Has there ever been a time when owning a Porsche vehicle has not been desirable? Probably not. Porsche cars don’t just get replaced, they evolve. If you thought the last version was good, the new one will always be better. Such is the case with the Porsche Cayenne GTS, seen here in the smart coupé variant.
With the GTS Coupé model, Porsche is supplementing its SUV line-up with a potent car designed with superb driving performance in mind.
The Power
A new engine plays an important part: Instead of the 3.6L V6 bi-turbo engine from its predecessor, a V8 heart now beats powerfully beneath the bonnet of the Cayenne GTS. With an output of 454bhp (460 PS) and combined emissions of 260–256g/km, the four-litre bi-turbo engine offers significantly improved performance in all areas. This fabulous SUV sprints to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package installed) and has a top speed of 167mph. A lowered performance-oriented chassis, the unique swooping design and enhanced equipment round off the new GTS package.
As well as producing blistering performance, great importance has been placed to efficiency. Among other things, this has been achieved by an optimally-matched Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive cylinder control, direct petrol injection with central injector position and an intelligently designed thermal management system. According to the stats, on the combined cycle, fuel consumption could be as good as 30+ miles per gallon.
The Sound
To match the new car's impressive performance, an especially configured sports exhaust system delivers a highly emotive aural experience (it’s a Porsche; we wouldn’t have it any other way). Fitted as standard is an exhaust system with its tailpipes located at the outer sides of the car's rear, designed to produce a rich, sporty sound with a unique character. Optionally, the high frequency-tuned sports exhaust system is a new development. It features two centrally positioned oval tailpipes that are offered exclusively on the Cayenne GTS Coupé (and in future also on the Cayenne Turbo Coupé), in combination with the optional Lightweight Sports Package.
The Drive
The chassis set-up of the new Cayenne GTS coupé creates the ideal prerequisites for outstanding lateral dynamics and sheer driving pleasure. The standard steel-spring suspension lowers the car by 20 millimetres and includes Porsche Active Suspension Management for sporting damper control. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus is also fitted as standard, which is a real bonus.
The standard Sport Design package ensures a unique and exclusive appearance in combination with numerous accents in Black. The new Cayenne GTS is also equipped as standard with satin-gloss Black 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels. The LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System and the LED tail light bar are also dark-tinted. The front air intakes, side window trims, tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and the model and Porsche logos on the rear are all in black. In short, it looks as good as it drives and handles.
The Interior
The inside features high-quality materials such as Alcantara on the roof-lining, seat centre panels, centre console armrests and doors, as well as dark-brushed aluminium, all of which make it possible to also see and feel the sporty yet elegant characteristics of the Cayenne GTS. Standard eight-way sports seats, exclusively reserved for this new model, offer optimal support for dynamic cornering due to the increased height of their side bolsters. Just in case there is any doubt, GTS logos can be found on the front doors, door entry sills, rev counter and head restraints. Numerous personalisation options include the GTS interior package, with additional colour accents in Carmine Red or Crayon, for items such as decorative stitching.
The Porsche story doesn’t need a retelling. Suffice to say that here at MHH International, we instinctively know that Porsche have achieved the seemingly impossible; An even better Cayenne.
