2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS
By: Juan G. Robbin
A sports-car like SUV? Absolutely!
Porsche Cayenne GTS Tiptronic (2009)
When Porsche announced its intentions to build an SUV, pundits and purists scoffed at the idea. How can that be? Have the wonder-guys at Stuttgart gone mad? Porsche is the quintessential sports car company, so how can it be crazy enough to enter the SUV arena? Well, as it turns out, this was a brilliantly successful move on the part of Porsche.
The Cayenne is now in its second generation, becoming more capable, refined and powerful as it enters its second iteration.
I had never driven a Cayenne, and didn’t know what to expect. Upon entering the cabin I immediately smiled as I noticed the proper Porsche placement of the ignition, that is, on the left side of the instrument panel. Looking around, you are ensconced in rich alcantara suede as well as buttery smooth double-stitched leather. The instruments are presented in typical Porsche fashion, that is to say, no non-sense sports like presentation.
The exterior is an evolution from the 1st generation Cayenne, which unless you have the old and new models side-by-side it’s difficult to see the changes. The headlamps as well as the large, purposeful looking air dam and air intakes give the Cayenne GTS a signature “look.”
Seats are comfortable yet sporty, with easy to manage power adjustments. Steering wheel is leather wrapped and includes finger tip controls for the multi-function display as well as the hands-free communication management. The switchgear controls and buttons are all excellent to the touch. Design, fit and finish are first class, making everyone that drives or rides in the Cayenne GTS feel special. There are plenty of cubby holes and storage areas through out, plus an iPod connection and additional power plugs. Rear seats are comfortable for two adults, snug for three, typical for this size vehicle. Cargo space is what one would expect from a mid-sized SUV, accessible through a power lift gate. 2nd row seats are foldable, expanding the cargo capacity.
Driving the Cayenne GTS is a delight to the senses. Throttle and brake pedals feel exactly as you would expect them to be in a Porsche. Steering is direct yet purposeful and with plenty of feedback. Braking is remarkably strong, direct and precise, thanks to the 13.8” vented brake rotors and six/four piston calipers front/back. There is a cool “sports” button in the center console that opens up the throttle butterflies, giving a superb throaty engine sound when accelerating. Additionally, this sports setting also lets the transmission up-shift later, giving a more all-around sporty driving style. The wheels are 21” light alloy web-design, fitted with low profile, high performance tires, showing off the red brake calipers on all four corners.
The Cayenne GTS is a heavy car, yet doesn’t feel heavy or ponderous. Turning radius is excellent, as well as visibility when needing to park in a tight space. Its size and height allows it to be parked in any home garage. Fuel economy is not as bad as one would expect it to be for a 405 HP 8 cylinder engine. We saw an average of 15.5 MPG from mixed driving.
The Cayenne GTS can definitely be called the Porsche of SUV’s. It looks distinctive, fabulous to drive and best of all, it’s a Porsche!
The Essentials
MSRP: $72,300.00 (As tested): $90,740.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 15.5 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.8 liter, 405 HP
Popular options: Alcantara interior, communication management, Bi-Xenon lights, XM Sat radio, Porsche dynamic chassis control.
Visit: www.porsche.com