About a week ago, we teased you with a review on the upcoming 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel and its incredible 7.2-second 0-to-60 time. That was just the very tip of the iceberg, as now it is time to get into what makes this SUV a Porsche->ke1, the GTS model.

The GTS is slated to be the middle ground between the S model and the Turbo model, but remains based on the S model. However, don't start thinking you are just getting a glorified Cayenne S when you buy the GTS, as it has some significant performance upgrades over the Cayenne->ke212 S model. These upgrades include minor tweaks to the engine to squeeze out some more power and suspension modifications.

In addition to performance mods, the Cayenne GTS also features some visual and interior upgrades to make it well worth the extra money it will run.

As we said, there is only a little bit of information to release at this time, but we will definitely keep you up to date on any addition information that Porsche releases at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and in the days leading up to the show, which starts on April 24th.

Updated 04/27/2012: Porsche has unveiled a new promo video for their latest Cayenne GTS presenting the new SUV in action. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read the full review.

2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 420
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, the GTS model is easily distinguished from the S model, as it features high-gloss black trim, larger wheel skirts, and wider wheel arches. The GTS will also inherit the hood and front fascia from the Turbo model, giving it a much more athletic look – not that the S model doesn’t look athletic.

The Cayenne GTS will also boast 20-inch RS Spyder wheels with a different offset than the S model. The offset will likely make a wider track, hence the larger wheel skirts and wider wheel arches.

Also part of the GTS lineup are two new exterior colors, Peridot Metallic and Carmine Red. Last, a matte black dual sport exhaust system comes standard on the GTS model.

Interior

On the inside, the GTS features sport seats with Alcantara accents, plus eight-way adjustability. The Cayenne GTS will also feature a Sport Chrono package as an available option, which allows the driver to closely monitor the GTS’s performance.

A very interesting addition to the GTS is the Sound Symposer channels, which flow engine sounds directly into the vehicle’s cabin. It definitely looks like interior quietness is not the main focus on the GTS, and it shouldn’t be, in our opinion.

Drivetrain

Under the Cayenne GTS’s hood is a 420-horsepower, V-8 engine, which is 20 more horsepower than the S model. Just like the diesel model, the GTS model will feature an automatic stop and start system, which will shut the vehicle’s engine off when it is at a complete stop.

This high-powered V-8 engine connects to a perfectly tuned eight-speed transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The drivetrain all combines to launch the Cayenne GTS to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The Cayenne GTS can reach a maximum speed of 162 mph.

Suspension and Chassis

There is not too much to give on the suspension and chassis, but it will differ from the Cayenne S. The only detail that Porsche is releasing on it at this time is that it will ride 20 mm (.79 inches) lower that the Cayenne S model.

Pricing

The Cayenne GTS will hit showrooms in August 2012 and carry an MSRP of $82,050, plus a $975 delivery fee.

Competition

To date, there is really only one competitor to the Porsche Cayenne GTS and that is the upcoming 2013 BMW X6 xDrive50i. It features a 400-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 and all-wheel drive. Given the specs are roughly the same as the 2012 model year, we can safely assume that the 2013 X6 xDrive50i will hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the Cayenne GTS.

Pricing for the 2013 X6 xDrive50i is not known yet, but it shouldn’t stray too far from the 2012 X6 xDrive50i’s base price of $70,200.

Conclusion

We still need to see an actually look inside the Cayenne GTS’s cabin and a good feel for all of the options that this super-SUV will come with. Until then, the X6 xDrive50i still comes out on top, as it is $12K less and features the same options and a better drivetrain.

If you are willing to spend an extra $12K for the Porsche name, by all means, we can’t fault you for that.