Porsche Cayenne GTS: SUV mixed with sports car

The Cayenne Turbo is easily the fastest SUV on the planet but perhaps complaints that it sullied Porsche’s sporting image have caused the company to go even further and produce a model with technology straight from the 911. Dubbed the Cayenne GTS, this isn’t just a special edition with a bodykit and large wheels. It features an enhanced 4.8L V8, has been lowered by 24mm and has a specially developed chassis with the first application of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with steel springs to the SUV line-up.

The GTS develops 20hp more from the same engine from the Cayenne S, pumping out 405hp at 6,500rpm and torque at a flat 500Nm from 3.500rpm. Surprisingly, Porsche has stuck a manual gearbox on this model with a shorter ratio than the Cayenne S, allowing it to hit 100km/h in just 6.1s.

On the outside, the Cayenne GTS is fitted the same bodykit as the more expensive Cayenne Turbo and 21in wheels with 295/35 R21 tires. Two new colors have also been reserved exclusively for the GTS: GTS Red and Nordic Gold Metallic. Deliveries begin in February 2008 and it will be priced at approximately €65,000 or US$70,000.

More pics and video after the jump.





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With the new Cayenne GTS, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is reiterating the successful Cayenne series’ prominence in the sporty SUV segment. The model, which celebrates its world debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, features an enhanced 4.8-liter V8, has been lowered by 24 millimeters and has a specially developed chassis: it is the first Cayenne to feature the electronically controlled damping system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with steel springs. This combination was previously reserved exclusively for Porsche sports cars.

The 4.8-liter engine with direct gasoline fuel injection (DFI) in the Cayenne GTS yields 405bhp (298 kW) at 6,500 revolutions per minute – 20bhp more than in the Cayenne S. Maximum torque remains unchanged at 500Nm at 3,500 revolutions per minute.

This, the sportiest of Porsche SUVs, comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and a shorter axle drive ratio than the Cayenne S (4.1:1 as opposed to 3.55:1). The Cayenne GTS can thus accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, precisely 0.5 seconds quicker than the Cayenne S.

The Cayenne GTS is fitted with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanent all-wheel drive and the adaptive PASM chassis as standard. As well as optional air suspension, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system is available to enhance handling and ride comfort. Newly developed 12-way sports seats and a leather-Alcantara mix emphasize the sporty interior.

The new Cayenne GTS is instantly recognizable: the front and rear look the same as the Cayenne Turbo, and the striking 14mm wheel-arch enlargements offer plenty of space for the standard 21-inch alloy rims with 295/35 R21 tires. Two new colors have also been reserved exclusively for the GTS: GTS Red and Nordic Gold Metallic.

The new Cayenne model with Tiptronic S transmission has an average consumption of 13.9 liters/100 km in accordance with EU standards. Global dispatch will start in February 2008. In Germany it will cost 76,725 Euros including 19 percent VAT and country-specific requirements; the base price is 64,300 Euros. The base price for the USA (MSRP USA) is US $69,300.