Porsche announced today that the Cayenne GTS will make its North American debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin in February at a price of $69,300.

The GTS is powered by a 405hp 4.8 liter V-8 engine mated by either an automatic Tiptronic S or, for the first time in a Cayenne V8, a six-speed manual transmission.

It comes standard with 21-inch alloy rims equipped with 295/35 R21 tires and air suspension that features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Porsche will add some spice to the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show by unveiling the Cayenne GTS to the American public. Already known for exceptional on and off-road prowess, the GTS has been formulated, tested and tweaked to offer the best on-road characteristics of any Cayenne Porsche has ever produced.

The Cayenne GTS features a 405hp 4.8 liter V-8 engine. Based on the same V8 found in the Cayenne S, this more robust powerplant can be coupled either with an automatic Tiptronic S or, for the first time in a Cayenne V8, a six-speed manual transmission for those who want to take full advantage of this new power and suspension package. The GTS gets its cornering prowess from standard 21-inch alloy rims equipped with 295/35 R21 tires and air suspension that features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

The Cayenne GTS front end is reminiscent of the Cayenne Turbo while the body has a lower stance and a striking new wheel-arch design that complements the new 21-inch rims. The interior boasts redesigned front and rear seats that offer a sportier look and feel with Alcantara to hold both driver and passenger in place during spirited driving.

The 2008 Cayenne GTS goes on sale in February and pricing for this new model is US $69,300.