Porsche South Africa has released local pricing for its new Cayenne GTS models, now powered by a V8 engine and offered in both standard and coupé-like body styles.
Slotting in above the Cayenne S but below the Cayenne Turbo, the GTS-badged model starts at R1 749 000 (or R1799 000 if you opt to upgrade the three-year Driveplan to five years). The Cayenne GTS Coupé, meanwhile, kicks off at R1 839 000 (or R1 889 000 with the longer Driveplan specified).
As a reminder, the new Cayenne GTS has ditched the previous twin-turbo 3,6-litre V6 in favour of a more powerful 4,0-litre V8. The twin-turbo eight-cylinder offers 338 kW and 620 N.m, increases of 14 kW and 20 N.m respectively over the V6’s peak outputs, and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With the Sport Chrono package fitted, the Zuffenhausen-based firm says the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes 4,5 seconds (six-tenths quicker than before) with top speed pegged at 270 km/h (8 km/h higher than the V6-powered predecessor).
Porsche has furthermore added a new sports exhaust system (delivering what it calls a “highly emotive aural experience”), while also ostensibly improving efficiency by implementing adaptive cylinder control, a central injector position and an “intelligently designed” thermal management system.
What else sets the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupé models apart? Well, the standard steel-spring suspension lowers the car by 20 mm (a 10 mm-lower three-chamber air setup is optional) and includes Porsche’s active suspension management system. Porsche’s “torque vectoring plus” arrangement is also fitted as standard.
The newcomer rides on 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, framing grey cast-iron brakes (measuring 390 x 38 mm at the front and 358 x 28 mm at the rear) fitted with red callipers. As an extra, Porsche offers either a tungsten carbide-coated option or ceramic composites. Rear-axle steering and Porsche’s dynamic chassis control active roll stabilisation system are also optional.
Both body styles are fitted with the Sport Design package as standard, complete with numerous trim items in black. For instance, the LED headlamps and taillamps are dark-tinted, with the front air intakes, side window trim, tailpipes and rear badging all finished in black.
Inside, you’ll find swathes of Alcantara, as well as plenty of dark-brushed aluminium. The new GTS models also feature model-specific eight-way-adjustable sports seats and a bunch of “GTS” logos.
