More pep for 2012 Cayenne GTS
2012-04-10 13:15
CAYENNE S - ON STEROIDS: The 2012 Porsche Cayenne GTS has a boosted engine and suspension changes to handle the power.
Porsche has added a new Cayenne GTS to extend the brand's reputation as, it says, "the most sporting SUV". It will be launched at the Beijing auto show on April 23, 2012.
The 4x4 has a more-powerful engine, increased dynamic power development and a lowered, tauter chassis, the automaker says. "While the Cayenne GTS sits between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo in the range, its own special character enables it to be clearly differentiated."
ENGINE BASED ON 'S'
The Cayenne GTS has an uprated 4.8-litre V8 capable of 309kW and based on the Cayenne S engine. Power goes through an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox with start/stop function and, Porsche says, the drive train has been tuned to deliver "particularly sporting levels of responsiveness".
The GTS claims 100km/h in 5.7sec, 160km/h in 13.3 and 260km/h as its top speed.
Such power can be corruptingly ungreen but Porsche claims 10.7 litres/100km from the "combined" city/open-road cycle. Chassis settings have been modified to further raise the SUV's dynamic ability and include active shock-absorbers with the tauter springing. The bodyshell is 24mm closer to earth than the Cayenne S.
"The appearance of the Cayenne GTS," Porsche says, "clearly proclaims its pronounced sportiness with eye-catching features that include front-end styling inspired by the Cayenne Turbo. Design details include gloss-black window surrounds and trim, prominent side skirts and bigger wheel arches plus a distinctive roof spoiler with a twin-wing profile."
OFFICIAL DEBUT
The cabin is faced with leather and Alcantara; the front sports seats have eight-way adjustment and the SportDesign steering wheel paddle gear-shifters. A rorty exhaust system and bi-xenon headlights are also standard.
The car will have its official debut in Beijing and go on sale in Europe in July 2012. For guidance only in South Africa, it will cost £67 147 (about R825 000. The basic current Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo cost R786 000 and R1 492 000 respectively in South Africa (April 2012).
Each Cayenne GTS sold in the UK will have a Thatcham Category 5 tracking/security package and free driver training will be given (in the UK) at the Silverstone racing facility.
