The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show closed on 30th November after revealing a number of important SUV and crossover vehicle debuts that we can look forward to for the 2015 and 2016 model years.
Several notable unveilings included the fast BMW X5 M SUV, Fiat’s 500X and its first advanced all-wheel-drive system, Honda’s compact crossover HR-V with loads of usable space, the new mid-size CUV Kia Sorento, and many more.
Among the many beautiful new vehicles, the new Porsche Cayenne GTS took most of our attention. Sporty and sleek, the new Cayenne GTS is an athletic variant of the award-winning Cayenne. The added “GTS” itself invokes the glory days of the famous 904 Carrera GTS from 1963. In 2007, the acronym was revived and has since been used to mark especially sporty models. Let’s inspect the new Porsche Cayenne GTS more closely and look at some of its great features.
Lower ‘thirst’, Improved Performance
The power unit under the hood is enhanced by the new performance-oriented 3.6 litre V6 bi-turbo engine, which consumes less but delivers more. With a top speed of 262 km/h, the Cayenne GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, or just 5.1 seconds if you opt for a Sport Chrono package. That’s 0.5 and 0.6 seconds less than the previous model. The standard exhaust system matches this high performance with a familiarly sturdy GTS sound.
The standard steel-spring suspension lets the vehicle sit 24 millimetres lower, which can be further improved to 20 millimetres by the optional air suspension. As a result, the Cayenne GTS sports an unmistakably arresting lateral dynamic, as well as allowing for potentially more velocity. Further standard features are the Cayenne Turbo brakes, with 390 millimetres discs on the front axle, inclusive of brake callipers painted red in typical turbo fashion.
Sporty Aesthetics
The interior of the Cayenne GTS is riddled with sporting goodness. From the gearshift paddle, referencing Porsche racing successes, to the 8-way electric adjustment and highly ergonomic GTS sports seat, your driving experience will be that of a speed racer. The interior is complemented by a 4.8 inch colour display, signature GTS logos on the front and outer rear head restraints, as well as the brushed aluminium interior package and extensive Alcantara package®
The optional GTS interior packages allow you to add stunning highlights to the insides with decorative stitching on the dashboard, upper door panels and armrest in contrasting colour, with smooth-finish leather that completes the whole sporty look.
The standard Cayenne GTS has a turbo nose section, whereas the additional Sport Design package includes more contoured side sills and wheel arch extensions. The latter, like the roof spoiler and lower rear of the vehicle, are painted in the car’s body colour. The colour black shown during the exhibition provides some striking contrasts: all lettering is black, as are the 20 inch wheels in RS Spyder design, the exhaust tailpipes, the bi-xenon headlights’ inner apertures and the fittings of the darkened LED rear lights. There’s a new feature on the front doors: striking GTS lettering.
Behind the Wheel
For the more adventurous type out there, the Cayenne GTS is also a magnificent trail-breaking all-terrain vehicle offering a number of off-road features within its off-road mode. Both of its all-wheel drive systems are reasonably capable when leaving the pavement, and the gas model’s active all-wheel drive systems can take advantage of the ability to lock the centre differentials at the touch of a button. The air suspension system, as mentioned earlier, can add significant inches to the SUV’s ground clearance.
