ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS

Porsche has now completed its Cayenne model line which was revised last year with the new, dynamic GTS models. The Cayenne is both a high-performance sports car and an all-terrain SUV. Now for the GTS models, this balance has traditionally shifted towards improved on-road capability.

With a powerful drive system, precise tuning and an exclusive design, the new Cayenne GTS remains true to this principle while remaining suited to everyday use. The precisely honed, GTS-specific chassis and 10mm lower ride height mark a development for the newcomer which is now equipped with adaptive air suspension as standard, including Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. All chassis components and control systems, such as Porsche Traction Management and the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, are specifically designed for optimal on-road performance. The two-valve damper technology offers impressive responsiveness, and its two-chamber air suspension gives the new GTS a highly dynamic spring rate while simultaneously ensuring driver comfort. The front axle pivot bearings originate from the Cayenne Turbo GT and they increase the negative camber of the wheels by 0.58 degrees in comparison to other Cayenne models; the end result is strikingly delivering agile cornering and exceptional handling dynamics.

In addition to the finely tuned chassis; under the bonnet the V8 engine is another important feature of the new Cayenne GTS. A real power house courtesy of the four litre twin-turbo V8, developed by Porsche and manufactured in Zuffenhausen; this unit has undergone extensive technical revision. This has resulted in efficiency gains and a significant increase in performance: the engine now produces 500PS, an increase of 30 kW (40 PS) compared to the previous model. The maximum torque is now 660 Nm, an increase of 40 Nm and the revised eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission noticeably improves driving performance through shorter response and shift times in Sport and Sport Plus modes. These features give the new GTS truly remarkable performance, with rest to 100kph (62mph) in 4.4 seconds and the top speed is 275 km/h (175mph).

A further technical innovation is that the transfer box for the all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management features an independent water cooling circuit; this technology is also adopted from the high-performance Turbo GT model. It stabilises the continuous load capacity; for example when tackling track driving or navigating mountain routes; yes this new model from Porsche just like its stablemates is a great all-rounder.

You will not fail to recognise the new GTS models thanks to a unique, sporty design. This includes black GTS lettering on the sides and rear of the car, a special front end with bigger cooling air intakes, dark-tinted headlights and tail lights, and red brake callipers. Keeping with this classic design DNA gives the car that instantly recognisable Porsche look, but with a few innovations. Body attachments such as the side skirts, front inlays, side window trims and wheel arch extensions, which all form part of the standard Sport Design package, are now manufactured in high gloss black. On earlier GTS models, some of these body parts were body coloured. In contrast, the sports exhaust system tailpipes, which previously came in black, are now finished in a dark bronze tone. To further enhance the design portfolio of the GTS models, 21 inch RS Spyder design wheels are fitted and finished in anthracite grey.

Moving to the interior, a heated GT sports steering wheel and high-quality material Race-Tex can also be found throughout the car. The new GTS models benefit from the recent comprehensive product upgrade for the Cayenne, with the new Porsche Driver Experience with a curved digital instrument cluster as standard and an optional passenger display. In addition to the Sport Design package, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights and air suspension, the model also features a Bose surround sound system and ambient lighting. There is a fixed panoramic roof in glass, as standard, as well as an adaptive extending rear spoiler and the dynamic feel of the Coupé can be heightened even further with a sports exhaust system with centrally positioned tailpipes in dark bronze; this is available as part of the three different lightweight sports packages and they also include a lightweight roof and a carbon rear diffuser, as well as reduced insulation. The lightweight packages can reduce the weight of the vehicle by up to 25 kilograms.

Expect to see the new Cayenne GTS on the road this summer. The Cayenne first appeared on the motoring scene in 2002 and it was the first V8 powered vehicle from the premium German carmaker since 1995 when the 928 was discontinued. The Cayenne was also the company’s first off road vehicle from the tractors of the 1950s.

Ian Lynas