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SPORT UTE Few SUVs have the handling chops of the new Cayenne GTS, but if it’s outright power you want, the Cayenne Turbo S is for you.
2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS/Turbo S It’s the dead of winter at a decommissioned military base in Sweden, and there are no signs of the planes, heavy artillery, or troops that were here years ago. Today, there’s only the sound of brand-new Porsche Cayenne GTS and Turbo S models being flogged on a frozen handling course, icy skidpad, and a snow-covered runway that’s been converted into an impromptu dragstrip. Oh, and former rally ace Walter Röhrl is giving very sideways ride-alongs in a 911 Turbo S on a makeshift winter rally course. But we’re really here to sample two of Porsche’s sportiest sport/utility vehicles. Both badges have finally made their way to the new Cayenne range, and both bring some changes. The GTS has lost its naturally aspirated V-8 for a souped-up 440-hp version of the 3.6-liter, twin-turbo V-6 found in the Cayenne S. The engine makes more power than before with reduced emissions, but most important, it retains a healthy snarl thanks to the standard sport exhaust. Cayenne Turbo brakes and front fascia, along with 20-inch wheels and a host of other cosmetic touches, make the GTS look the part. (An eight-speed automatic is the exclusive Cayenne transmission.)
Newcomer
Meanwhile, the Turbo S, through a host of revisions, is up to a staggering 570 hp and 590 lb-ft from its 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8, enough power to make a valiant effort in melting any ice beneath its tires. Huge carbon-ceramic brakes under 21-inch wheels and air suspension are standard equipment. After a day spent mostly sideways in both GTS and Turbo S models, we draw a few impressions. The Turbo S is massively quick,
The Turbo S, below, is up to a staggering 570 hp and 590 lb-ft from its 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8.
even on ice, and it looks and feels like the top-line sport/ute it is. But the GTS is the more nimble, better balanced, Goldilocks solution in the Cayenne line. It’s still plenty quick for U.S. roads, and it sounds fantastic with that sport exhaust. It’s our pick for those without an autobahn in their backyard. Rory Jurnecka MINUS 2 For 2016 the Cayenne GTS has replaced the naturally aspirated V-8 with a 440-hp, 3.6-liter, twin-turbo V-6 making 442 lb-ft.
2016 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS/TURBO S Base Price $96,495-$158,295 Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engines 3.6L/440hp/442-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6; 4.8L/570-hp/590-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 Transmission 8-speed automatic Curb Weight 4,6504,950 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 114.0 in L x W x H 191.1 x 78.7 x 65.5-69.2 in 0-60 mph 3.8-4.9 sec (mfr est) EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 14-16/21-23/17-19 mpg (est) Energy Cons, City/Hwy 211-241/147-160 kW-hrs/100 miles (est) CO2 Emissions, Comb 1.05-1.18 lb/mile (est) On Sale in U.S. Currently 20 MOTORTREND.COM / JUNE 2015
