Short Take Road Test
The fun-to-drive SUV may be an oxymoron, but Porsche has gotten one step closer to proving the concept with the GTS version of its Cayenne sport-ute. This new model is, except for the outrageous Turbo editions, the most expensive and best performing Cayenne and a fraternal twin to the V-8–powered Cayenne S.
The $70,095 GTS gets the goodies, such as an available six-speed manual transmission—a first for a V-8 Cayenne—a sport-tuned adjustable suspension that features a one-inch-lower ride height, stickier tires, a shorter final-drive ratio (4.10:1 versus 3.55:1), and a larger intake manifold that boosts the V-8’s output 20 horses to 405.
Visually, the GTS looks more like the Turbo model, thanks to a nose that has similarly Âhumongous air intakes. There’s also blacked-out door and window trim and inside, supportive seats covered with a handsome combination of leather and a suede-like material called Alcantara.
The GTS is the quickest of the non-turbo Cayennes but not by a huge margin. Our green (it had only 200 miles on it) manual-transmission model ran to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds—strong, but a Cayenne S with the automatic did the deed in 6.0 seconds. Part of the problem is the manual tranny’s short gearing—first is fit for tractors—which means two shifts are required to pass 60 mph.
Grip, however, is vastly improved. The GTS stuck with a sports-car-like 0.90 g of lateral bite versus 0.82 for the unfortified model. The adjustable air suspension is very flexible, offering both a terrific, supple, well-controlled ride in the comfort setting and a fair amount of precision in the sport setting.
Though we liked the suspension, some of us thought the manual transmission didn’t really fit with the Cayenne. The shift throws are long, and it’s a lifeless stick that feels even more out of place because the parking brake isn’t on the center console but rather is a foot-operated pedal as in the Buick Lucerne.
Still, the GTS does offer a wide array of capabilities—it can tow more than 7700 pounds—and has steering and brake feel that one expects in a sports sedan.
