New Porsche Cayenne GTS; raw power for asphalt

Porsche has announced the expansion of its best-known SUV, the Cayenne, with the arrival of one of the most special and eye-catching versions in the range. This is the update of the GTS version.

The Cayenne GTS has a long history behind it, as we first met this version back in 2008. Later, with the arrival of the second generation, the GTS version was also introduced, and it is now being updated with a new engine and improved performance.

In the early days of the Cayenne GTS, its engine was a fantastic 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8, which delivered no less than 405 CV and 500 NM, figures that allowed it to move with excellent composure. But if the Cayenne GTS stood out for anything, and still does, it is the tuning of its chassis. The GTS is the least off-road-focused Cayenne, as its settings are designed to move down the road with the manners of a sports car. With a hard, firm suspension, outstanding brakes and a sound that won hearts, the GTS was a real revolution.

With the arrival of the second generation, the GTS returned with an engine that was basically the same, but with slight revisions that raised its output to 420 CV and 515 NM. Now, due to strict anti-pollution regulations and the great weight that fuel consumption carries in the minds of potential buyers, Porsche has decided to fit a turbocharged V6 engine to the GTS model as well.

The GTS’s styling follows the lines of the latest Cayenne facelift, introduced in the summer of this same year, just a few months ago. This translates into a more sporty front end, where the air intakes and light units have been redesigned to give a very aggressive look. In the case of the GTS, the air intakes and fog lights have been taken directly from the Turbo.

Of course, the GTS features a whole array of sill covers, aerodynamic add-ons, spoilers and small wings that make its look more befitting a track car than a family SUV. The standard alloy wheels are 20″, although 21″ wheels are available as an option. These reveal a large braking system with fixed 6-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston at the rear, painted red. The car’s height is reduced by 24 mm compared with the “normal” versions, while at the rear the sport exhaust system (standard) reveals four round outlets through which the GTS growls and roars when you press the accelerator.

Inside, the GTS includes equipment that on other Cayennes is part of the options list. We’re talking about sport seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara, contrasting stitching and bright red seatbelts. The headrests feature the “GTS” logo embroidered in red. The decorative trim is brushed aluminium as standard, with lacquered carbon fibre available as an alternative.

The main novelty of this GTS lies under the bonnet. The previous 4.8 naturally aspirated V8 (the only naturally aspirated V8 left) gives way to a new variant of the 3.6 V6 twin-turbo, which now delivers 440 CV and 600 NM. Performance, as Porsche has long accustomed us to, is outrageous, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (5.1 with the Sport Chrono package) and a top speed of 262 km/h.
Of course, the drivetrain remains permanent all-wheel drive, while the transmission is a new 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox manufactured by the Japanese specialist Aisin.

The Cayenne GTS is now on sale, although the first units will reach dealerships around February with a price of €114,400.

Source | Porsche