An SUV with the heart of a sports car.
When Porsche makes an automobile it has to have a certain level of sport, even if it is not a traditional sports car. The best example of this is the Porsche Cayenne. It offers a good amount of utility, towing, space for passengers, and luxury, all while being one of the top performers in its class. The new 2013 Cayenne GTS is the closest you can get to a sports car in an SUV body with a Porsche badge – and it’s pretty darn close.
The new Cayenne 958 GTS is designed to be the sportiest SUV from Porsche, and fills the gap between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Powering the 2013 Cayenne GTS is an upgraded version of the 4.8-liter V-8 engine that is used in the Cayenne S. Compared to the S model, the naturally-aspirated V-8 in the 958 GTS boasts 20 more horses and 11 lb-ft. of torque, for a total output of 420 hp at 6,500 RPM and 380 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. This power is sent through the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with paddle shifters, helping rocket the SUV to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds from rest and to a top speed of 162 mph.
The 2013 Cayenne GTS utilizes a more performance-oriented chassis than the rest of the model lineup, pushing its limits even farther. The overall center of gravity is 20 mm closer to the pavement thanks to the standard air suspension. Porsche also made their PASM active suspension management system standard on the 958 GTS to allow drivers to vary their ride quality for performance or comfort.
The brakes and wheels were also upgraded compared to the Cayenne S model. New, 20-inch RS Spyder design wheels alloy wheels are standard and give the 958 GTS a more dynamic look. Behind each wheel sit red-painted, six-piston front and four-piston rear monoblock brake calipers clenching down on 360 mm and 330 mm discs. As an option, customers can upgrade to the lightweight and fade-free Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.
The 2013 Cayenne GTS is also drastically different from other Cayenne models. Two special colors – Carmine Red and Peridot Metallic – are available along with the standard range of exterior colors. The entire exterior is more athletic than other Cayenne model. The front wears a bumper similar to the Cayenne Turbo, and Bi-Xenon headlights with black surrounds. All four wheel arches have been extended to create a more muscular appearance and are connected by a pair of aerodynamic side skirts. At the rear sits a new fascia with matte black sport exhaust tips, tinted LED taillights, and a roof spoiler with double-wing design to improve downforce.
The interior of the 958 GTS is all about sport. Both of the front seats were taken out and replaced with eight-way adjustable sport seats with better side bolstering and support. Each seat is covered with a mix of leather and alcantara and can be optioned with color-matching stitching, seat belts, “GTS” embroidered head rests, and more. Porsche has also fitted the door panels, roof liner, and arm rests with alcantara for better grip.
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne 958 GTS will be available in July of 2012. Pricing for the United States market will begin at $ 82,050.00.
2013 Porsche Cayenne 958 GTS Video
httpv://youtu.be/2Vjr-RyvQbo
2013 Porsche Cayenne 958 GTS Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 420 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 380 lb-ft. at 3,500 RPM
Compression Ratio: 12.5 : 1
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 15 mpg/21 mpg (est.)
Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed Tiptronic S
Drive: All-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
Top Speed: 162 mph
Wheels, Suspension, Brakes:
Wheels: 20-inch RS Spyder Design, one-piece wheels
Suspension: Air suspension, 20 mm lower, PASM standard
Front Brakes: Six-piston monoblock red calipers with 360 mm discs
Rear Brakes: Four-piston monoblock red calipers with 330 mm discs
Optional Brakes: Lightweight PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes)
Interior:
-Eight way adjustable front sport seats
-Black leather seats with alcantara inserts
-Alcantara arm rests, door panels, roof liner
-Optional contrasting stitching, seat belts, and “GTS” embroidered head rests
2013 Porsche Cayenne 958 GTS Gallery
[Source: Porsche]
Is the Cayenne GTS the closest thing to a sports car that you can get from an SUV? Leave a comment and let us know!
