2013 Porsche Panamera GTS Review

In the 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS, the SportDesign steering wheel is fitted as standard and features gearshift paddles and a top center marking on its smooth-finish leather rim. The paddles are made from a strong alloy and are ergonomically located behind the right and left steering wheel spokes. Pull the right-hand paddle to shift up and pull the left-hand paddle to shift down. A display in the left- and right-hand steering wheel spokes tells you whether SPORT, SPORT PLUS, and ‘Launch Control’ (p. 28) are activated.Supreme performance is a concept that will never become clichéd as far as Porsche is concerned. We’ve devoted far too much passion to it. If you want to know exactly what the ‘GTS’ logo promises in terms of performance, you would be better off experiencing it for yourself. In the meantime, we’ve compiled some facts and figures for you.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS is powered by a lightweight 4.8-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine. It features cast aluminum pistons, monobloc aluminum cylinder heads and integrated dry-sump lubrication for a reliable supply of oil even when an extremely sporty driving style is adopted. Although it is based on the engine of the Panamera 4S, it develops 30 hp more power and generates 14.75 lb.-ft. more torque. It also has a faster-revving engine with a maximum engine speed that has been increased by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm. The result is a maximum power output of 430 hp and a maximum torque of 383 lb.-ft. This power upgrade was achieved through a series of measures, including modified intake camshafts with extended valve lift and a new air induction system with two additional air filter modules each located in the left- and right-hand sides of the front fascia respectively.

Above 3,500 rpm, the flaps on the air filter modules are opened to allow the engine to draw in air more easily. At high road speeds, headwind ram pressure is exploited to achieve a further increase in power output. In addition, the 2013 Panamera GTS is equipped with a specially modified engine management system. Not only does this help the engine to develop torque quickly for a perceptibly more direct engine response, it also contributes to a further reduction in the shift times achieved by Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which is fitted as standard. It does this by deactivating selected engine cylinders temporarily during each gearshift. Our modifications are reflected in the distinctly resonant engine sound and can be felt in every bone of your body. In SPORT PLUS mode, the Porsche Panamera GTS accelerates from 0–60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 178 mph. In short, the drive system of the Panamera GTS concentrates 100 % on the essentials: maximum performance.

With millisecond precision, DFI injects fuel at up to 1,740 psi directly into the combustion chamber by means of electromagnetically actuated injection valves, thus ensuring homogeneous distribution of the air/fuel mixture, and, therefore, effective combustion. As the mixture is prepared directly in the cylinders, DFI improves the internal cooling of the combustion chambers compared with that of a manifold injection system. The achievable compression ratio of 12.5:1 helps to ensure a high level of engine efficiency.

The Panamera GTS is also equipped with VarioCam Plus which automatically adjusts the intake camshafts and switches the lift of the intake valves. In the middle and low load ranges, low valve lifts with advanced timing reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions and improve smooth
running. High torque and maximum output are achieved through high valve lifts and retarded timing. How does this benefit you? Extraordinary acceleration power with comparatively low fuel consumption.

The Auto Start Stop function is also standard in the Panamera GTS. If, for example, you stop at traffic lights and keep your foot on the brake pedal, the system will automatically switch the
engine off. This fuel-saving system restarts the engine as soon as you release the brakes.
A key advantage is that there is no need for you to change your driving habits. You can simply carry on as normal. All audio and communication systems remain switched on and the climate control continues to maintain your selected temperature, despite the engine being switched off. The engine restarts if more power or extra cooling output is required.

The Auto Start Stop function can be activated and deactivated using a separate button. The function may Sport exhaust system remain inactive under particular circumstances, e.g. in very high outside temperatures, on extreme uphill gradients, or if battery charge is low, and will be deactivated if SPORT or SPORT PLUS mode is activated (p. 28). The Panamera GTS is equipped as standard with the sport exhaust system featuring tailpipes painted in matte black. The exhaust system is made from long-life stainless-steel alloys. The powerful primary and main catalytic converters heat up rapidly and help to deliver effective emissions control. When a separate control button is pressed or SPORT or SPORT PLUS mode is activated, the sport exhaust system switches to a characteristic motorsport sound, eclipsing even that of the other Panamera models.

Offering both a manual gearshift and an automatic mode, 7-speed PDK delivers sport performance combined with efficiency and comfort. It enables rapid gear changes with no discernible interruption in the flow of power. Gears 1 to 6 have a sport ratio and top speed is
reached in 6th gear. The 7th gear has a long ratio, which helps to keep engine revs within a comfortable, low range even at high road speeds. In keeping with the character of the
Panamera GTS, we’ve made PDK sportier. Depending on the gearshift program (‘Normal’, SPORT, or SPORT PLUS, p. 28), gear changes are optimized for sporty to extremely sporty performance. During an upshift, for example, selected engine cylinders are deactivated temporarily, which enables the speed of the engine to be synchronized with the speed of the transmission more quickly to deliver faster shift times accompanied by a characteristic motorsport engine sound.

In SPORT PLUS mode, PDK is tuned for maximum performance. Engine torque, for example, is no longer reduced during an upshift and drive force is fully exploited to achieve best possible acceleration. What does this mean for you? A drive that emulates the motorsport experience.

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