PORSCHE Cayenne GTS Review

The Porsche Cayenne GTS may be the shiniest naturally-aspirated model in the range, but when it comes to appearance, the vehicle borrows the identity of the Turbo. The front apron, hood, front and rear lights come from the forced induction model - the headlights use the four-spot LED daytime running lights, while the taillights are tinted. However, the front fascia had to be adapted - the air intakes for the intercoolers no longer have a hardware to serve, so a closer look reveals that they’ve been covered up.

The standard body kit of the Cayenne GTS also includes a number of items that can be found on the list of options for the models placed below it. We’re referring to the side skirts, wheel arch add-on elements, black exterior trimming, as well as the twin-wing rear spoiler. The latter slightly increases the Cayenne’s rear axle downforce, aside from the aggression bonus it brings. As for the aforementioned arches, these are filled with 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, which have a special offset in order to achieve this. In addition to that, the rear track is increased by 17 mm (0.7 inches) and the front one by 12 mm (0.5 inches) compared to the Cayenne S.

When it comes to exclusive body elements, the Porsche Cayenne GTS can only pride itself with the dark tailgate trim and new exhaust tip ornaments. Don’t let the fancy matte black tips fool you - the exhaust is in fact identical to the optional sport system on the Cayenne S.

Yes, the GTS does have a more fierce voice, but the extended version of the soundtrack comes via a duet. First of all, we have updates for the valve works and engine mapping. The intake valves now rise one millimeter higher to 11 mm. A new crankshaft with steeper and higher cams was thus required, while the valve springs were strengthened.

A new valve timing scheme was included in the updated ECU software, so the crankshaft turns an extra five degrees before the intake and outlet valves are open and shut. Only 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) separate the Cayenne GTS from the Cayenne S, but the torque build-up is now faster. The modifications have also brought a power premium of 20 hp. In case you were wondering why the Panamera GTS offers an extra 10 hp and 7 Nm (5 lb-ft) compared to the Cayenne GTS, this comes as a result of different intake architectures.

In addition to that, the Cayenne GTS gains a sound symposer. This uses two channels that bring the sound of the intake pulse into the A-pillar area of the cabin using two channels.

The new engine management system also features a partial cylinder deactivation that’s used for even faster gear changes, as the engine and the gearbox are better synchronized during the shifts. Speaking of this, we have to tell you that the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox has also been tweaked. The transmission features a torque enhancement feature, which is used in the sport mode - the torque converter lockup clutch is closed quicker during upshifts.

The gearing of the eight-speed automatic hasn’t been touched, but the final drive ratios for the front and rear axles are now about 20 percent shorter.

The list of technical changes is topped off by a 20 mm (0.8 inches) reduction in ground clearance for the air suspension. In addition to this, the bound and rebound rates are increased by up to 10 percent, for each of the three stiffness settings. The air suspension of the GTS also features a dedicate mapping. When using the standard steel springs, the GTS sits 26 mm (1 inch) lower compared to the Cayenne S.

In the end, Porsche’s Cayenne GTS features a few technical tweaks that bring extra feelings and emotions rather than seriously upgrading the performance. These are wrapped in a package that borrows the best-looking bits of the Cayenne range which are coupled with a lowered stance.

Behind closed doors

It takes a trained eye to tell a Cayenne GTS interior apart from that of other models in the range, but the SUV’s cabin does offer a few special touches, all of which aim to bring a sporty appearance.

We’ll start with the the most visible part of the story - the dashboard is now adorned with a stopwatch, as part of the Sport Chrono Package, which has found its way to the Cayenne range via the GTS - it will also be offered as an optional extra for other models. For the Cayenne, it doesn’t upgrade the performance, but rather allows you to quantify it, as it also includes a performance display that allows the driver to record data such as the maximum G forces achieved.

However, if we had to describe the cabin of the Porsche Cayenne GTS using just one word, we’d choose “Alcantara”. The special material is present on the seat center areas, door panels, center console armrest, pillars and roofliner. The rest of the interior is dressed in leather as a standard feature.

Speaking of standard equipment, we’ll also mention the seats, with the Cayenne GTS receiving dedicated front sport seats. Like any Cayenne fitted with sport accommodation, this offers a special profile with individual seats for the passengers in the back. The Cayenne GTS also comes with a standard multifunctional Sportdesign steering wheel, which includes the paddles for the Tiptronic S gearbox.

Those who want to take the GTS business even more serious can opt for a special interior package. Porsche allows you to match each of the car’s flashy exterior colors, Carmine Red or Peridot, in terms of stitching.

All the positive and the negative elements of the Cayenne S interior are, of course, here. The good sides include the excellent space, ergonomics and comfort. The unpleasant bits are much fewer and we'll name the traditional Porsche analogue speedometer as an example the scale uses 50 km/h intervals, so it's difficult to use. You do have a digital speedo on hand, but the idea is still bothering.

The cabin of the Porsche Cayenne GTS follows a simple recipe, featuring a multitude of standard elements that are optional on the Cayenne S and topping everything off with GTS badges.