Porsche is slowly filling in the gaps in the facelifted 2015 Cayenne’s range, with the Germans announcing the world premiere of the GTS model for this month’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
Along with the cosmetic updates of the 2015 Cayenne series including the reworked front and rear ends, the next big thing about the latest GTS is the adoption of Porsche’s new 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that replaces the previous atmospheric 4.8-liter V8.
It’s the same lump used on the 2015 Cayenne S, but tweaked to deliver 20HP and 50Nm more at 434hp (440PS) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) respectively. Compared to the outgoing V8 GTS, power output rises by 20hp and torque by 85 Nm, while fuel consumption goes down by up to 0.9 l/100 km.
The new Cayenne GTS goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.2 seconds, or 5.1 seconds when opted with the Sport Chrono package, which is 0.5 and 0.6 seconds respectively less than the previous model. Top speed stands at 262km/h (163mph).
Beyond the new engine, the GTS that sits between the S and Turbo models in the Cayenne’s lineup gets a sports exhaust system with a ‘meatier’ sound, a re-tuned Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, bigger brakes (390mm front and 359mm rear) and a lowered suspension (-24mm steel spring suspension and -20mm with the optional air suspension).
On the outside, it has the same nose section as the Turbo with larger air-intakes and the Sport Design package, including more contoured side sills and wheel arch extensions under which you’ll find 20-inch wheels in the RS Spyder design. The latter are finished in black, as are the tailpipes, the bi-xenon headlamp’s inner apertures and the LED rear lights.
In the cabin, Porsche gave the GTS sport seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, which is also used on the steering wheel, headliner and door panels. If you’re fine with Porsche’s option package prices, the interior is available in carmine red or rhodium silver with rev counter face, decorative stitching, headrest lettering and safety belts in contrasting color.
US pricing and availability have yet to be released. In Germany, the 2015 Cayenne GTS starts at 98,152 Euros.
Update: Porsche said sales of the refreshed 2015 Cayenne will start in the United States at the end of February 2015, with the regular Cayenne starting at $58,300 and the GTS from $95,500, not including a $995 destination charge.
Photo Gallery
