LA MOTOR SHOW: Surprise Porsche debuts

Porsche's all-new 911 took centre stage at the German sportscar maker's stand at the 2012 Los Angeles Motor Show but an unexpected newcomer nearly stole the show – the Panamera GTS.

The most sports oriented version of the love-it or hate-it four-door yet, the GTS will become a regular model within the Panamera range. It arrives Down Under in April 2012.

Powered by a tweaked version of Porsche's naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre petrol V8 matched exclusively to Porsche's PDK twin-clutch automated transmission, the GTS gets an upgraded chassis, bigger brakes and special attention to ensure that the driver knows exactly what's under the hood.

Porsche has revised the inlet design on the GTS's V8 with two paths delivering better breathing above 3500rpm. New camshafts make the most of this extra air and passive charging via the new inlet system design.

The second focus is sound. Says Porsche: "Occupants can hear and enjoy the aural splendour of the Panamera GTS engine through the Sound Symposer which, at the push of the Sport button, directs the intake noise into the interior. The standard sports exhaust system also provides a sensory benefit."

The result is plenty of volume. But's it's not just bark -- officially peak output is up 22kW to 316 and torque has been boosted from 500Nm to 520. The GTS also gets extra revs to play with – redline has been raised to 7100rpm.

The standard all-wheel drive has been retained [alas, a rear-wheel drive version would have been a hoot!] but the car gets bespoke, lower suspension and freer stability control settings. The GTS also gets 19-inch wheels and a set of brakes from its Panamera Turbo stablemate. Sports Chrono Package is also standard delivering Sport Plus mode for the PDK and Launch control.

Using the abovementioned launch control, performance figures claimed are 4.5sec 0-100km/h and a top speed of 288km/h.

Inside there are also equipment upgrades including mixed leather and Alcantara 18-way adjustable sports seats. The suede-like fabric also adorns the upper sections of the door armrests, front centre console armrest and roofliner. A new Sport-Design steering wheel with shift paddles is also standard.

Porsche Australia says the net uplift in equipment levels over a Panamera 4S equates to over $30,000 of extra value. Officially the $315,300 Panamera GTS arrives at $18,300 more than its 'standard' 4S counterpart.

More LA Motor Show news on motoring.com.au

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