Porsche Cayenne GTS swaps V8 for V6

Porsche has revealed a new GTS version of the Cayenne SUV, a badge traditionally attached to the most driver focused – not the most powerful – models in Porsche’s range. It follows hot on the heels of the Boxster GTS, Cayman GTS and 911 GTS, all launched in the last few months.

While the pre-facelift GTS used a thumping 414bhp 4.8-litre V8, the new version gets a 3.6-litre bi-turbo V6 producing 20bhp more. That's a total of 434bhp, while torque jumps by 85Nm to 600Nm. It now covers the 0-62mph sprint in 5.2 seconds (5.1 with the optional Sport Chrono pack) – that’s 0.5 and 0.6 seconds quicker than the old model, despite fuel consumption improving from 26.7mpg to 28.8mpg.

To sharpen up and intensify the driving experience a sports exhausts is fitted as standard, as are PASM adaptive dampers coupled with either steel springs that sit 24mm lower than standard, or optional air suspension that drops the ride height by 20mm. The GTS also uses gets the same, larger brakes as the 513bhp Cayenne Turbo, with 390mm and 358mm discs at the front and rear respectively, gripped by red callipers.

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Styling upgrades include the same front-end treatment as the Turbo and a Sport Design package that includes chunkier side sills and flared wheel arches. Black 20-inch alloys, black lettering and black exhaust pipes contrast with an array of lurid paint colours. On the inside electrically-adjustable front seats are trimmed in Alcantara and leather with GTS lettering on the headrests.

At the other end of the range, Porsche has also introduced an entry level Cayenne, to sit below the Cayenne S. Powered by a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6, it covers 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds (7.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono pack) and hits a top speed of 143mph. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions stand at 30.7mpg and 215g/km.

Both models will debut at the LA Motor Show on November 19, with UK sales starting immediately. The Cayenne GTS costs from £72,523, while the entry-level Cayenne starts at £49,576.