 62mph in just 4.1 seconds before going on to a top speed of 181mph.
Elsewhere, ride height is reduced by 10mm, with PASM included on all GTS models, while three-chamber air suspension and larger brake discs help to keep everything under control. Black trim front and rear, 20-inch Panamera Design wheels, a sports exhaust and a smattering of GTS badges identify the model externally, while inside swathes of Alcantara, a multifunction sports steering wheel and, for the first time in any Panamera, a head-up display give occupants a sense of the car's greater sporting intent.
Pricing is set to start at £105,963 for the Panamera GTS and £108,110 for the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo, with options such as four-wheel steering waiting in the wings to take things higher still. Should that seem a little too lofty, the previous generation is suddenly looking very good value indeed...
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