Porsche's World Premiere of Three Models in LA
L.A. Autoshow Report｜Porsche
Porsche's Triple World Premiere at the LA Auto Show
This year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche unveiled the "911 GTS," "Cayenne GTS," and "Panamera Exclusive" as previewed. The simultaneous world premiere of three derivative models underscored Porsche's strong performance in North America. Tatsuya Otani reports from the venue.
Text & Event Photographs by OTANI Tatsuya
The GTS: Positioned Between Carrera S and GT3
It's no exaggeration to say that Porsche's presence at the Los Angeles Auto Show was dominated by the GTS.
Introduced at the beginning of the press conference were the two "911 GTS" models, available in coupe and cabriolet body styles. Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing, first explained the origin of the GTS name: "The GTS lineage traces back to the '904 GTS' that debuted in 1964. The 904 GTS eventually became a legend in itself." He then clarified the positioning of the 911 GTS, stating, "The GTS is the sporty version of the 911, positioned between the Carrera S and the GT3."
Indeed, in terms of peak output, the GTS's 430 ps sits almost exactly between the Carrera S's 400 ps and the GT3's 475 ps. However, Maier also highlighted "uncompromising comfort and unparalleled equipment" as characteristics of the GTS, suggesting a character closer to the "Turbo" rather than being a direct descendant of the "GT3."
Nevertheless, an international test drive event for the 911 GTS was held just prior to the LA Auto Show, so we await a report on its real-world performance.
While the 911 GTS will exclusively feature the PDK gearbox, the availability of two body types—coupe and cabriolet—and two drivetrain options—RWD and 4WD—makes for a remarkably wide range of variations.
L.A. Autoshow Report｜Porsche
Porsche's Triple World Premiere at the LA Auto Show (2)
One in Four Porsches Sold in America
The other GTS making its world premiere at the LA Auto Show was the "Cayenne GTS." While a Cayenne GTS with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine previously existed, the newly re-launched model is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine. This update increases the peak output by 20 ps to 440 ps. It's understandable why Maier introduced it, saying, "Although this is a four-door, it is still a true GTS."
The final new model introduced was the "Panamera Exclusive Series." Based on the "Panamera Turbo S Executive," this limited edition model, meticulously crafted by the Exclusive Manufaktur, features a distinctive two-tone finish in black and brown, with a sophisticated gradient effect at the color boundary. Only 100 units will be sold worldwide, and Maier proudly stated, "Many of these will likely be sold out by the end of today's announcement."
Three world premieres at a single show is an extraordinary display of generosity, unequivocally demonstrating America's paramount importance to Porsche. For context, from January to the end of October this year, approximately 39,000 Porsches were sold in the United States. During the same period, Porsche sold just over 150,000 units globally, meaning one in every four Porsches is sold in America.
"Porsche is, of course, a German brand, but America is our second home, and there is no country with more Porsche fans than the United States," Maier stated with evident confidence, leaving a strong impression.