Porsche has just showcased the new Cayenne GTS SUV and Cayenne GTS Coupe SUV with a brand new engine. So why the excitement? Well, considering the GTS is the enthusiast-focused variant, the powertrain usually plays an important part for this model. And, Porsche has given the 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine from the previous-gen GTS the boot, opting to replace it with the enthusiasts' old favourite: a 4-litre twin-turbo V8!
With an output of 453bhp and torque of 620Nm, the in-house developed four-litre biturbo engine from the flagship Cayenne model (mated as always to the trademark Porsche 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission) now delivers 18bhp and 20Nm more than its predecessor. This leads to significantly improved performance, with a 0–100kmph now coming in 4.5 seconds, or 0.6 seconds faster than before with the Sport Chrono package. Top speed, too, has been increased by 8kmph to an astonishing 270kmph!
However, the new engine is more than just an exercise in brute force, as matching its impressive performance are many minute yet impressive features like Adaptive Cylinder Control (which switches off one bank of the V8's cylinders below certain speeds), direct petrol injection with central injector position and an intelligently designed thermal management system (a must-have considering the work the engine will do at the speeds it is built for).
And speaking about the mill, we’d be amiss to not mention the trumpets, right? In standard guise, will be an exhaust system with its tailpipes located at the outer sides of the car's rear. However there’s also the specially configured sports exhaust system, featuring two centrally positioned oval tailpipes. However, it can only be had on the Cayenne GTS Coupe, and will make an appearance on the list of bells and whistles in the optional Lightweight Sports Package on the Cayenne Turbo Coupe in the near future.
After all the talk of an engine that looks like (and definitely sounds like) it will burst out of its seams, you’d naturally worry about the SUV dynamics and body roll. Well, you don’t need to. The standard steel-spring suspension lowers the car by 20mm and includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for active and very sporty damper control. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also fitted as standard.
And all this is in combination with standard 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels and generously sized grey cast iron brakes (390 x 38mm at the front, 358 x 28mm at the rear) fitted with red brake calipers. Optionally, deceleration can be optimised by means of the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) with tungsten carbide coating or the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
Further options include 10 mm-lower three-chamber air suspension, rear-axle steering and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system. Lastly, the standard eight-way adjustable sports seats, exclusively reserved for the new GTS models, offer optimal support for dynamic cornering due to the increased height of their side bolsters, and will no doubt urge you to push the car further and further along those canyon roads.
As with the overall menacing persona, the 21-inch RS Spyder Design on the new Cayenne GTS models come in a satin-gloss black shade. The LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (Porsche-speak for ‘cornering lights’) and the LED taillight bar are also dark-tinted, and the front air intakes, side window trims, tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and Porsche logos on the rear are all in black.
Now, since the update has all to do with the engine, do forgive us for taking our sweet time to make it into the cabin. That said, not much seems to have changed. Granted, there’s an abundance of high-quality materials such as Alcantara, which is everyone from the roof lining, seat centre panels, centre console armrests even the doors, complimented by the dark-brushed aluminium. Further personalisation options include the GTS interior package, with additional colour accents in Carmine Red or Crayon for items such as decorative stitching.
Speaking about the new Cayenne GTS duo, Stefan Fegg, director, model line Cayenne, said, “The new GTS models are designed for particularly sporty performance. The V8 engine, the newly tuned sports exhaust system and standard chassis systems guarantee a highly emotional driving experience. The sporty appearance and exclusive equipment are a perfect fit for this.”
Finally, with the recent launch of the X6, there's a good chance Porsche would be mulling the reintroduction of the Cayenne GTS in India. So as of now we're keeping our fingers crossed!