Porsche Cayenne GTS Part 3: Performance Review

Let's say you're a hardcore Porsche fanatic. You've got your everyday-driver 911 GT3. But right next to it in the garage there's an empty spot for something that has to be more practical than the 911 - maybe even with four doors. What do you put there? Until Porsche gave us its Cayenne SUV in model year 2003, your choices didn't include anything from Zuffenhausen.

When the Cayenne was first announced, Porsche loyalist had fits. To most of them, the maker of the quintessential 911 shouldn't have even been thinking about building an SUV. However, the Cayenne quickly became Porsche's best selling current model.

But the original Cayenne - although a very successful product - looked a little bit ungainly. Additionally, Porsche was so adamant about making its SUV extremely capable off-road that the Cayenne ended up a bit compromised for on-road duties. That's not to say it wasn't good on asphalt, because it was. But it made you wonder what would happen if Porsche sacrificed the off-road ability and developed a Cayenne exclusively for the road. Well, wonder no more...

The new Cayenne GTS is the first of Porsche's SUVs that isn't set-up to go off-road. It wears massive 21 x 10-in. wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires that aren't even recommended for winter driving. The tires work in concert with Porsche's excellent air suspension - which is standard on the U.S. model GTS - to provide this 5000+ pound SUV with cornering abilities that defy logic. The Cayenne GTS can flat-out destroy a mountain road. And crazy as it may seem, you can even rotate the big Porsche entering a corner, knowing that the all-wheel-drive system will pull you through once you're back on the power.

The 4.8-liter V8 from the Cayenne S has been reworked to produce 405 hp in the GTS. For those of you keeping score at home, that's 20 more than the standard "S" model. Coupled with the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, it moves the GTS pretty quickly, with a seamless surge of grunt.

And while there's a six-speed manual available, I wouldn't bother with it as it just doesn't fit the character of any Cayenne, even the GTS. Now, back to the power of that direct injected V8...

The GTS doesn't quite have the sportscar-embarrassing speed of the Cayenne Turbo, but it does offer more of that trademark Porsche handling feel. As the first Cayenne specifically optimized for on-road driving, the Cayenne GTS ends up feeling less SUV and much more GT.

That feeling carries through to the braking as well, where massive six-piston calipers slow the Cayenne effortlessly. And while the steering isn't quite as chatty as that of a Carrera, it isn't completely lifeless either, providing real weight and feel. Completing the picture dynamically, the ride is composed at all times thanks to Porsche's Active Suspension Management system and its ability to automatically select any of its three settings as driving conditions change.

So until Porsche delivers the upcoming Panamera sports sedan, this is your four-door, on-road performance Porsche. Is it worthy of a spot in the garage next to the 911? When you consider its price, its capabilities - including the fact that its given away its off-road prowess - I believe the Cayenne GTS is more deserving of that Porsche badge on its nose than any previous Cayenne.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Porsche Cayenne GTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Not quite Cayenne Turbo, but still impressive by big SUV standards
- Handling: Truly physics defying
- Braking: Porsche's reputation for great braking performance is intact

Design
- Exterior: Possibly the single most successful facelift in automotive history
- Interior: Family lineage is evident without being repetitive

Utility
- Comfort: Great for four passengers - a bit cramped for five
- Space: Not quite as much as you expect given its perceived footprint

Safety
- Dynamics: More nimble than most cars!
- Technology: The best Porsche has to offer

Value
- Price: Difficult to make a value argument for an SUV that costs nearly $90k
- Mileage: Come on...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you must have an SUV, this one is hard to resist... but then there's the Turbo
- Fun to spank: Sliding around over two and a half tons isn't really fun, but it's nice to know you can

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 4.8 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 405 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4930 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
1/4 mile: n/a
Top Speed: 157 mph
Mileage: 13 city / 18 highway
Base Price: $73,900
Competitors: BMW X6 5.0i, BMW X5 4.8, Range Rover Sport Supercharged