Porsche->ke1 first offered the Cayenne GTS in 2007 as a lighter and more aerodynamically honed version of the SUV.->ke145 Although not as powerful as the Turbo versions, the GTS had better driving dynamics thanks to its sport suspension and reduced curb weight.

The Cayenne was the first modern Porsche to wear the GTS emblem, paying tribute to a nameplate introduced in 1963 with the 904 Carrera.->ke574 The moniker was later used for the front-engined 924 and 928 models and, once it returned on the Cayenne, it found its way on the 911 and Panamera. As the facelifted second-gen SUV bowed for the 2015 model year, Porsche also launched an updated version of the Cayenne GTS.

Much like the revised Cayenne, the GTS boasts numerous exterior design updates and a slightly revised interior. More importantly, though, the GTS ditched its familiar V-8 powerplant in favor of a twin-turbocharged, V-6 mill. Despite dropping two cylinders and displacing only 3.6 liters, the new engine pumps more power and torque into the Cayenne GTS, which also brings quicker sprints and a stronger position among its competitors. Read on to find out what's new on the revised Cayenne GTS.

Update 11/21/2014: We're live at the LA Auto Show and took some shots of the Cayenne GTS while there. Check out the images after the jump and in the gallery.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS.

2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 440 @ 6000
  • Torque: 442
  • Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic S
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The visual enhancements introduced with the 2015 Cayenne are obvious on the GTS model as well. The main grille carries a different shape, the side air dams are bigger, while the redesigned headlamps include a four-point LED daytime running light layout. The fog lamps are also new. Around back, the new, slimmer taillights and a sportier bumper improve on the SUV's already dynamic looks.

General improvements aside, the GTS comes with its very own body features, including a Turbo-like front fascia, flared wheel arches and muscular rocker panels. The latter two are part of the Sport Design package included with the GTS. A body-colored roof spoiler adds to the vehicle's sports car-like aerodynamics.

Much like the previous GTS, the 2015 model features body-colored bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch extensions. For a striking contrast, everything else is finished in black, including the 20-inch RS Spyder wheels and the exhaust pipes. Unlike its predecessor, the 2015 GTS also comes with black lettering, for the "Porsche Cayenne" writing on the tailgate to the "GTS" badges on the fenders. Rounding off the exterior package are smoked headlamps and taillights and tinted windows.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

113.98 Inches

Height

66.5 Inches

Length

191.14 Inches

Width (w/ mirrors folded)

85.2 Inches (78.7 Inches)

Drag coefficient (Cd)

0.36

Curb weight

4,652 LBS


Side by side comparison

Visual differences are much easier to spot in the comparison photo above. The revised GTS boasts a more aggressive front fascia and a lowered ride height. The black trim separating the tailgate from the rear bumper is gone on the 2015 model, while the exhaust tips are fully incorporated into the lower apron. Granted, the black lettering gives the new Cayenne GTS a stealthy appearance, but this effect might be subdued by lighter body colors.

Interior

The interior of the GTS stands out when compared to the standard Cayenne's by means of GTS-branded goodies, unique features and bespoke upholstery colors. The eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats are wrapped in leather and Alcantara upholstery with GTS lettering on the headrests, while the stitching, lettering and safety belts can be had in either Carmine Red or Rhodium Silver for a striking contrast. The same goes for the rev counter face, which further enhances the SUV's sporty character.

Other than that, the GTS gets the brand-new steering wheel introduced with the facelifted Cayenne. The multifunction unit is based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder supercar and features a sporty, three-spoke design that goes well with the GTS' intentions. Upgrades also include revised rear seating for better comfort and optional ventilation.

Drivetrain

The most important changes occurred under the GTS' hood. Gone is the familiar, naturally aspirated, 4.8-liter, V-8 engine, now replaced by a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter V-6. The switch is similar to what Porsche did to the Cayenne S and brings improved performance and fuel efficiency. Yes, although the new mill is smaller, the turbos enable it to crank out 440 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. These numbers account for a 20-pony and 62-pound-feet improvement over the previous Cayenne GTS and help motivate the SUV from naught to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 2015 GTS is now a half-second quicker to 60 mph than its predecessor and 0.3 seconds faster than the 2015 Cayenne S. With the Sport Chrono package in place, the GTS achieves the same benchmark in 4.8 seconds. Top speed sits at 163 mph. Porsche only offers the GTS with the eight-speed, Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

The updated GTS is not just about speed. A standard sport exhaust system enables it to deliver a model-specific sound, while all that power is put to good use thanks to a host chassis upgrades and the vehicle's sporty calibration. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping system comes with a calibration unique to the GTS, while the air suspension lowers the SUV's ride height by 0.8 inches. Stopping power is provided a braking system sourced from the more powerful Turbo model and includes 15.4-inch rotors for the front wheels and 14.1-inch units on the rear. The red calipers are also borrowed from the Cayenne Turbo.

EPA estimates have yet to be released as of 11/05/2014, but we expect the updated GTS to return better mileage now that a turbo V-6 has replaced the naturally aspirated V-8.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Engine

3.6 liter V-6 twin-turbo

Engine layout

Front Engine / All wheel drive

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

V engine / 6

Displacement

3.6 Liters

Horsepower

440 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

442.5 LB-FT

Compression ratio

10.5 : 1

Tiptronic S

8-speed Tiptronic S

Top Track Speed

163 mph

0 - 60 mph

4.9 sec (4.8 sec w/ Sport Chrono)


Prices

Set to go on sale at the end for February 2015, the new Cayenne GTS retails from $95,500. That's a massive $12,200 premium compared to the 2014 model, which had an $83,300 sticker, but who said performance comes cheap?

Competition

BMW X6

Although today's market is packed with midsize SUVs, very few have what it takes to compete against the Porsche Cayenne, let alone the performance-focused GTS. One of them is the X6, which received an extensive update just in time for the 2015 model year. The redesigned crossover has been updated to BMW's current styling language, while the interior gained a revamped dashboard, reworked seats, a new instrument cluster and a host of updated convenience and safety features.

Two engine are available for the 2015 X6, but only one is capable of posing a threat to the Cayenne GTS. Unlike Porsche, BMW continues to use its proven, 4.4-liter, V-8 unit, which now generates 445 turbocharged ponies and 480 pound-feet of torque in the xDrive50i model. The engine cranks out an additional 45 horses and 30 pound-feet when compared to the previous generation, and enables the 2015 X6 to rush from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Although the Bimmer is slightly quicker than the a GTS without Sport Chrono, Munich's crossover lacks in the top speed department, being electronically limited to 155 mph.

On the other hand, the X6 is the more affordable of the bunch, with the xDrive50i model retailing from $72,900.

Conclusion

If you've been anxious to see what the revised Cayenne Turbo S has to offer, you need to forget about Porsche's range-topping SUV and take a close look at the GTS. I'm aware not all drivers are willing to sacrifice massive horsepower for sportier driving dynamics, but the GTS is the SUV with the most sports car DNA out there. Sure, it won't get you from naught to 60 mph as fast as a Cayenne Turbo or Turbo S, but there's more to a sports SUV than horsepower and speed. If you're looking for a weekly family hauler and a weekend track toy in the same package, then the Cayenne GTS is an SUV you have to consider.