Comfort comes together with performance
High performance. Track day. Luxury. Sustainability. These are not usually terms which are used in relation to each other, but with the Canadian premiere of two new models, Porsche has done just that at the Canadian International AutoShow.
Now in the second generation, the Porsche Panamera created a niche where there wasn’t one before and has excelled within it. A conveyance that is equally adept at schlepping executive passengers between meetings in style as it is entertaining those who choose to drive themselves.
For those buyers, Porsche has created something extra special: The Panamera GTS. The heart of this beast is a twin- turbo, 4.0- litre V8, which generates 460 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels via Porsche’s excellent PDK dual clutch transmission.
This combination is brawny enough to launch the Panamera from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
All of that performance potential is nothing if nobody knows, so Porsche has included a proper sport exhaust to add some bark along with the bite.
Performance and comfort require different suspension setups, so Porsche has employed an adaptive air suspension system which uses unique three chamber technology, allowing for the flexibility required to achieve both. The suspension itself allows the car to sit 10 mm lower than other Panamera models and larger brakes provide the stopping power required for spirited driving.
The Panamera GTS rides on 20-inch Panamera Design wheels and features a variety of blacked out trim elements to complete the look. Inside, occupants will find Alcantara clad surfaces along with anodized aluminum trim. For the first time ever in a Panamera, drivers can take advantage of a configurable heads-up display.
Those who like a personal touch can choose from a variety of optional custom interior appointments including a rev counter, designer seams, and GTS logos in the contrasting shades of Carmine Red or Crayon.
Spend even a little bit of time at one of the many lapping days that take place around Ontario in the warmer months and you will quickly learn that the first generation Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport is one of the most popular track weapons around. There is good reason for that, as it is one of the most balanced sports cars ever built and is as easy to drive fast as it is fun.
Even though that first generation was only born three years ago, it was near the end of the life cycle for the Cayman platform itself, so now Porsche gets to introduce yet another track weapon to Canadian consumers.
To the casual onlooker, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport would appear to be a racing car, rather than a car that someone would walk into a dealership for. They would be partly correct. The Cayman GT4 Clubsport is indeed a racing car, but it is one that Joe Average consumer can walk into their local Porsche dealer and order for themselves. This time around however, there are actually two different varieties: one is aimed at the serious track day enthusiast and casual racer, while the other is aimed at racing teams involved in professional-level competition.
Porsche made use of sustainable materials in the construction of the special cars, with several body parts being made of an organic fibre mix of plants, such as hemp and flax, which mimic the light weight and strength of carbon fibre.
The heart of both cars is a 425 horsepower, 3.8-litre flat six, a 40 hp bump over the previous model. That power makes its way to a locking differential between the rear wheels via a six-speed dual clutch gearbox. The front suspension is sourced from the big brother 911 GT3 Cup. Massive steel brakes are all around.
Weighing in at just 1,320 kilograms, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport comes complete with racing seat, six-point harness and roll cage. It is not a street car!
The basic track-day version includes fixed damper settings, a roof-mounted escape hatch, air conditioning and an 80-litre racing fuel cell. Even with all of these, the car can still be serviced by a local dealership.
The competition model includes adjustable dampers, 115-litre fuel cell for endurance racing, on-board air jacks for quick pit stops, adjustable brake bias, fire suppression system and a quick-release steering wheel sourced from the GT3 Cup parts bin.
Whether you are a fan of comfort or all out performance, the Porsche display at this year’s Canadian International AutoShow has got you covered.