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2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS coupe ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
Porsche took out all the stops establishing the 2021 Cayenne GTS, which delivers what may be the ultimate balance of luxury and performance in an SUV.
The Cayenne GTS goes on sale this fall. It fits between the Cayenne S and the more effective Cayenne turbo in the design line of Porsches big SUV.
2021 Porsche GTS coupe costs begin at $110,500. ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
I spent a day driving a four-seat Cayenne GTS coupe filled with goodies ranging from a carbon fiber roofing system to centrally mounted double exhausts for its 453-hp twin turbo 4.0 L V8.
From highways to twisting roads around southeast Michigans Irish Hills lake district, the GTS was responsive and quick on the roadway, and admired by passersby whenever I stopped long enough for them to get a good look at my Cashmere Beige metallic painted GTS coupe.
Just how much?
Cayenne GTS costs start at $107,300 for the more conservative SUV body design and $110,500 for the coupe, which has a sharply falling tailgate, a two-person rear seat, optional main sport exhaust and other unique touches.
2021 Porsche Cayenne GTSs configurable instrument panel. ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
All GTSs have a 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 that generates 453 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive are basic.
I checked a packed GTS coupe with features consisting of:.
My test vehicle stickered at $161,410.
The GTS coupe competes with luxury efficiency SUVs like the BMW X6M, Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Range Rover Sport turbo charged and Mercedes AMG GLE 63.
Driving impressions.
Carbon fiber roof and interior trim.
Central sport exhaust.
Adaptive cruise control that reads road conditions 1.8 miles ahead.
Alcantara headliner.
22-in. wheels.
Four-wheel steering.
Head-up display screen.
Night vision.
Burmeister 3D audio.
Rear seat entertainment system.
2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS coupe ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
The GTS isnt the most powerful Cayenne, however Porsche calls it the sportiest. That difference is less contrived than it might sound, and increasingly used by automakers who want to draw the line between straight line speed and handling.
The Cayenne turbo has more power and a higher top speed– 177 mph vs. the GTSs 168 mph, if youre scoring in your home or in a hurry to lose your license. The GTS counters with distinct steering and suspension calibrations, weight savings and features that make the overall plan feel extremely accurate at high speeds. Advanced functions and ritzy products finish the bundle.
2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
The adaptive cruise control uses InnoDrive, an– you guessed it– innovative system that looks ahead to hills, curves, traffic and other factors for the next 1.8 miles to change acceleration, deceleration, transmission and braking.
Area and high-end.
The rear seats in my packed test automobile were likewise heated. My Cayennes seats had houndstooth fabric inserts.
Porsches progressed a vast range from the days when Calvinist guardians of the brand name prohibited animal comforts that might distract fallible chauffeurs from a monastic concentrate on driving: The center console supplies a lot of space and a pair of useable cupholders. Other features include wireless charging Apple CarPlay, touch screen, four-wheel steering, parking help, night vision, lane keeping help. The center console features flat-panel controls for heated seats, suspension setting and some other functions. Theyll be all but difficult to use in a moving automobile, since theres no tactile feedback to let you understand youre touching the best control– or any control at all– without looking down at the center console.
The rear seats are comfortable, with a fold down armrest and main storage bin. Video screens attached to the rear of the front seats appear like an afterthought.
The GTS coupe I tested had a light-weight sport package with a carbon fiber roofing that conserves 46 pounds and lowers the SUVs center of mass.
The steering is quick and accurate, delivering lots of road feel to a thick Race-Tex covered wheel. An eight-speed transmission delivers quick, exact shifts and contributes another substantial weight conserving versus the bigger, much heavier version of the same gearbox demanded by the turbos higher output. The huge brakes are easy to regulate and feel like theyll grip as firmly at the end of a day rallying as very first thing in the early morning.
Back seat video screens in Porsche Cayenne GTS appear like an afterthought. ( Photo: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press).
2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS coupe at a glimpse.
Base price: $110,500.
As evaluated: $161,410 (omitting destination charges).
All-wheel drive four passenger SUV.
Engine: 4.0 L twin-turbo V6.
Output: 453 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm; 457 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 8-speed automated.
EPA: TBA.
Wheelbase: 114.0 inches.
Length: 193.6.
Width: 78.0.
Height: 66.0.
Suppress weight: 4,932 pounds.
Put together in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Contact Mark Phelan at 313-222-6731 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on automobiles and sign up for our autos newsletter.
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The center console features flat-panel controls for heated seats, suspension setting and some other functions.
The Cayenne turbo has more power and a greater leading speed– 177 miles per hour vs. the GTSs 168 mph, if youre scoring at home or in a rush to lose your license. The GTS counters with distinct steering and suspension calibrations, weight cost savings and features that make the total bundle feel exceptionally accurate at high speeds. The rear seats in my packed test vehicle were likewise warmed. My Cayennes seats had houndstooth cloth inserts.
