Nothing like Carmine Crimson on a vivid day.

Porsche

Porsche makes a number of the world’s most interesting six-cylinder engines, however there’s simply no substitute for the sound and fury of a bangin’ V8. That is why I am stoked concerning the 2021 Cayenne Gts, which ditches its previous V6 for one hell of a twin-turbo V8. Does it change the general GTS bundle? Probably not and that is OK. The V8 merely provides a complete lot of character, enhancing the enchantment of this glorious efficiency SUV.

The GTS’ 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is similar one you may discover within the rootin’-tootin’ Cayenne Turbo, detuned on this software to provide 453 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 457 pound-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm. These are will increase of 13 hp and 15 lb-ft in comparison with the previous GTS’ V6, however this minor bump in energy does not inform the entire story.

As an alternative, take into account the hearty roar of the V8 upon startup that settles right into a bassy burble. The usual sport exhaust amplifies this sturdy soundtrack and digging into the throttle is like an on/off change for the V8’s loud-and-proud music. Use launch management — a part of the $1,130 Sport Chrono bundle — and the Cayenne GTS will scoot to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its solution to a 168-mph prime velocity. That is 0.6 seconds faster than the previous GTS’ acceleration time, in addition to a 5-mph v-max improve, if that is a bragging proper you care about. As with each Cayenne, all-wheel drive is normal, as is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automated transmission. For those who had been hoping the V8 would additionally mark the return of the Cayenne’s guide transmission, I am afraid you are SOL.

Along with the V8 and sport exhaust, the Cayenne GTS has an ordinary adaptive air suspension with a 30-millimeter decrease journey top and Porsche’s torque-vectoring tech. On prime of these, my Carmine Crimson take a look at automobile has a number of different worthwhile upgrades, together with rear-axle steering ($1,620) and Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Management dampers ($3,590).

Each Cayenne is a peach to drive, however the GTS is unquestionably the most effective of the bunch. The steering is mild and direct and way more communicative than different sporty SUVs, and with the additional rear-axle help, the GTS is much more proficient to canyon carving than you may anticipate. The adaptive chassis tech retains the Cayenne hunkered down and planted in tight corners, with subsequent to no physique roll in its Sport and Sport Plus drive modes. You’ll be able to push this Cayenne such as you would a 911 and it is more than pleased to play alongside.

The GTS’ V8 produces 453 horsepower.

Porsche

Swap over to Consolation, nevertheless, and the journey is downright plush, even with 21-inch wheels and summer season tires. Freeway growth joints are comfortably dispatched and the GTS rides with luxurious solidity. This SUV has an awesome dynamic breadth, capable of present correct consolation and compliance if you’re toddling round city however remodel into an absolute hoot and a half when the street will get twisty. In comparison with different sporty SUVs, the Cayenne GTS is best on each ends of this on-road spectrum.

Porsche provides various driver-assistance applied sciences that make life a bit simpler, although as traditional, many of the great things prices additional. My Cayenne GTS tester rings up for $130,250 together with $1,350 for vacation spot, however lacks lane-keeping help and adaptive cruise management. Even the surround-view digicam system accounts for $1,200 of that as-tested worth. However, this a-la-carte optioning system means you are not paying for applied sciences you may by no means use which can be bundled into different choices packages. Nonetheless, the truth that a six-figure luxurious SUV does not have a few of these options normal is fairly absurd.

The one different disadvantage, to nobody’s shock, is gas financial system. The EPA charges the 2021 Cayenne GTS at 15 mpg metropolis, 19 mpg freeway and 17 mpg mixed, and for those who drive this SUV the way in which it is meant to be pushed, you may routinely see numbers within the low-to-mid teenagers. If effectivity is a precedence, perhaps the Cayenne E-Hybrid is extra your jam.

The GTS’ inside is as good as every other Cayenne’s.

Porsche

A typical Sport Design bundle is a part of the Cayenne GTS remedy, with 21-inch black wheels, distinctive bumpers, adaptive LED lighting and aluminum inside trim. Porsche is not one to limit personalization prospects, in fact, so be happy to peruse the 14 out there 21- and 22-inch wheel choices, in addition to the 11 exterior colours and 11 inside schemes. Desire a customized shade? Be happy to select from Porsche’s intensive paint catalog — for a $11,430 upcharge, natch.

Creature comforts and onboard tech match what you get in different Cayennes, with the Porsche Communication Administration infotainment software program housed in a crisp and responsive 12.3-inch touchscreen. No, this is not the up to date PCM that is slowly making its manner into new Porsches, so which means Android Auto nonetheless is not supported. Apple CarPlay is, thank goodness, and wirelessly at that.

The Cayenne’s sport seats provide plenty of assist and are tremendous cozy for longer drives and a $2,970 GTS inside bundle provides distinction stitching and seat belts in both Chalk or Carmine Crimson. Driver and passenger will not complain a few lack of head- or legroom, although the again seat is not as capacious as different sporty luxurious SUVs. Ditto the cargo maintain which, with a most of 60.3 cubic toes of area, falls behind a number of the Cayenne’s opponents.

The Cayenne GTS is among the best-driving SUVs round.

Porsche

For those who’re way more involved with perform over type, Porsche provides the Cayenne GTS in modern crossover-coupe type, with a quicker roofline and fewer inside area — and a $2,700 worth hike. Choosing the Cayenne GTS Coupe unlocks the completely rad houndstooth seat material possibility, although it requires the addition of a $8,670 Light-weight Sport bundle, which provides carbon fiber inside trim, a carbon fiber roof, 22-inch wheels and center-mounted exhaust. I freaking love these houndstooth seats, however rattling, that is a complete lot of cash.

Irrespective of the way you slice it, the Cayenne GTS is not precisely an affordable proposition, beginning at $110,350 together with $1,350 for vacation spot. You may pay barely much less for a 600-hp BMW X5 M, although a 603-hp Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S really prices extra. These efficiency SUVs are definitely higher geared up to battle a Cayenne Turbo, although the GTS matches them in worth. And although the Bimmer and Merc throw down greater outputs and faster acceleration instances, the Cayenne is each extra snug and extra rewarding to drive.

Furthermore, the GTS stands out as the true star of the Cayenne lineup, with arguably the most effective steadiness of efficiency and luxury. Plus, it is $20,900 cheaper than a Cayenne Turbo whereas providing the identical pleasure and character that solely comes from a candy V8 engine.