Hot on the heels of the rest of the 2015 Cayenne lineup, Porsche will unveil a refreshed 2015 Cayenne GTS at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, along with the base model of its popular SUV.
Like other Porsche GTS models, this Cayenne will serve as a middle ground in the lineup, in this case between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Will it deliver just the right amount of heat?
For 2015, the Cayenne GTS drops the old model’s 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6, based on the Cayenne S’ engine.
Don’t worry about losing power, though. The V6 is rated at 440 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, increases of 20 hp and 62 lb-ft over the V8.
With the mandatory eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the 2015 Cayenne GTS will do 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, or 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package. Those are improvements of 0.5 and 0.6 second, respectively, over the outgoing model. Top speed is 162 mph.
Related: 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS revealed
The GTS also gets a standard sport exhaust system, sportier adjustable suspension with a lower ride height, and brakes borrowed from the Cayenne Turbo.
Visually, the GTS is distinguished by a Turbo-style front fascia, rear spoiler, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, and other small changes. The interior features sport seats, Alcantara trim and plenty of GTS badging.
Meanwhile, the base 2015 Cayenne isn’t exactly a penalty box. It’s got a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that produces 300 hp. That’s enough for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.7 seconds (7.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono pack).
It also gets bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and an engine start-stop system as new standard equipment.
These new Cayenne models will debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show November 19 and go on sale in February 2015.
Prices will start at $59,295 for the base model (including destination) and $96,495 for the GTS, with the Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, and Cayenne S E-Hybrid models positioned between them in the lineup, and the Cayenne Turbo above the GTS.
