Porsche {link} have added a genuinely sporty model to the Cayenne range, the Cayenne GTS. With 405PS from its improved 4.8 litre V8 engine (a 20PS increase over standard) the GTS is powerful and responsive. Combined with a lower final drive ratio (4.1:1 rather than 3.55:1) the performance figures of the GTS are good; for a 2.3 tonne SUV a 0-62 time of 6.5 seconds is quick and the top speed of 155mph is more than adequate (these figures are not stunningly different to those of the Cayenne S it must be said).
Where the Porsche Cayenne GTS is a noticeable improvement over the Cayenne S is in handling, it sits 24mm lower to the ground and has the fabled PASM active damping system fitted. This allows more speed to be carried through corners and results in a far more enjoyable and rewarding drive. By setting the suspension and engine to sport mode the GTS is an enthralling and rapid vehicle, allowing B road miles to be dispatched quickly, safely and enjoyably all with a glorious V8 rumble from the 4-exit (GTS specific) exhaust system.
Porsche have styled the Cayenne GTS in a similar vane to the Turbo with large intakes on the front bumper. The GTS also has wheel arch extensions and a rear roof spoiler that separate it from other models. The optional 21” wheels (fitted with 295/35 tyres) complete the exterior styling perfectly (they do however ensure that the GTS is a road SUV and not an all surface SUV). The interior benefits from new sports seats front and rear and they are definitely required. The extra lateral support they offer (both front and rear seats) is much appreciated when the GTS is driven to its capabilities.
The GTS fits between the Cayenne S (385PS) and the range topping 500PS Cayenne Turbo although one feels that power output is a little low; a total of 420-430PS would have been far better. The three letters GTS have always symbolised something special with Porsche, think of the 928 and even the 924 and you think of distinct power gains and the surge of adrenaline, the Cayenne GTS isn’t quite as impressive. Certainly it is beautifully responsive, it handles exceptionally well and is fast it just isn’t what a GTS should be. The Cayenne GTS should have been based on the Turbo… Design to be the sports version of the Cayenne the GTS is a very enjoyable SUV and that does offer sporty performance as good as, if not better than its competitors.
Where the Porsche Cayenne GTS is a noticeable improvement over the Cayenne S is in handling, it sits 24mm lower to the ground and has the fabled PASM active damping system fitted. This allows more speed to be carried through corners and results in a far more enjoyable and rewarding drive. By setting the suspension and engine to sport mode the GTS is an enthralling and rapid vehicle, allowing B road miles to be dispatched quickly, safely and enjoyably all with a glorious V8 rumble from the 4-exit (GTS specific) exhaust system.
Porsche have styled the Cayenne GTS in a similar vane to the Turbo with large intakes on the front bumper. The GTS also has wheel arch extensions and a rear roof spoiler that separate it from other models. The optional 21” wheels (fitted with 295/35 tyres) complete the exterior styling perfectly (they do however ensure that the GTS is a road SUV and not an all surface SUV). The interior benefits from new sports seats front and rear and they are definitely required. The extra lateral support they offer (both front and rear seats) is much appreciated when the GTS is driven to its capabilities.
The GTS fits between the Cayenne S (385PS) and the range topping 500PS Cayenne Turbo although one feels that power output is a little low; a total of 420-430PS would have been far better. The three letters GTS have always symbolised something special with Porsche, think of the 928 and even the 924 and you think of distinct power gains and the surge of adrenaline, the Cayenne GTS isn’t quite as impressive. Certainly it is beautifully responsive, it handles exceptionally well and is fast it just isn’t what a GTS should be. The Cayenne GTS should have been based on the Turbo… Design to be the sports version of the Cayenne the GTS is a very enjoyable SUV and that does offer sporty performance as good as, if not better than its competitors.
