When the new Cayenne GTS arrives for the 2021 model year, a lot more than just three years will separate the outgoing SUV from this updated version.
For starters, the Cayenne was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, plus on top of a wholly improved third-generation variant arriving, the previous Cayenne GTS was only available in one body style, whereas the new 2021 model can be had as Porsche’s sportier new Cayenne GTS Coupe model.
Where the old Cayenne GTS utilized Porsche’s twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 making 440 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, the new one sports a much meatier sounding twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 good for 453 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant bump of 13 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque.
This results in a 4.5-second sprint from zero to 100 km/h with the Sport Chrono Package, a 0.6-second gain over its predecessor, or 4.8 seconds in base trim, while the new Cayenne GTS’ top track speed has increased by 8 km/h to 270 km/h.
The updated direct-injection V8 utilizes a new intelligently designed thermal management system as well as adaptive cylinder control, while Porsche’s Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission once again comes standard albeit with plenty of upgrades to adjust for the new engine. Likewise, Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive is once again standard too.
A sports exhaust system, with its quad of circular tailpipes split to fill the outside corners of the rear valance, has been designed to make the most of the throatier V8 engine, providing “a rich, sporty sound with a unique character,” said Porsche in a press release. Additionally, a new high frequency-tuned sports exhaust system is available for the Cayenne GTS Coupe. It comes in combination with the Lightweight Sports Package, and unlike the regular Cayenne GTS, positions its two oval tailpipes in the centre of a more aggressive rear diffuser.
Along with the new powertrain the renewed Cayenne GTS gets some suspension updates too, starting with modified Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers that, together with the standard three-chamber Air Suspension, provide a 30-mm drop in ride-height compared to the Cayenne S. What’s more, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also fitted as standard equipment.
Both Cayenne body styles ride on new black-silk gloss 21-inch RS Spyder Design alloy wheels, which frame a set of grey cast iron 390 by 38 mm front and 358 by 28 mm rear brake rotors that are clamped down upon by red-painted calipers. The GTS can alternatively be upgraded with the tungsten carbide-coated Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) system, or the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, while additional options include rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization.
Of course, the new Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupe wouldn’t be complete without styling enhancements from the outside in, so therefore along with the aforementioned alloy wheels the former includes a standard Sport Design package with plenty of black accents including the front air intakes, side window surrounds, sports exhaust system’s tailpipes, plus the rear Porsche logos and model designation, while even the LED headlamps, which feature the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), are tinted black, as is the LED taillight bar.
Inside, Porsche covers the door and centre console armrests, seat centre panels, the roof lining and more in soft suede-like Alcantara, while dark-brushed aluminum trim adds to the high-quality, luxurious atmosphere. Exclusive eight-way powered sport seats with beefier side bolstering and “GTS” embroidery on the head restraints come standard, while the GTS logo can also be found on the instrument panel’s tachometer dial, the door entry sills, and the front exterior door panels.
Being a Porsche, there are plenty of options to choose from, one example being a GTS interior package with Carmine Red or Chalk colour accents, which includes the decorative stitching.
The new 2021 Cayenne GTS and 2021 Cayenne GTS Coupe will arrive in Q4 of this year, with pricing starting at $120,400 and $126,500 respectively. To find out more or order yours now, contact Porsche Centre Vancouver at (604) 736-7911 or visit us in our showroom at 688 Terminal Ave, Vancouver.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Date Posted: June 30, 2020