THIRST FOR POWER
SUV line-up boosted by ballistic twin-turbo V8
The people have spoken and a hairychested V8 has returned to Porsche’s Cayenne GTS. Previously reserved for the Cayenne Turbo, the V8 is more powerful, more expensive and — most importantly — louder than the V6 it replaces.
Two extra cylinders and a twin-turbo add about $35,000 to the bottom line, pushing the wagon version to more than $200,000 once onroads are included. The sleeker looking Coupe version adds another $6000.
Given most manufacturers are under emissions pressure and moving away from V8s, while interest in Porsche’s electric-powered Taycan is going gangbusters ahead of its Australian release early next year, it’s an intriguing move from the sports carmaker.
“The kind of buyer who goes into a Cayenne GTS really does enjoy the drive, they aren’t just looking for something to go from A to B,” Porsche’s Chris Jordan says.
“People are really proud of their Porsche. Some people deride SUVs, but not Porsche owners. They love their car and they love their driving experience.
“The feel, the power and the sound of the V8 is something they love.”
Adding to the theatre is a sports exhaust with twin dual tailpipes, along with less insulation at the rear to encourage more bent eight tunes. Also standard is air suspension, which drops lower when you turn the steering wheel dial from sport to sport+.
Other gear includes 21-inch alloys, eightway adjustable sports seats, panoramic sunroof, metallic paint and a 14-speaker Bose stereo.
Safety equipment standard on sub-$30,000 cars is optional. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking are available in a $4870 pack.
Warranty coverage is also short at three years and unlimited kilometres. Mercedes offers five years, along with most mainstream makers.
DRIVING
Exercise the right foot and the big SUV is outstandingly quick. If the Sport Chrono package is fitted (it’s standard on the Coupe but a $2300 extra on the wagon) it can reach 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds. That’s 0.6 seconds faster than the V6.
Despite weighing more than two tonnes and measuring nearly five metres the Cayenne feels nimble. The steering is direct and the exhaust
dialogue accompanying high-rev range activities becomes addictive. Drive is sent to all four wheels but remains primarily at the rear under most circumstances.
The 21-inch rubber offers impressive grip, although the brakes felt underdone at times. Upgrading to the ceramic brake option for $18,770 may be a bridge too far for some.
VERDICT
Defying size and gravity, the V8-powered Cayenne is a worthy recipient of the GTS badge. True drivers will see the value in the additional power and emotional theatre, although it’s worth negotiating on the safety equipment.