Agile Heavyweight Powerhouse: Porsche Cayenne GTS
Big and heavy, the Porsche Cayenne may be, but the new GTS model embraces its Sport title without hesitation. It's packed with sporty features, not just for straightaway cruising.
Porsche has given the Cayenne a makeover, emphasizing the S in SUV. Already agile among its peers, the Cayenne now gets an adrenaline boost with the addition of the GTS version. For a price of €142,000 (€145,300 for the Coupe), you can experience a more heart-pounding ride around corners on winding roads.
Under the hood, there's a 4-liter V8 engine that's been beefed up. With new monoscroll injectors, higher injection pressure, and revised software, its power output has increased by 40 hp to 500 hp, and the torque curve peaks now at 660 Nm.
Accelerating in 4.4 seconds
The Cayenne doesn't waste time. In just 4.4 seconds, it zooms from 0 to 100 km/h, accompanied by the roaring sound of eight cylinders. Depending on the model variant, it can hit a top speed of 275 km/h.
To ensure the passenger stays entertained, there's a separate display that clears any doubts about the car's performance. Although streaming Netflix might seem tempting, it's best saved for idle times.
It's not just the engine that makes the GTS a performance vehicle. The highly tuned chassis, lower air suspension, direct gearbox, specifically tuned all-wheel-drive clutch, and the front axle borrowed from the Turbo GT all contribute to the GTS's agile handling.
Transforming into a corner master
The Cayenne feels surprisingly nimble, like a Macan. The air suspension is now a centimeter lower, the dampers are faster, the steering wheel smaller and grippier, the gearbox directer, the all-wheel-drive clutch specifically tuned, and the front axle of the Turbo GT, which is no longer offered here, with a lower ride height for sharper turn-in.
The design changes are not just cosmetic. They improve the car's performance, making it more responsive and easier to handle. While carbon stripes might not change the car's weight or handling, the red stitching in the seats certainly adds a touch of speed. Gripping the sport seats gives you more control over the colossal vehicle.
The Cayenne GTS is an expensive pleasure, costing around €20,000 more than the comparable Cayenne S, performance-wise.
Porsche Cayenne GTS - technical data
- Upper-class SUV, Length: 4.93 meters, Width: 1.98 meters (Width with mirrors: 2.19 meters), Height: 1.67 meters, Wheelbase: 2.90 meters, Trunk volume: 656-1708 liters
- Upper-class SUV Coupe, Length: 4.93 meters, Width: 1.99 meters (Width with mirrors: 2.19 meters), Height: 1.65 meters, Wheelbase: 2.90 meters, Trunk volume: 554-1502 liters
- 4.0-liter Four-cylinder Turbo; 368 kW/500 PS, maximum torque: 660 Nm, All-wheel drive, Eight-speed double-clutch transmission, 0-100 km/h: 4.4 s, Top speed: 275 km/h, Fuel consumption: 12.6 - 13.3 Liters/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 287-303 g/km, Emission standard: Euro 6d, Efficiency class: G
- Price: from €142,000 (€145,300 for the Coupe)
