LA Auto Show highlights - Porsche Panamera GTS

The latest take on Porsche's Panamera is that it can be a track-day car as well as an executive express. That's the goal of the GTS, which blends a tuned version of the petrol V8 engine – providing 424bhp (a rise of 30bhp) and 383lb ft – with revised suspension and larger brakes.

A PDK dual-clutch transmission and four-wheel drive, and the results are some spectacular figures; the GTS can hit 62mph in just 4.5sec and reach 179mph. The fuel economy figure is 25.9mpg, and the car emits 256g/km of CO2. It'll go on sale next February, from £90,409.

The raw figures are certainly impressive, but the idea of using a car this big for track days is a strange one – and if it's 'track bred' and focused, why not make it a manual and only drive the rear wheels? We remain to be convinced.

See reviews from Porsche's current line-up