One for the Road: Cayenne GTS

It might not be the fastest Cayenne on the market, but Porsche’s brand new

GTS model is certainly the most road-focused one. Set to fill in the gap between the V8-powered S and the horsepower champ, the Turbo, the new GTS elevates the Cayenne’s on-road capabilities to levels not seen before.

The GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter DFI direct injection V8 engine that’s been tweaked to turn out an extra 20 horsepower for a sum total of 405 hp. Total torque remains unchanged at 369 lb-ft. The GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual, a gearbox choice available in European markets, but not in North American ones, which if made available here in North America would put it in a class of its own. A six-speed automatic is available for those who prefer not to shift. The Cayenne GTS also features a shorter axle drive ratio, which is now 4.1:1 instead of 3.55:1.

The extra power, manual gearbox and shorter axle drive ratio allow the GTS to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds better than the regular S, and about a half second off the pace of the much more powerful Turbo model.

More power is always a good thing, but even more important are the changes Porsche has made to the Cayenne’s suspension system. The regular steel-sprung Cayenne is an excellent handling machine, but this upgraded one has a sportier stance thanks to a lower ride of 0.9 inches, but it also features Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM). What’s unique about this combination is that this is the first time that PASM has been combined with steel springs on a Cayenne. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), the innovative active anti roll system is also available as an extra-cost option, as is air suspension.

To go along with the enhanced performance is enhanced styling. The GTS features the same wheel arch enlargement as the Turbo model, which allowed Porsche to fit this sportive Cayenne with 21-inch alloy wheels. This specialized Cayenne also receives the same aerodynamic lower valances to improve airflow around the car, helping stability at speed.

There are only two colors available for the GTS, Nordic Gold metallic and GTS Red (pictured).

Inside, GTS owners will revel in the fact that there are newly developed sports seats with extra bolstering and Alcantara inserts to hold them in place during spirited driving. Those riding in back aren’t exempt from sporty seating as the usual bench has been replaced by one that has been formed for two passengers.

Porsche has announced that the Cayenne GTS will be available globally starting February of next year, and will have a starting price of $69,300.