V8 Returns to Porsche Cayenne GTS

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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15th June 2020

Porsche has returned a V8 powertrain to its Cayenne GTS lineup in a bid to elevate the ‘entry level’ sportcar’s trackday credentials.

It has popped the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Panamera GTS into the much smaller Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupe models to benefit from a power output of 450bhp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The automaker claims the models can now accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds or 4.2 seconds using Performance Start. These times mark an improvement of 0.4 seconds and 0.6 seconds respectively as compared to the 0-60 mph sprint of the preceding Cayenne GTS. Both models have a top track speed of 168 mph.

The powertrains are mated to a standard eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive, which is included in the optional Sport Chrono Package, while standard on the Coupe.

A sports sounding new exhaust system comes as standard on both cars along with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers that, in combination with the standard three-chamber Air Suspension, lower the chassis by 30 mm as compared to the Cayenne S.

The new 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupe models are expected to begin arriving in US dealerships in the autumn  with prices starting from $107,300. The 2021 Cayenne GTS Coupe starts from $110,500, both excluding delivery, processing and handling fees.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_