The new Porsche Cayenne GTS has a lower set-up to boost handling, while its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 338kW and 620Nm of torque.
This is the new Porsche Cayenne GTS, a sharper, more focused version of the firm’s largest SUV. Available in standard and coupe bodystyles, it’s on sale now in Australia from $192,900 befor eon-roads and first deliveries are due in Q4 this year.
As before, the GTS model plugs the gap between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, incorporating new chassis and suspension components to separate it dynamically.
The biggest change, however, is its powertrain. While the previous Cayenne GTS used a turbocharged 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6, the new GTS adopts a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Power stands at 338kW while the torque figure creeps up by 20Nm, to a maximum of 620Nm.
Porsche claims that with the optional Sport Chrono pack, the Cayenne GTS cracks 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 278km/h. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a Porsche Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission.
The GTS model features a different chassis tune from the base Cayenne’s, with the standard steel spring set-up lowering the car by 20mm. Porsche Active Suspension Management adaptive dampers are fitted as standard, as is Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. This system automatically applies brake pressure to individual wheels while cornering, to improve the handling.
Further chassis options include carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive three-chamber air suspension, rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control body-roll stabilisation, to further keep the Cayenne’s considerable mass under control.
Visually, all GTS models come fitted with a Sport Design package as standard, including exterior gloss-black trim, gloss-black 21-inch wheels and darkened LED head and tail-lights.
An optional sports exhaust system also introduces two, centrally mounted oval tailpipes – a feature that’s exclusive to the GTS for now. Inside, the new model gets Alcantara trim on the headliner, seat centre panels, centre console armrests and doors.
James Brodie