New Porsche Cayenne GTS Unveiled – Super SUV Made For Drivers

The refreshed third-gen Cayenne range has grown with the addition of the GTS trimline - a badge reserved for Porsche's more driver-focused offering.

The refreshed third-generation Porsche Cayenne luxury sports SUV has finally gained a driver-focused GTS variant. Unveiled earlier today some one year since the refreshed Cayenne’s global debut, the new Cayenne GTS can be had in either standard or ‘coupe’ body forms.

Though not as powerful as the electrified Turbo S E-Hybrid variant we detailed prior, the new Cayenne GTS does offer an enhanced version of Porsche’s signature twin-turbo V8 heart. Said powertrain gets matched with an equally enhanced suspension setup, plus subtle yet sporty styling touches.

Both a standard and 'Coupe' bodystyles are available, with the latter even gaining an adaptive rear spoiler.

Key distinguishing features include the redesigned front bumper intakes, darkened light housings, high-gloss back Sport Design Package trims, GTS badges,  and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels.

Unlike its predecessor, output figures have risen by 40 HP and 40 NM to 493 HP and 660 NM respectively. Drive is managed by both an 8-speed automatic box and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. 

The latter is beefed up with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) lifted from the Turbo GT variant, which features a separate cooling circuit. Altogether, said enhanced powertrain enables the new Cayenne GTS to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 4.4 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 275 KM/H.

Underneath, the Cayenne GTS harnesses an enhanced version of Porsche signature V8 twin-turbo, outputting 493 HP and 660 NM, thus enabling 0-100 KM/H in just 4.4 seconds.

As for the chassis, the GTS sees Porsche standard dual-chamber air suspension with adaptive dampers package gaining a variant-specific setup. In fact, unlike the regular Cayenne, this GTS variant sits 10 MM lower, and it also increased negative camber in its front wheels thanks to pivot bearings also lifted from the Cayenne GT.

Other key chassis additions include Porsche Torque Vectoring Control Plus and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll stabilization suite. Though do take note that the former is offered as standard equipment unlike the latter which, as per Porsche norms, is offered as a cost-option addition – one of many Porsche usually has on offer.

Moreover, Porsche also offers no less than three Lightweight Sport Packages. If selected, said option can shave up to 25 KG off from the super SUV’s kerb weight to better enhance its performance.

Besides the enhanced powertrain, the Cayenne GTS also gains enhanced suspension that promises greater agility and control It also sees this version of the Cayenne sit 10 MM lower.

In terms of style and aesthetics, the new Cayenne GTS is easily distinguished by its subtly different yet distinct bumper intakes, darkened light housings, GTS door and tailgate emblems, dark bronze-finished tailpipes, as well as high-gloss black accents from the standard-fitted Sport Design Package.

Other key design touches include 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels finished in anthracite, red-painted brake calipers, as well as an adaptive rear spoiler primed in the coupe-bodied version.

On board, the Cayenne GTS mirrors the standard Cayenne here, but it does see greater use of Race Tex fabrics lining most parts.

On board, Porsche treats the Cayenne GTS with an abundance of Race Tex covering much of the cabin. As for the seats, it sees the combination of said fabric with leather and presented with red pipe-stitching.

That aside, much of the cabin retains much of the base face-lifted third-gen Cayenne featuring an all-new dashboard housing Porsche’s latest digital displays – up to three in total are possible. Standard here too is a premium Bose Surround System audio suite, amongst many other luxuries.

Like before, this special driver-focused flavour of Porsche’s best-selling SUV will be available globally sometime later this year. Locally though, it seems  likely that it will be offered either officially through Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) as a special order, or as a recon’ (parallel/grey import) unit.