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New GTS version produces 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque
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Porsche claims 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed 171 mph
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It’s $126,895 for the Cayenne GTS SUV, $131,495 for the Coupe
Porsche took its scalpel to the hugely successful Cayenne last year. And in the meantime updated the SUV extensively for 2024keeping an eye on even more plugin versions, saved a bit of time and space for the V-8 engine knocking this is approaching the sunset years with uncommon dignity.
That V-8 brings us here—well, more accurately, to the Truman Show-style suburban utopia north of Atlanta, where we were able to almost simultaneously buy a new MacBook Pro, nibble on tapas, and slingshot in the parking lot at a 2025 Cayenne GTS.
The GTS splits the V-8 range between the smoother Cayenne S and the barn-burning Cayenne Turbo and Turbo GT. Part of the family since 2007, the Gran Turismo Sport (GTS) edition has been around since 2007, when it boasted 405 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. With each rebuild, the V-8’s fuse rises; This new edition has shaved more than two seconds off the original 0-60 mph time, while the SUV in its entirety has become easier to live with on a daily basis.
But that didn’t abandon your hormonal V-8. Considering all the battery-powered performance that can easily rev it up, the engine might seem in imminent danger of extinction.
This would explain why he makes threatening noises when cornered.
![2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/porsche-cayenne_100933501_l.webp.webp)
2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS
2025 Cayenne GTS: Low Noise, High Expectations
Under all its shrunken sheetmetal, the 2025 Cayenne GTS barely contains a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. (That’s 40 hp more than inthe previous GTS, you already know.) To get there, it’s equipped with a single-scroll turbo, boosted with a high-pressure fuel injection system and grafted with two-stage variable valve lift and electric wastegates. From the moment it is activated, its low noise creates great expectations: the high-pitched growl can scare a pedestrian crossing streets with calm traffic, but only if you time it correctly.
Porsche updates its 8-speed automatic here for faster shift times when dialed into Sport and Sport+ modes. He also relocated the shift knob – a flappy affair – to the steering column. Three in the tree? Yes, and some more. Combine it with that loud engine and all-wheel drive, and the Cayenne GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds while chasing a top speed of 171 mph.
Although it divides the tracks between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo GTit generally gets the benefit of more GT hardware—specifically, the SUV’s pivot bearings on the front axle, which feature more negative camber and give the Cayenne GTS some of its much-honed cornering feel. Air springs and dual-valve shock absorbers pace the ride, and the Cayenne GTS lowers its ride height by 0.4 inch compared to less expensive versions.
Top it off with active stabilizer bars that apply counter pressure in deep corners and rear-wheel steering that can untie a series of 25-mph twists without a crochet hook and pure luck, and the Cayenne GTS proved to be extremely fun, but fallible. Cruising north of Alpharetta to roads where I normally take only close friends and smaller sports cars, it ironed out most of the wrinkles and creases without losing the driving plot. Rear-axle torque vectoring gives it a pat on the back.
It’s a rush to drive the GTS through the mountains of north Georgia while traffic remains light. Slowly, quietly, gently – these are the three things this Cayenne can’t do and that I don’t want it to do. Situated as high as it is, it shouldn’t look so well organized, but it does. Even in Sport+ mode, the chalk-painted GTS SUV I drove showed only a few smooth pistons on smooth roads and mild lateral smoothness that was quickly suppressed by the active rotation hardware. He swept winding mountain roads with such precision that I decided he must be Canadian and in search of a curling medal.
The downside: This excellent direction can feel off-center until it becomes familiar. Then there’s the capture of this Euro spec model carbon-ceramic brakes. It was worth preloading the pedal with foot pressure when I could, especially on descents. The US-bound GTS Cayennes will not have the system and will instead have steel brakes that will be easier to maintain, cheaper and probably less practical.
Taken to the extreme, the Cayenne GTS can adopt the Coupe roof line and lightweight options that transform the glass roof into carbon fiber and eliminate part of the acoustic insulation. That could reduce weight by 55 pounds—and dump more of that sweet V-8 into the cabin.
![2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/porsche-cayenne_100933503_l.webp.webp)
2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS
2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS bets everything on digital
The GTS also benefits from all the updates introduced to the Cayenne lineup for 2024. They affect styling, cabin technology, chassis and more. One of the most notable changes was made to the LED headlights; they have a more square shape and provide better lighting. The hood has a slightly higher dome, the SUV uses more gloss black trim (which, ugh), and it also has big 21-inch Spyder wheels, arch extenders, painted brake calipers, and a diffuser.
Inside, the Cayenne adopted a fully digital dashboard similar to that used in the Taycan. The previous analog gauges have been replaced by a 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster. There is also a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 10.9-inch passenger screen for the front passenger, where they can observe the increase in grip levels and speed. There’s still no function for heart rate or MedicAlert bracelets, we’re told.
This remains a cockpit dedicated to precision rather than extravagance. Highly bolstered seat bottoms and sturdy grab handles help passengers. The doors close with soft slams. The cabin is packed with luxury features, from a heated steering wheel to ambient lighting and Bose sound, with a choice of synthetic or full leather upholstery. It also doesn’t skimp on cupholders or wireless Apple CarPlay.
The Cayenne GTS arrives in dealerships this fall as a 2025 model in both SUV and Coupe editions. SUV prices start at $126,895is at $131,495 for the coupe.
Porsche paid for the trip so we could bring you this test drive review.