Porsche’s Cayenne GTS SUV has been given a midlife upgrade, with sharper styling and a new turbocharged V6 engine, which replaces the old GTS’ naturally aspirated V8.
The major difference between the new Cayenne GTS and the car it replaces is what’s hiding under the hood. Whereas the outgoing GTS was powered by a 4.8-liter, 309 kW (420 hp) naturally aspirated V8, the 2015 GTS will pack a new 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 – essentially an uprated version of the engine that powers the Cayenne S.
Despite being smaller, the V6 produces more power and torque: 328 kW (440 hp) and 603 Nm (445 ft.lb), respectively. This takes the GTS from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, half a second faster than the car it replaces.
To show off the fact you’re not driving any average Cayenne, the GTS is fitted with larger front air intakes, wider wheel arches, a more pronounced rear bumper and a roof spoiler. Black highlights on the car’s exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels and GTS logo on the doors also provide some extra visual punch.
Making a heavy, powerful car like the Cayenne GTS handle well is not easy, so Porsche has lowered the GTS’ suspension by 20 mm, and the calibration of Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) features a sportier tune than that on standard Cayennes.
Braking is handled by the 390 mm (15 inch) front brakes and 358 mm (14 inch) rear brakes from the Cayenne Turbo. Inside, the GTS’ eight-way adjustable sports seats are clad in leather and Alcantara, and owners can have contrast stitching in red or silver as an option.
The new GTS will premiere alongside the rest of the facelifted Cayenne range at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with prices starting at US$95,500.
Source: Porsche
