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2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS Preview

When Porsche announced it

Porsche's fabulous new Cayenne GTS debuted in Frankfurt to much excitement. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

was bringing out a sport utility vehicle most fans of the brand couldn't decide whether to get excited about the possibilities or fear the unknown. As it turns out, when the Cayenne became reality many such Porschephiles went right down to their local 911 dealer and picked out their first SUV, opening up the sport ute market to an entirely new buyer and simultaneously adding countless more new Porsche owners that hadn't previously been able to fit a sports car into their lifestyles.

Yes, the Cayenne has been a runaway success, and other than a short-lived blip here and there, such as Jeep's Grand Cherokee SRT8, Porsche's topmost performance model, the Turbo, has consistently maintained its position as the world's fastest SUV... not to mention the fastest off-road capable SUV. The Stuttgart automaker's latest iteration on the 4x4 theme might not be the fastest Cayenne on the market, but the brand new

GTS gains the same kind of technology that Porsche uses on the 911 for its suspension. (Photo: Porsche)

GTS model is certainly the most road-focused one. Set to fill in the gap between the V8-powered S and that turbocharged horsepower champ I just mentioned, the new GTS elevates the Cayenne's on-road capabilities to levels not seen before.

The GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter DFI direct injection V8 engine that's been tweaked to turn out an extra 20 horsepower for a sum total of 405 hp. Total torque remains unchanged at 369 lb-ft. The GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual, a gearbox choice available in European markets, but not in North American ones, which if made available here in North America would put it in a class of its own that might even make jaded auto journalists go all a fluster. A six-speed automatic is available for those who prefer not to shift, with Porsche's steering-wheel mounted thumb shifters, of course. The Cayenne GTS also features a shorter axle drive ratio, which is now 4.1:1 instead of 3.55:1.

The extra power, manual gearbox and shorter axle drive ratio allow the GTS to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds better than the

V8 and a manual? Yep, you can get it with the GTS. (Photo: Porsche)

regular S, and about a half second off the pace of the much more powerful Turbo model.

Yes, you're not the only one salivating at the prospect of getting behind the wheel, as more power is always a good thing. But even more important are the changes Porsche has made to the Cayenne's suspension system. The regular steel-sprung Cayenne is an excellent handling machine, but this upgraded one has a sportier stance thanks to a lower ride height of 0.9 inches, plus it also features Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM). What's unique about this combination is that it's the first time PASM has been joined up with steel springs on a Cayenne. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), the innovative active anti-roll system is also available as an extra-cost option, as is the air suspension.

To go along with the enhanced performance is enhanced styling, that I happen to really like.

Extra horsepower and shorter axle ratio means that the GTS is significantly quicker to 60 mph than the regular S. (Photo: Porsche)

The GTS features the same wheel arch enlargement as the Turbo model, which allowed Porsche to fit this sportive Cayenne with 21-inch alloy wheels. This specialized Cayenne also receives the same aerodynamic lower valances to improve airflow around the car, helping stability at speed.

Truly, there's only one problem with the new SUV, and that has to do with its available colors. If you simply won't buy anything but a silver Porsche, you'd better call your local paint shop because it's not on the menu. And I know some people who only buy black cars... also off limits with the GTS. No, for the time being, at least, only two colors are available, Nordic Gold metallic and GTS Red (pictured). Something tells me, however, Porsche will probably paint it any color you want if you offer them enough money.

Inside, GTS owners will revel in the fact that it incorporates newly developed sports

The best performing Cayenne yet? (Photo: Porsche)

seats with extra bolstering and Alcantara inserts to hold them in place during spirited driving. Those riding in back aren't exempt from sporty seating either, as the usual bench has been replaced by one that has been formed for two passengers... a trend BMW started back with its second-generation M5.

Porsche has announced that the Cayenne GTS will be available globally starting February of next year, and will have a starting price of $69,300.

Without doubt it will sell well, and set the stage for more variations on the Cayenne theme. Yes I know, Porsche doesn't seem to be able to put a wrong foot forward these days.



Specifications (Porsche Cayenne S):

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