PORSCHE Cayenne GTS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The return to the V8 engine for the Porsche Cayenne GTS was a milestone for the German SUV: it was the first time when the GTS outpowered the first generation of the Cayenne Turbo.

When the first generation of the Cayenne was introduced to the market, its top-model was the 450 hp Turbo version. Over time, a naturally aspirated V8 was offered for the GTS range, which was downsized to a twin-turbo V6 unit. From 2020, the GTS kept a pair of turbochargers but moved back to a V8 unit. It was, again, one of the best-balanced options for the Cayenne.

The twin horizontal blades on the front grilles, the vertical slats that divided the three-wide air-intakes on the apron and the LED bars under the headlights were just one of the few strong points of the 2020 Cayenne GTS. In the back, the raked D-pillar with the roof-spoiler on top of the tailgate inspired force and performance. Four big round exhausts were installed under the rear apron.

Inside, the Cayenne GTS featured the new 12.3” Full-HD touch-screen from the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. For the instrument cluster, only the tachometer remained analog and it was flanked by two 7” displays, needed for other relevant driving data. The front sport-seats featured the GTS logo embroiled on their backseat. The Alcantara upholstery and the red stitches were part of the version's sporty appeal.

For the drivetrain, the Cayenne GTS was fitted with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. It offered 20 hp more than its predecessor, reaching 460 hp. It was paired to a standard 8-speed automatic gearbox. Due to the sport suspension, it sat 20 mm (0.8”) lower than the rest of the Cayenne S.

The Cayenne GTS was supposed to be the Porsche Turbo without turbochargers, a link between the naturally aspirated versions with the sporty suspension of the Cayenne's flagship model.

For the 2014 facelift, the Cayenne GTS was improved in every way, offering better performances and lower fuel consumption. But unlike the rest of the range, it offered a sportier look. That side was reserved for the GTS, which took its badge from the 1963 Porsche 904 GTS. It was the first Porsche to revive that acronym.

On the outside, the GTS took some of the Turbo version body panels, such as the front fenders, hood, and bumper. The larger three grilles installed in the apron were black. The daytime running lights were moved from the side-scoops inside the headlights, with a four-dots floating LED design. The black B- and C-pillars were already a brand image for the GTS. A special set of light-alloy wheels was prepared exclusively for the GTS.

Inside, the connection with the 911 range was more obvious due to the five-dials instrument cluster and the centrally-mounted tachometer. The new, tall and slim, air-vents were inspired by the Panamera sedan, but on the center console, the buttons from the PTM system were an updated version of those found in the first generation Cayenne.

For the engine, the GTS dropped the direct fuel injected 4.8-liter from the non-facelifted version. It was brought with a newly developed 3.6-liter unit. The twin-turbo V6 unit was more powerful than the previous 4.8-liter direct fuel injected Cayenne GTS. It was fitted as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The PTM (Porsche Traction Management) was tuned for better on-road performances, while the ground clearance for the car was lower than the rest of the range.

The Cayenne GTS was the last station between the Cayenne S and the Turbo version. For the 2012 model, the luxurious SUV features more performance amenities over the S model.

The first generation of the Cayenne GTS version accounted for 17 percent of the total of the model range sales numbers even though it wasn't available from the beginning. Considering this, the Porsche management decided to offer that version again, for the second generation. This time, the GTS was launched just two years after the introduction of the new generation.

The GTS had a slightly different appearance than the S version. It featured the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard. The typical characteristic of the Porsche Cayenne GTS was the front section with larger cooling air intakes - similar to the Cayenne Turbo - and a distinctive front apron with additional air intakes. Also taken from the Cayenne Turbo was the light graphic with front lights in the outer air intakes and four LED spots for the daytime running lights in the main headlights. Special side-sills were added and a twin-wing profile roof spoiler was added to the rear.

Inside, the Cayenne GTS featured a leather interior as standard, including numerous Alcantara trims. The seat center panels the center console armrest and parts of the door panels were covered in Alcantara. The rear seats featured a single seat styling offering better side support for the rear passengers.

The engine was a newly developed 4.8-liter V8 that offered 420 hp. But the most important part of the GTS was the suspension setting, equipped with PASM – Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management, available on the standard steel suspension or for the optional air-suspension.

The GTS version was introduced in 2008, on the facelifted version. It filled the gap between the S and the Turbo version. It was considered one of the best Cayenne options on the market.

After the first shock passed and the market understood that a Porsche SUV might be one of the best ideas to save the famous German sports-car brand, the critics started to lower their voices and customers started to order more. It was the perfect Porsche for a family, an excellent SUV, and an awarded off-road vehicle. Moreover, between the launch of the Cayenne and the facelift, almost 160.000 units were sold. It was a huge success.

For the 2007 facelift, the German car-manufacturer listened to its customers and got rid of the Porsche 996-inspired headlights. The new ones featured a clear lens over the lamps and they were re-shaped. The Cayenne GTS featured a special exhaust design, with two double-tips in the back. A bigger roof-spoiler was installed, to enhance the sporty look of the SUV. It sat 24 mm (0.95”) lower than the Cayenne S, due to sport-suspension, and it was fitted as standard with 21” light-alloy wheels. The wider fenders enhanced the aggressive look of the car.

The interior featured new, 12-way power-adjustable seats for the front occupants and a profiled, two-seat bench in the rear. It didn't lose its practicality, keeping the split and folding backseat seatback to extend the trunk area. The luxurious interior kept a sporty touch, with aluminum trims on the dashboard and pedals.

The Cayenne Cayenne GTS was fitted with a 4.8-liter V8 unit, which developed 405 hp. Unlike the Turbo, it was offered with a 6-speed manual as well, while the Tiptronic S (automatic) 6-speed transmission was on the options list.