Author: Robin Roberts
Someone forgot to tell Porsche that big 4x4s were never meant to be fun to drive.
So they have gone ahead and done what they do best and created the new Cayenne GTS.
It builds on the Cayenne model’s reputation as the most sporting SUV, offering a more powerful engine, increased dynamic power development and a tauter chassis with lower ride height.
While the Cayenne GTS sits between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo in the range, its own special character enables it to be differentiated clearly from its siblings.
Beneath the bonnet of the Cayenne GTS lies an uprated 4.8-litre V8 engine, with 420 hp (309 kW), based on the Cayenne S power unit. Power transmission is via the eight-speed Tiptronic S with integrated auto start/stop function.
The engine and gearbox have each been tuned to deliver particularly sporting levels of responsiveness, with the consequence that the Cayenne GTS sprints from a standing start to 62mph in 5.7 seconds, reaching 100 mph in 13.3 seconds. The top speed is 162mph and the Combined fuel consumption on the NEDC is 26.4mpg.
The chassis settings have been modified to further raise the dynamic ability of the Cayenne. The suspension is more tautly tuned and equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, while the body is lowered by 24mm relative to the Cayenne S.
The appearance features including the front-end styling inspired by the Cayenne Turbo with window surrounds and trims in a high-gloss black finish, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches plus a distinctive roof spoiler with twin-wing profile.
Inside, there is a bespoke interior in leather and Alcantara, and front sports seats with eight-way adjustment while further features include a SportDesign steering wheel with paddle-shift, sports exhaust system and Bi-Xenon headlights.
Making its debut at the Beijing Motor Show on 23 April, the Cayenne GTS goes on sale in the UK in July from £67,147. While it is unlikely to figure on many fleet lists, it is a model much beloved of business car drivers and anyone thinking of running one should take some business car advice as contained in our helpful guide.
