| Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100kph | Top speed | Weight | Basic price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 , 4806cc | 420hp @ 6500rpm | 380lb ft @ 3500rpm | 5.7 secs | 261kph | 2085kg | $93,620 |
Switch to Sport mode however and there is a difference. The top two gears are rescinded; power is now transferred effectively through a six-speed box with shorter ratios. Mercifully, Porsche have supplied our test model with traditional paddle shifters as opposed to the unpopular rocker switch system that comes as standard on its model range. Downshift twice in succession at pace and you’ll be waiting a beat for the gearbox to catch up, but crisp changes through the transmission keeps acceleration aggressive. Shift in the high revs – recommended since peak power hits at the 6500rpm mark – and the resultant warble is music to anybody’s ears. It’s difficult to ignore the 2085kg weight though. At low speeds and when the GTS is starting to roll, the weight and limited torque below 3500rpm means the V8 needs to be revved more aggressively. It’s fully up to the task but does take the shine off the GTS’ sporty performance.
Certainly sportiness boxes have been ticked, as have practical SUV ones. Neither though have scored top marks. The V8 is gutsy no doubt but has a select window of performance. The suspension, fully capable of keeping the balance just so, makes for an uncomfortable ride. An overly complicated dashboard is overlooked when we consider the handling, but doesn’t make setting the satnav any easier for a blast down bullet-straight highways. When sports car meets SUV, something’s going to give.
Compare that with the rest of Porsche’s brood. While something like a 911 or a Cayman can be both a highway cruiser and a weekend thrasher, the same can’t really be said of an SUV: its purpose is too intrinsic. Plus at $120,495 – a third of which pays for the optional extras – the Cayenne GTS is a hefty investment for what most would see as a weekend plaything rather than a daily cruiser.
“The sports car among the SUVs.” Not quite yet.
Enjoy our Porsche Cayenne GTS test drive?
You can find more Porsche stories HERE, and more of our Car Reviews HERE
| Porsche Cayenne GTS | |
|---|---|
| Engine: | V8 / 4806cc |
| Power: | 420hp @ 6500rpm |
| Torque: | 380lb ft @ 3500rpm |
| Transmission: | Eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic / Porsche Traction Management (PTM) / active all-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi- plate clutch |
| Front suspension: | Aluminium double wishbone / spring struts with steel springs and internal hydraulic twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers /continuous damper adjustment with three setup modes (PASM) / anti-roll bar. |
| Rear suspension: | Multi-link suspension with lower wishbone / two sepa- rate upper arms and tie rod / spring struts with steel springs and internal hydraulic twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers / continuous damper adjustment with three setup modes (PASM) / anti-roll bar. |
| Brakes: | Dual-circuit brake system with separate circuits for front and rear axles / Porsche Stability Management (PSM) / vacuum brake booster / brake assist / electric parking brake / vented brake discs / six-piston aluminium monobloc callipers 360mm (front) / four-piston aluminium monobloc brake callipers 330mm (rear) |
| Wheels: | 21in front and rear |
| Tyres: | 275/45 R21 110Y XL front and rear / Michelin Pilot Sport |
| Weight (kerb) | 2085kg |
| 0-100kph: | 5.7sec |
| Top speed: | 261kph |
| Basic price: | $93,620 |
