The other day.My impression of the Panamera GTS after being allowed to test drive it.I have written about my husband's impressions, and now I would like to share them with you.

The "GTS" Title

I had the opportunity to test drive a 971 Panamera GTS, which I was personally very interested in. My family's Panamera is a turbo model, so I would like to report mainly on how they compare.

The GTS grade is a special one for Porsche. Going back in history, the original Porsche 904 GTS racing car was created in 1963.GTS stands for "Grand Touring Sport" and represents Porsche's high-performance grade.It is.

The previous Panamera GTS, the 970 model, had a 4.8-liter NA V8 engine that produced a nice exhaust note and is still a very popular car today. In this new 971 GTS, theV8 engine of the same type but detuned version of the same engine as the turboThey are stacked in

The engine specifications are 460 PS / 5750-6000 rpm and 620 N⋅m / 1960-4500 rpm. Compared to the turbo specs, the horsepower and torque are 90 PS and 150 N⋅m lower, respectively, at the same engine speed.

Since it is a GTS, the sport exhaust system is standard, the PASM suspension is 10 mm lower than standard, and the exterior is decorated with a piano black painted sport design package.The GTS interior package is available and features a very sporty Alcantara-based interior.It is.

Compare Turbo and GTS

The starting sound of the engine is almost the same as that of the turbo, although the GTS is a bit louder, and the way the tachometer needle jumps as the engine starts is very Porsche-like.

First, we drove around town.My first impression is that it feels clickier and more nimble than the turbo.It was. This may be due to the fact that the steering wheel is made of Alcantara, which makes it feel harder to grip, but the suspension feels very solid and is somewhere between the normal and sport mode of the turbo.

But when it comes to riding comfort.GTS is better than turboIt felt like it to me. The GTS seems to be better at handling uneven road surfaces and absorbs the impact of ups and downs quickly.

It's equipped with standard 20-inch GTS wheels, which are a size smaller than our turbo's 21-inch tires.These 20" and GTS feet match well and are very comfortable!It is. The lower air pressure specified for the 20-inch wheels than for the 21-inch wheels probably played a role in the comfort of the ride. It is impressive that while the suspension is firm, comfort was not compromised in any way.

When repeatedly starting from a stop in an environment with many traffic lights, the difference from the turbo is strongly felt here.Compared to the turbo, the GTS engine is a little lighter in the throttle, making it very easy to stop and go around town.

It's not that the turbo is hard to ride, but it seems a little heavy on the gas pedal.The turbo has overwhelming torque and the feeling of being pushed out quietly from below.When I put a little force into my right foot, I sometimes begin to accelerate angrily as if I were opening my waking eyes with a snap.

In comparison.GTS is mild and gentleIt is. As far as we could tell, it was not clear whether the output was controlled by a computer or whether the turbine diameter was changed to change the boost pressure, as in the 992 Carrera and Carrera S. It seemed to us that the latter was the case.Despite being a turbocharged engine, it was very well seasoned, as if it emphasized NA-like characteristics.The first is the "I" in "I".

By the way, one more thing on the subject of comfort.The "18-way electric adaptive sport seats" in the GTS were very good.Our turbo's seats are the turbo's standard "14-way memory electric seats," but compared to thoseIt's as if the hold is different and the seat has a different thickness.

The only complaint I have with our Panamera Turbo is the seats, they are very thin and hard!The GTS's seats had a firm seat cushion. In comparison, the GTS seats have a firm seat cushion, similar to the seats in the 911, Cayman, and Boxster, and I had a good feeling about them.

As for the engine noise.More mature than the "GTS" image of past generationsI feel that the To be honest, the turbo is more loud, and even quieter when the sport exhaust is turned off. Even with the sport exhaust turned on, the turbo's volume is still higher, and the afterfire sound when the accelerator is released in Sport Plus mode is a bit louder in the turbo.

Our turbo has about 28,000 km on it, so I took into account the fact that the muffler is burnt to a certain degree.Still, the sounds of the "Turbo" and "GTS" are the opposite of what one might expect.If "sound" is important to you, it would be better to choose a turbo with a sport exhaust.

When it comes to handling, it's almost the same as the turbo.That is the conclusion. At least I cannot tell the difference. This GTS is also equipped with rear axle steering and under the same conditions.Rear-wheel steering makes it turn surprisingly well even in tight corners.After all, the Panamera is more than enjoyable on winding roads. If this were a comparison with the V6 model S or the normal grade, the impression would be much different, but since the same V8 engine is mounted up front in the GTS and Turbo, it is a natural result.

As for acceleration and power, there is a difference in the horsepower figures.The difference between 550PS and 460PS is 90PS. Of course, GTS is not slow. It is usually quite fast.However, the turbo accelerates too quickly.On the other hand, as mentioned above, the GTS has better response at low speeds and easier gas pedal work.

As for PDK, the Panamera's shifting speed is not fast.I tried the GTS to see if the response was improved, but it was not much different from the turbo. I thought the response of the GTS was better than that of the turbo, but it was not much different from the turbo. Also, the manner of shifting from 1st to 2nd gear in town seems to be more refined in the GTS, but this may be due to the matching with the engine.

Panamera GTS General Comments

After the test drive, I've been thinking about what kind of tastes should buy a GTS, and my first thought isThose who prefer the unique exterior and interior of the GTS.Yes. If you like the slightly lower ride height, the Sport Design Package, and the GTS Interior Package with Alcantara interior, I think the GTS is the one for you.

Next, we will discuss theThe engine should be a V8, not a V6, and those who prefer a low tone exhaust sound.It is. HoweverIf you are concerned about the volume, a turbo with a sport exhaust is a better choice.(although the GTS is loud enough)The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.As for power, GTS is sufficient.It is. This should not be considered slow or insufficient in the Japanese environment.

When you think about it.Ideal for those who don't want to pay as much as a turbo, but prefer the feel of a V8 engine and the unique design and atmosphere of the GTS.Id.

Panamera GTS, general comments

Incidentally, from the standpoint of owning a turbo, the GTS is a perfect car, butA bit middling among the Panamera grades.I was surprised. If this GTS were a high-tuned 4S V6 instead of a V8, it might have seemed lighter and sportier on the nose. In this light, theIf my preference is for driving fun, riding a 4S with more options is better suited for me.I felt that the company's business was not good enough.

Personal Evaluation

Handling:	(4.5 / 5)
Straight line stability:	(5.0 / 5)
Comfort at low speeds:	(4.7 / 5)
Comfort at high speeds:	(5.0 / 5)
Engine Feeling:	(4.3 / 5)
Engine sound:	(4.2 / 5)
Brakes :	(4.0 / 5)
Transmission :	(3.8 / 5)
Average:	(4.4 / 5)