New Porsche Cayenne GTS: 493bhp Turbo GT lite promises driving thrills, shuns hybrid bulk

► New Porsche Cayenne GTS is here
► Non-hybrid 493bhp twin-turbo V8
► Chassis bits from the Turbo GT

The final piece of the current Porsche Cayenne puzzle has arrived in the form of a new GTS model. Available as both standard SUV and swoopier Coupe, the latest Cayenne GTS gets more power and promises an even sharper driving experience, thanks to components borrowed from the awesome Cayenne Turbo GT. Yet another reason why this Porsche consistently ranks as one of the best SUVs on sale.

The new Cayenne GTS also gets some individual styling details to help it stand out, plus the option of no less than three Lightweight Sport Packages. What’s more, power is up to 493bhp, thanks to a non-hybridised twin-turbo V8, an increase of 40bhp.

The GTS rides on twin-chamber air suspension with two-valve dampers and Porsche Active Suspension Management, optimised for on-road driving with a 10mm reduction in ride height compared with the rest of the range. GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport, and Porsche says it’s aiming to live up to this with comfortable long-distance capability combined with increased driver engagement.

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus is standard equipment, but you have to pay extra for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active anti-roll tech – though along with every other suspension component, this too is retuned specifically for the GTS.

Most significantly, all GTS models are fitted with same front axle pivot bearings as the Cayenne Turbo GT from the factory. These add 0.58 degrees of negative camber, making the steering more direct and more precise.

You get black GTS labels on the doors and backside, plus a new emphasis on black exterior detailing via the standard-fit Sport Design Package – previously elements such as the wheel-arch extensions and window surrounds were body-coloured, now they’re gloss black.

In contrast, while the standard Sports Exhaust System used to be finished with black tailpipe tips, these are now bronze. Very fancy. You’ll also note the larger front air intakes, the tinted lights and the red brake calipers. The 21-inch alloy wheels are anthracite grey now. Cayenne GTS Coupe models have the option of a centre-exit exhaust, also tipped in