2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS splits the V-8 distinction

• New GTS model kicks in 493 hp, 486 lb-ft of torque

• Porsche claims 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, prime pace of 171 mph

• It’s $126,895 for the Cayenne GTS SUV, $131,495 for the Coupe

Porsche took its scalpel to the wildly profitable Cayenne simply final 12 months. And whereas it up to date the SUV extensively for 2024, with a watch towards much more plug-in variations, it saved somewhat time and house for the thumping V-8 engine that’s easing into its sundown years with unusual dignity.

That V-8 brings us right here—properly, extra exactly, to the Truman Present-like suburban utopia north of Atlanta, the place we have been capable of nearly concurrently store for a brand new MacBook Professional, nibble tapas, and slingshot out of the parking zone in a 2025 Cayenne GTS.

The GTS splits the V-8 lane between the milder Cayenne S and the barn-burning Cayenne Turbo and Turbo GT. Part of the household since 2007 or so, the Gran Turismo Sport (GTS) version has been round since 2007, when it posted up 405 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. With every revamp it’s turned up the V-8 wick; this re-creation’s dropped greater than two seconds from that authentic 0-60 mph time, whereas the SUV in toto has change into simpler to reside with every day. 

However it hasn’t ditched its hormonal V-8. Given all of the battery-powered performers that may handily whip it in acceleration, the engine might sound in imminent hazard of extinction. 

That will clarify why it makes threatening noises when cornered.

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS

2025 Cayenne GTS: Low rumble, excessive expectations

Below all its shrink-wrapped sheet metallic, the 2025 Cayenne GTS barely incorporates a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that spits at 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. (That’s 40 hp greater than inthe earlier GTS, you already know.) To get there it straps on a single-scroll turbo, beefs as much as a high-pressure fuel-injection system, and grafts on two-stage variable valve elevate and electrical wastegates. From the second it fires up, its low rumble units excessive expectations: the sharp snarl may startle a pedestrian crossing traffic-calmed streets, however provided that you time it simply so.

Porsche reflashes its 8-speed computerized right here for faster shift instances when it’s dialed into Sport and Sport+ modes. It’s additionally relocated the shift toggle—a flappy-nubbin affair—to the steering column. Three on the tree? Sure, after which some. Pair it with that barking engine and all-wheel drive, and the Cayenne GTS slips via a 0-60 mph run in 4.2 seconds whereas it hunts down a prime pace of 171 mph.

Whereas it splits lanes between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo GT, it typically will get the good thing about extra GT {hardware}—particularly, that SUV’s pivot bearings on the entrance axle, which dial in additional unfavorable camber and provides the Cayenne GTS a few of its well-honed turn-in really feel. Air springs and dual-valve dampers come alongside for the experience, and the Cayenne GTS drops experience peak by 0.4 inch in comparison with cheaper variations. 

Prime all of it off with lively anti-roll bars that apply counterpressure in deep-dive corners and rear-wheel steering that may unknot a string of 25-mph kinks with no crochet hook and pure luck, and the Cayenne GTS proved vastly enjoyable however fallible. Cruising north of Alpharetta to the roads the place I normally solely take shut mates and smaller sportscars, it ironed out many of the wrinkles and creases with out shedding the steering storyline. Torque-vectoring throughout the rear axle will get the back-pat there.

It’s a rush to hustle the GTS via the north Georgia mountains whereas visitors stays unpsychotic. Slowly, quietly, softly—these are the three issues this Cayenne can’t do, and that I don’t need it to do. Perched as excessive as it’s, it shouldn’t really feel this well-sorted, however it does. Even in Sport+ mode, the chalk-painted GTS SUV I drove solely confirmed some mild pistoning on easy roads, and delicate lateral softness that bought quelled shortly by the active-roll {hardware}. It swept via knotty mountain roads with such precision, I made a decision it should be Canadian, and looking for a curling medal.

The draw back: That nice steering can really feel dodgy off-center till it turns into acquainted. Then there’s the seize of this Euro-spec mannequin’s carbon-ceramic brakes. It paid to pre-load the pedal with foot stress once I may, totally on downhill esses. U.S.-destined GTS Cayennes gained’t carry the system, and can as a substitute get metal brakes that’ll be simpler to service, cheaper, and certain much less handsy.

Taken to an excessive, the Cayenne GTS can undertake the Coupe roofline and light-weight choices that flip the glass roof into carbon fiber, and drop a few of the sound deadening. That may minimize weight by 55 kilos—and dump extra of that candy V-8 rasp into the cockpit.

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS goes all-in on digital

The GTS additionally advantages from the entire updates launched to the Cayenne vary for 2024. These have an effect on the styling, cabin expertise, chassis, and extra. One of the vital notable adjustments was made to the LED headlights; they’ve a extra squared-off form and ship improved illumination. The hood has a barely greater dome, the SUV wears extra gloss-black trim (which, ugh), and likewise takes on huge 21-inch Spyder wheels, arch extenders, painted brake calipers, and a diffuser. 

Inside, the Cayenne has adopted a totally digital sprint just like what’s used within the Taycan. Gone are the earlier analog gauges in favor of a 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s additionally a 12.3-inch infotainment display and an obtainable 10.9-inch passenger display for the entrance passenger, the place they’ll watch grip ranges and speeds climb. There’s no operate for coronary heart charge or MedicAlert bracelets but, we’re informed.

This stays a cockpit dedicated to precision somewhat than flamboyance. Excessive-bolstered seat bottoms and chunky seize handles help passengers. The doorways shut with tender thunks. The cabin bristles with high-luxe options from a heated steering wheel to ambient lighting and Bose sound, with a alternative of artificial or full leather-based upholstery. It doesn’t skimp on cupholders or wi-fi Apple CarPlay, both.

The Cayenne GTS lands in dealerships this fall as a 2025 mannequin, each in SUV and Coupe editions. Costs for the SUV begin at $126,895, and at $131,495 for the Coupe. 

Porsche paid for journey in order that we may carry you this check drive evaluation.