The Cayenne GTS and the Cayenne GTS Coupé stand out in the model portfolio as incredibly dynamic SUVs with an exclusive, sporty exterior and interior design. Both Cayenne GTS models are the sportiest derivatives of the Cayenne model line and are designed to offer optimal driving performance. They set the benchmark in the SUV segment, in particular because of their dynamic cornering characteristics.
As is customary for all GTS models, the powertrain plays a particularly important role. A V8 engine sits under the bonnet of the Cayenne GTS in the E3 model generation. This four-litre biturbo engine delivers a power output of 338 kW (460 PS) and a torque of 620 Nm, offering a superior performance in all driving conditions. Both GTS models sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and have a top speed of 270 km/h.
The Cayenne GTS models benefit from the same generation of engine as the Cayenne Turbo. The V8 biturbo has been developed by Porsche and is built at the engine plant in Zuffenhausen. It features numerous technology highlights, including adaptive cylinder shut-off, direct fuel injection with a central injector position and a sophisticated thermal management system, all of which provide the ideal conditions for boosting efficiency. Like in all Cayenne models, a Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox is responsible for transferring power from the engine.
The sound these cars make has also traditionally been a particularly important characteristic of the GTS models. The engineers worked hard on fine-tuning a standard sports exhaust system especially for the Cayenne GTS. It creates an emotive sound pattern to match the dynamic look of the vehicle and intensifies the powerful roar of the V8 engine. The tailpipes of the exhaust system are located at the outer corners of the car’s rear, a design that results in a rich and sporty sound that is unique to this car. In Sport and Sport Plus mode, the exhaust system delivers an even more emotive sound, with a sonorous growl on the overrun. The sports exhaust system can also be activated in the ‘Car’ menu via Porsche Communication Management (PCM). The exhaust system features twin tailpipes in High-Gloss Black in the left and right corners – another feature that gives the Cayenne GTS models a dynamic look.
A high-frequency-tuned sports exhaust system with two centrally positioned oval tailpipes is also available for the Cayenne GTS Coupé with the optional lightweight sports package.
The combination of the latest chassis technology and the tuning work one expects from Porsche provides the foundation for the outstanding cornering abilities of the Cayenne GTS models. As in all Cayenne models, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive system distributes the power optimally in every driving situation. The electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch of the PTM directs the drive force to the front and rear axles in the appropriate ratio. The driving condition is monitored continuously to ensure that the vehicle can respond to different driving situations. Sensors monitor values such as the rotational speeds of all four wheels, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle plus the steering angle, with the system adapting the distribution of power accordingly.
The GTS models are equipped as standard with steel-spring suspension that includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and the ride height on both models is lowered by 20 mm. The PASM active damper control has been specially tuned for the Cayenne GTS models to enable a sporty driving style. The slightly lower centre of gravity also has a positive effect on the outstanding cornering grip of the vehicles.
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also available as standard and provides direct and dynamic steering behaviour as well as optimum traction when accelerating out of corners. The standard grey cast iron brakes with red brake callipers have been tailored to the longitudinal and lateral dynamics potential of the Cayenne GTS models, resulting in a generously sized and powerful brake system. The Cayenne GTS models come with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels finished in Satin Black as standard with 285/40 tyres at the front and 315/35 tyres at the rear. This technology package gives the Cayenne GTS models everything they need to bring the agility and spontaneity of a genuine sports car to the SUV segment.
Various optional features are available for enhancing the driving performance and comfort even further: for example, the standard steel-spring suspension can be replaced with adaptive three-chamber air suspension that includes PASM and lowers the ride height by 10 mm, making it possible to achieve an even greater breadth of ability, encompassing both sportiness and long-distance comfort. The rear-axle steering provides greater agility and stability, enabling the Cayenne GTS models to steer without delays and establish lateral acceleration significantly sooner. The steering concept also offers improved safety at high speeds as well as increased comfort on everyday journeys because it reduces the vehicle's turning circle from 12.1 metres to 11.5 m.
The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system works with 48-volt technology and is capable of adjusting the stiffness of the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles in milliseconds to actively stabilise the vehicle body. This system suppresses body roll up to a lateral load of 0.8 g.
Drivers also have options for optimising the brake system in the form of the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) with a tungsten carbide coating or the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
A range of specific equipment emphasises the sporty and exclusive character of the Cayenne GTS models. The classic GTS features include the Sport Design Package and several black accents on the exterior, as well as clusters of Alcantara and aluminium elements in the interior.
The standard Sport Design Package provides a unique and exclusive look in combination with numerous accents in Black, such as the dark-tinted LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and the LED tail-light strip. In addition, the front air intakes, side window trims, the sports exhaust tailpipes and the 'PORSCHE' and model badges at the rear are all finished in black.
High-quality materials in the interior showcase the sporty and elegant aspirations of the Cayenne GTS models. For example, Alcantara is used for the roof lining, the seat centres and the armrests on the centre console and doors, and dark-coloured brushed aluminium is used elsewhere in the interior. Standard eight-way Sports Seats offer optimal support for dynamic cornering due to the increased height of the side bolsters. These seats are reserved exclusively for the new GTS models.
‘GTS’ logos can be found on the front doors, door entry guards, rev counter and head restraints. Drivers can choose numerous customisation options, including the GTS interior package with additional colour accents in Carmine Red or Crayon for items such as the decorative stitching.
The Cayenne GTS Coupé is fundamentally different to the Cayenne GTS. For instance, the Coupé has a flatter A-pillar and windscreen, a more dramatically rearward sloping roof line with a flow-through roof spoiler and an adaptive extending rear spoiler with spoiler lip. The standard equipment also differs: the Cayenne GTS Coupé comes with the Sport Chrono Package with mode switch and Sport Response button, the speed-dependent Power Steering Plus and the front and rear Park Assist, which includes a reversing camera. The rear bench seat in the Cayenne GTS Coupé is designed to look like single seats for two passengers. The three-seater rear bench familiar from the Cayenne is available as an alternative.
A contoured carbon roof is another option for the Cayenne GTS Coupé as part of the Lightweight Sport Package designed to significantly reduce the vehicle weight. In addition to the carbon roof, which alone saves 21 kg compared to the standard panoramic fixed-glass roof, the 22-inch GT Design wheels are another visual highlight of the Lightweight Sport Package. Thanks to their lightweight aluminium design and motorsport-inspired forged-alloy technology, each wheel weighs around 2 kg less than similar alloy wheels of the same size. The interior features of this package include seat centres upholstered in fabric with a classic check pattern.