KEY POINTS:
If you remain unconvinced by the concept of one of the world's most-famous sports car makers producing a big, heavy American-style off-roader, a sharper and more driver-focused version of the same won't do much to change your perception.
Because the Cayenne has been a massive hit (more than 200,000 produced), Porsche believes there's a market for a sportier version.
At $200,000 the GTS is hideously expensive but still a handy $60,000 less than the full-house Turbo model.
Two of the more interesting features of the European-market GTS haven't carried through to New Zealand.
The first is a manual gearbox and the second the combination of conventional steel-sprung suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, a match-up previously only available on the Cayman and 911.
Local importer, European Motors Limited, has deferred to buyer taste for its GTS, and specified automatic transmission and adjustable air suspension as standard, which makes "our" GTS not quite as special - but obviously much more saleable.
The GTS is based on the 4.8-litre V8-powered Cayenne S ($175,000).
Mechanical changes are minor on paper, but as a package they succeed in modifying the car's character. The direct-injection V8 engine gets a new intake system, which boosts power and torque from 283kW/385Nm to 297kW/405Nm.
As with the S, the Sport button on the centre console gives the engine, automatic transmission and other control systems sharper responses.
It also liberates a thunderous exhaust note. The chassis is lowered by 20mm compared with a Cayenne S with air suspension, and 21-inch wheels on 295/35 tyres are standard.
Torsional stiffness of the front anti-roll bar has been increased over the Cayenne S, with improved "side-sway" and body roll resistance. Air suspension offers six ride heights - 195mm in normal mode, 186mm when the car hits 125mm or just 181mm after 210km/h, although that may not be relevant for Kiwi buyers. The off-road level lifts the car to 221mm at speeds of up to 80km/h, while the "special off-road" mode takes clearance to 251mm, but only at speeds of up to 30km/h.
You'll need to be a Porschephile to correctly identify the GTS, but the new model's more purposeful look is still obvious. The GTS picks up the frontal styling of the range-topping Turbo, without the "power domes" on the bonnet, as well as flared guards, rear roof spoilers, side skirts and blacked-out exterior trim. The cabin features Alcantara - including the headlining - sports-style seats up front, with a newly designed bench that incorporates contoured left and right sections for a four-seater look, although the fifth centre-rear seatbelt is retained.
So while the $25,000 premium over the standard Cayenne S seems excessive, it doesn't take long to account for it if you cast a glance over the options.
More to the point, even to the Cayenne non-believers out there - and I consider myself one - the GTS is hugely enjoyable.
With Sport mode activated, the exhaust bellowing and a tight series of corners ahead, the GTS communicates with the driver in a way you wouldn't believe possible from such a large and heavy vehicle. Sneer if you must, but drive it and you'll also raise a smile.
The GTS is an expensive way to enjoy a sharper Cayenne experience, especially when rival models are either cheaper or faster.
Then again, everyone agrees on one thing - Porsches are never cheap.
A 911 it's not, but as a piece of engineering, and a demonstration of how much entertainment and involvement a two-tonne-plus off-roader can provide, the GTS is impressive.
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS
THE FACTS
Basic price: $200,000.
Options fitted: None.
Price as tested: $200,000.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Engine: 4806cc direct-injection V8.
Power: 297kW at 6500rpm.
Torque: 500Nm at 3500rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with low-range transfer, full-time four-wheel drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 6.5 secs, 0-160km/h in 15.2 secs.
SAFETY
Active driver: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheels and tyres: 21-inch alloy, 295/45 tyres.
Length: 4798mm.
Height: 1694mm.
Width: 1928mm.
Wheelbase: 2855mm.
Boot volume: 540/1770 litres (seats up/folded).
Fuel tank: 100 litres.
