The company has switched from a naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine to a smaller 3.6-liter V6 that benefits from twin turbochargers. Forced induction brings a significant boost to output specs, resulting in 440 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque.
As expected, the extra power also improves driving performance. The GTS can accelerate to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds — a half-second faster than its predecessor — while the optional Sport Chrono package brings the same sprint down to just 5.1 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged, however, at 162 mph.
The six-cylinder engine will have a different sound than the V8 of the previous model, but Porsche promises the sports exhaust system has been tuned to provide the “familiarly deep GTS soundtrack.”
The GTS trim also adds a revised front end, inspired by the Turbo edition, along with red brake calipers, sculpted side sills and wheel-arch extensions. The look is rounded out with 20-inch RS Spyder wheels and GTS lettering on the front doors.
The model retains its sporty interior, featuring leather/Alcantara sport seats, GTS lettering on the head rests, and optional carmine red or rhodium silver with decorative stitching and seat-belts of contrasting color.
At the other end of the spectrum, the base Cayenne retains the same 3.6-liter V6 as its predecessor. A new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission helps shave nearly a quarter second off its zero-to-62mph sprint. The package also lists bi-xenon headlights, stop/start, paddle shifters and a multi-function sport steering wheel among its standard features.
The Cayenne GTS is scheduled to arrive in showrooms by February 2015. Pricing will start at $96,495 for the GTS package, commanding a $36,000 premium over the base model.
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