The new Panamera GTS is a weird combo. It's got only 460 horsepower, so you'd expect it to be powered by a V6, like the next Audi S7, but it uses a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 instead.
It's almost like Porsche engineers said "screw it, we can do it one last time," and were allowed to a de-tuned V8 instead of being forced to downsize. We're mentioning Audi because the two brands are closer than ever, with Bentley adding a few thousand more cars.
The Panamera 4S uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo with 440 HP. Out of two extra cylinders and 1.1 liters of displacement, the GTS receives only 20 more ponies. Also, it's 110 kilograms heavier, which sounds like a bad deal. But the model captures the spirit of the GTS perfectly, not about the numbers but about having something special.
Have a listen to the first clip below, which samples the sonorous 4-liter soundtrack of the Panamera. Close your eyes and you might not b able to tell it apart from the Turbo, which has to be the highest compliment you can ever pay a German car.
Speaking of similarities between Porsche and Audi, we have to talk about this color. On the Panamera, it's called "Mamba Green Metallic," but we find it remarkably similar to the Sonoma Green, our favorite color for the RS5 Coupe and RS4 Avant (that's the owner they came out in).
The GTS treatment extends to the interior. The videos show some sporty bucket seats with Alcantara inserts, which are extended to the steering wheel. The Panamera model also receives fancy carbon-like trim on the dash and doors.
Like what you see? The bad news is Porsche is asking a lot of money: €138,500 for the "sedan" and €141,350 for the wagon. That kind of cash could probably secure you a 718 Cayman and an RS4 Avant on top if you shop around.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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