The all new Porsche Cayenne GTS is an impressively performance-driven SUV
A new Cayenne GTS will be joining Porsche’s luxury line-up in 2013. Initially unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April this year, it comes as no surprise that Porsche has brought the GTS numberplate back to the Cayenne range for the 2013 model. When the first Cayenne GTS was released back in 2008, it made headlines for being one of the fastest SUVs on the planet.
With regards to the GTS’ performance and price, it falls nicely between the 400hp Cayenne S and the 500hp Turbo. Engineering-wise the GTS is based more closely on the S, with the lowered suspension and the 4.8-litre V8’s output of 420hp. The GTS will also produce 515Nm of torque at 3500rpm, and the engine is coupled to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox with an integrated stop/start system to bolster the fuel economy.
While the GTS is the mechanic brother of the S, aesthetically it is more closely related to the Turbo. The GTS sports the same hood and intake-dominated front-end as the Turbo. Design-wise the GTS features unique dashes of its own spirit. These include lower side sills, wider fenders, and a roof spoiler with a twin-wing profile as well as the four black exhaust pipe tips.
Not satisfied with merely punching up the power of the GTS, Porsche also lowered the suspension on a completely revised chassis. Also featured is the lexicon of options, including the PASM Trick Active Suspension Management as standard, and the optional PDCC or Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and PTV Plus or Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus that improves the GTS’ handling. The GTS also comes with the expected three modes of driving: Sport, Comfort and Normal.
The GTS is also a massive 160kgs lighter than the previous version, which means that, according to Porsche, the GTS will sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7seconds towards its unlimited max speed of 261km/h. This is 1 second slower to 100km/h than the range-topping Cayenne Turbo, but that second will effectively cost you R250 000.
The interior of the Cayenne GTS has carried over most of the features of its predecessor which maintains the high-quality and sophisticated feel of this SUV. Design tweaks include the Alcantara finishing in the seat centres, centre console, door panels and roof liner – adding to the Panamera-inspired aesthetic of the interior.
All in all, the new Cayenne GTS is one of the most superbly engineered SUVs to date. The car’s handling and performance-driven nature allow you to temporarily forget that you are driving a bulky 4x4.
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Image sourced from Porsche.