Planet 9

umwolverine · #1 01-09-2012, 03:48 PM

Just put down the order for a GTS, March production.

Platinum Silver
Black Leather/Alcantara w/sports seats
20" 911 Turbo Wheels
Delete model designation
Porsche Entry & Drive
ParkAssist (f&R) w/Rev camera
Bose Stereo
Sat receiver w/HD radio
PDCC w/Torque Vectoring
Lugg Compart Retract Roll Cov

MSRP $123,540, sales price $116,127 or 6% discount. Very good dealership - they guarantee the engine and drivetrain for the life of the vehicle if you service with them.

I had a very tough time making the decision vs the new M5, but in the end, it came down to just a few items:

1. I don't need 560 Hp on the street.
2. I do need awd and the best handling, best sounding, most responsive luxury sedan I can get.
3. The GTS had pretty much everything I was looking for in the Panamera.
4. I was ready for something different after 130,000 miles in my E60 M5.

I really never seriously considered the Turbo, but I'm betting the GTS is the closest thing to a luxury sedan 'race car' that you can get. It will be really interesting to see how the lap times compare.

Looking forward to picking it up in a few months!

**rubber_ducky** · #2 01-09-2012, 04:16 PM

Congrats. I love the GTS (both panamera and 911). I can see wanting a change after so many miles in an M5. But what makes you think that the GTS will out handle the M5? That is a sincere question... Have they been compared by some journalists yet?

Dude987 · #3 01-09-2012, 04:17 PM

Cool. Great reviews on the 2011. I'm assuming this is a 2012. Any upgrades between the 2011 and 2012?

umwolverine · #4 01-09-2012, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by rubber_ducky

Congrats. I love the GTS (both panamera and 911). I can see wanting a change after so many miles in an M5. But what makes you think that the GTS will out handle the M5? That is a sincere question... Have they been compared by some journalists yet?

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I am here: Google Maps

Cool. Great reviews on the 2011. I'm assuming this is a 2012. Any upgrades between the 2011 and 2012?

It's actually being sold as a 2013 for whatever reason. Pickup should be April in 2012.

As far as handling, that's a very subjective thing. The F10 M5 will be quicker around a high speed racetrack like the Nurburgring for sure. Not sure about a tighter track like the Top Gear, or even the shorter 'ring track. The reasons I think the GTS will be a better handler are:

1. Lighter car, although not by a lot. Test weight will probably be a hundred lbs or so lighter once the cars are fully 'optioned out' (My E60 M5 was 4,200 lbs curb weight, I'm guessing the F10 will run around 4,350 lbs)
2. Wider track and lower cg. The Panamera is very wide and low, and this contributes greatly to stability through corners and in transitions and braking.
3. Better brakes. This has always been a weak point of the M cars
4. Track results. The Panny Turbo S has beat the F10 M5 in all track comparisons, and the GTS is lighter with the same suspension and brakes.

Reasons why the M5 might be better:

1. RWD - this will certainly make the car more fun, and give the driver better steering feel and control.
2. Tires - The Michelin Super Sports are supposedly incredible. The tires are the single biggest factor in car handling.
3. Engine - it will definitely kick butt in any acceleration contest once rolling.

Another important factor was the reviews saying the M5 feels 'bigger' than the E60 and somewhat less 'connected' without the exciting sound of the V10. I think the GTS will feel smaller, more connected, and certainly should have a great sound with the n.a. engine and the 'Sound Symposer' and Sport Exhaust vs artificial sound piped in though the speakers (total ****).