Porsche drops a V8 under the hood of a Cayenne GTS once more, bridging the gap between the S and the bonkers Turbo model.
Over the past decade, Porsche has slowly offered its GTS badge across more and more of its lineup. Pitched just above the S-badged cars, GTS models offer a Goldilocks blend of pace and practicality at a more reasonable sticker than those ballistic Turbo models above them. Porsche has now gifted the current Cayenne—and the slightly more rakish Cayenne Coupe—its GTS model, with the surprise return of a V8 underhood.
The previous, second-generation Cayenne GTS last used an uprated version of the Cayenne S’ 3.6-liter turbo V6. For this model, Porsche has instead taken the Cayenne Turbo’s 4.0-liter V8 and turned down the wick. Those eight pistons produce 453 hp here, the same figure as the Panamera GTS. Max torque is 457 lb-ft. Both are incremental increases over the previous GTS, but more importantly, represent gains of 19 hp and 52 lb-ft over the Cayenne S. The GTS uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the rest of the Cayenne lineup. With the Sport Chrono pack equipped, Porsche says the Cayenne GTS twins will hit 60 mph from a standing start in 4.2 seconds.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS Review
The German automaker wants you to be able to hear those eight cylinders doing their business too, so it’s fit a louder sport exhaust as standard. Spring for the Coupe and there’s an optional Lightweight Sports Package that goes even further. In comes a carbon-fiber roof and a centrally-mounted, even louder exhaust. Yes please.
More power is just part of the usual GTS recipe, however. Porsche has given the GTS models uniquely-tuned dampers, and a standard air suspension. The result is a 1.2-inch (30 mm) drop in ride height, sitting above standard, satin black 21-inch RS Spyder wheels. Like other GTS models, the Cayenne twins get a smattering of black exterior trim, including darkened head- and taillights, front air intakes, tailpipes, and the rear badging.
Porsche has liberally draped Alcantara all around the Cayenne GTS’ interior. The soft-touch material is on the headliner, the center console, the doors, and the seat centers. Heavily bolstered sport seats are also present, and exclusive to the GTS. A smattering of GTS badging throughout the interior completes the look. Personally, we’d go with the houndstooth.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 Ditch the Turbos, Bring Back the Flat-Six
We’re fans of the Porsche GTS trend of gaining an extra set of cylinders over the lower S models. It happened with the Cayman and Boxster earlier this year—but we probably shouldn’t hold our breath for an eight-cylinder 911, right?
What price for the new Cayenne GTS models? You’re looking at $108,650 for the more upright style, and $111,850 for the coupe-over. Both prices include $1350 in destination fees. The new GTS models will begin arriving in North American dealerships autumn of this year.
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