One possible use of this technology is to provide context information from the car, something like the engine speed has reached 2000 rpm, the parking brake has been disengaged, the transmission gear is in drive and the brake pedal is fully off the floor.

FORBES: Automotive/Tech Companies Trying to Bring the Web to the Car

The M6 with the TwinTurbo V8's mesa-flat torque curve (500 pound-feet from 1, 500-5, 750 rpm) and multiplicity of gear ratios (seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the M-DCT) adds an uncanny effortlessness to the experience.

WSJ: 2013 BMW M6 Coupe Review: A Hurtling Flume Ride on Dry Land | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

The GTS's star attraction is its torque-rich 4.8-liter V8, the same dry-sump, alloy-block engine as in the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S but let off the leash a bit, with a higher redline (7, 100-rpm fuel shut-off), lumpier cam-lift logic, more aggressive transmission software (quicker, harder shifts available from the dual-clutch PDK gearbox), and additional cold-air boxes with active shutters behind lower lateral bumper intakes.

WSJ: 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS Review: The Car for Today's Jay Gatsbys? | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil