2008 PORSCHE Cayenne / Cayenne S / Cayenne Turbo / GTS
The second-generation Cayenne brings an unprecedented level of the Porsche driving experience to sport utility vehicle owners.
The newest edition of the Cayenne family is the Cayenne GTS. While Cayennes are already known for exceptional on and off-road handling characteristics, the new GTS is unique in that it offers the best on-road characteristics of any Cayenne, and of any current SUV on the market.
The GTS features the same 4.8 liter V-8 engine as the Cayenne S but a larger intake helps it to turn out an impressive 405hp, a 20% increase. As with other Cayenne’s, the GTS is available with an automatic Tiptronic S or for the first time in North America, you can have a Porsche V-8 paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The GTS is equipped with 21-inch alloy rims that carry 295/35 R21 tires that when combined with standard air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management, offer remarkable handling that most would never equate to an SUV.
In addition to the brand new Cayenne GTS, the 2008 Cayenne family consists of the Cayenne, the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. All share an appropriately aggressive face, taut, muscular sheet metal highlighted by broad wheel arches and awesome performance, on the road and off. All four come standard with all-wheel drive and a broad palette of traction and stability enhancing technologies.
The Cayenne SUV’s dynamics are highlighted by more powerful yet more fuel efficient engines which all boast direct fuel injection systems. Thanks to the application of this sophisticated and rare technology, working seamlessly with other Porsche engine systems, the Cayenne models offer up to an astounding 500 horsepower while still attaining certification as Low-Emissions Vehicles and using less fuel than their predecessors. And all Cayenne SUVs are rated to tow up to 7716 pounds (3500 kg).
Highlights
All four ’08 Cayenne SUVs share a bold face with headlights under clear glass covers and mounted close to the fascia’s outer edges. The strong front sweeps back to broad, muscular wheel arches. Leaving no stone unturned in their quest to refine the shape, Porsche aerodynamicists optimized the shape of the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler. Besides resulting in an aesthetic, fresh look, the new body has a lower coefficient of drag than the first generation’s.
Better performance and fuel economy
The Cayenne is powered by a 3.6-liter V6, up from the 3.2-liter of its predecessor. With both the manual gearbox and the Tiptronic S transmission, the 2008 Cayenne earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Output is up commensurately: 290 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The results are felt immediately as the Cayenne now accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph (96 kph) in 7.5 seconds, a full second quicker than the original. Track-proven top speed is up from 133 mph (214 kph) to 141 mph (227 kph).
The Cayenne can be equipped with either a reinforced six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic S transmission. The manual features the Porsche Drive-Off Assistant, which automatically applies the brakes when the vehicle is sitting on an incline and the driver disengages the clutch. Both the Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo are powered by a direct fuel injection 4.8-liter V8 working with the Porsche VarioCam Plus valve lift and timing control system. The naturally aspirated V8 in the Cayenne S cranks out 369 lb.-ft. of torque, a 19 percent boost over the previous model. That impressive torque increase translates to a zero-to-60 mph (96 kph) acceleration time of only 6.4 seconds. Top speed is also higher, now track tested to 155 mph (250 kph). Despite the increased performance, the Cayenne S uses less fuel than its predecessor and is certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).
The output of the twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter in the ’08 Cayenne Turbo is simply awesome: 500 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s enough to accelerate the five-passenger, all-wheel drive SUV from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a track-certified top speed of 171 mph (275 kph). Equally impressive as the Cayenne Turbo’s blistering performance is the fact that it attains LEV-II certification. The Cayenne S earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the Cayenne Turbo earns a 12 mpg city rating and 19 mpg on the highway.Handling the increased torque levels of the 4.8-liter V8 mandated a revised transmission. All three V8-powered Cayenne models, the S and the Turbo, are equipped with an updated sixspeed Tiptronic S to manage their engines’ outputs.
Sure-footed traction on road and off
Walking a delicate line, all Cayenne models must be more than a Porsche: they must be sportutility vehicles. And inherent in the concept of an SUV is the ability to traverse many more surfaces than asphalt or concrete. To that end, all three Cayenne models come standard with Porsche’s all-wheel drive system: Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Under most conditions, engine power is biased to the rear wheels, as driving enthusiasts prefer. In standard mode, the torque is split 38/62, front/rear.
However, as conditions warrant, PTM has the capacity to vary that power distribution almost. infinitely, directing 100 percent of the engine’s power to either front or rear wheels as necessary for optimum traction and stability. Since PTM relies on electronic rather than mechanical controls, the changes in powerflow are instant and invisible to the driver.
Standard passive and active safety
All Cayenne SUVs are equipped with a rollover sensor which, in the event of an impending rollover, triggers the seatbelt tensioners and the side-curtain airbags. There are two full-size frontal airbags, driver and front passenger side-impact thorax-protecting airbags and two curtain side-impact airbags that extend to protect both front and rear seat occupants. In addition, while there are three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions, all outboard seatbelts boast pretensioners. Front seatbelts have force limiters as well.
But Porsche firmly believes that preventing an accident is the best way to protect the vehicle’s occupants, so all 2008 Cayenne SUVs are equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) to help maintain vehicle stability, even under adverse weather and surface conditions. PSM is fully integrated with the vehicles’ other new safety features, including off-road antilock braking, Trailer Stability control and braking pre-load.
Additional stability is available on the second generation Cayenne with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) which is optional. This system all but eliminates body lean in turns via active antiroll bars. This brings additional passenger comfort as well as enhanced vehicle traction and improved handling, on road and off.
Porsche superior brakes
All Cayenne models are equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with integral pad-wear sensors, six-piston monobloc aluminum front calipers and four-piston monobloc aluminum rear calipers. The Cayenne features 13.0-inch (330-mm) inner vented rotors and black calipers. Both the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo boast 13.78-inch (350-mm) vented front rotors and 13.0-inch (330-mm) vented rear rotors. The calipers on the Cayenne S are silver; those on the Turbo are red.
Impressive standard and optional equipment
Among the many standard features on all ’08 Cayenne models are a push-button Sports mode and power rear liftgate which can be set to open to various heights.
Cayenne and Cayenne S owners who want to fine-tune the ride and handling as conditions warrant may opt for the air-spring suspension with its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that is standard equipment on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo. Dynamic Curve Lights which swivel in concert with the front wheels are also a Cayenne Turbo standard item that’s optional on the others Other available items include 21-inch wheels, XM Satellite radio and a rail-mounted cargo carrying system.
2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS
Ultimate handling Cayenne available with 6-speed manual transmission
Porsche expands the family of Cayenne sport utility vehicles with the introduction of the 2008 Cayenne GTS. Sharing its essential architecture and quickly identifiable appearance with the Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, the Cayenne GTS differs in purpose. Sacrificing some of its siblings’ astounding off-road capabilities, the Cayenne GTS rewards the demanding enthusiast driver with increased levels of sporting on-road performance. Thanks to its standard air suspension featuring a 20 mm lower ride height than the Cayenne S and its larger wheels and tires, the Cayenne GTS provides astounding agility. Refinements to the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine result in an increase in horsepower which, when coupled with lowered final drive ratio, provides exhilarating acceleration. Commensurate with its place at the top of the naturally aspirated Cayenne family, the Cayenne
GTS sports a unique interior tailored to help the skilled driver and his passengers fully appreciate the vehicle’s abilities. Even with its performance enhancements, the Cayenne GTS comes standard with all-wheel drive and a broad palette of traction and stability enhancing technologies.
Highlights
Breath-taking on-road performance
At the heart of the Cayenne GTS is an enhanced powertrain. Refinements by Porsche engineers to the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine have resulted in a five-percent, or 20-hp, increase in horsepower—to 405 hp with . Responses to the driver’s commands are further heightened by a 15-percent reduction in the drivetrain’s final drive ratio, regardless of transmission. The Cayenne GTS is equipped with either the six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed Tiptronic S.
The engine’s power characteristics are optimized by a specially created sport exhaust system – which comes with the added bonus of a throaty, meaningful note from its four tailpipes. Thanks to these enhancements, Porsche test drivers were able to accelerate the Cayenne GTS with manual gearbox on the track from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The Cayenne GTS with Tiptronic is four tenths of a second quicker than its Cayenne S sibling, accelerating to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
The Cayenne GTS, like the Cayenne S earns an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) rating thanks to the 4.8-liter V8 Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) system working in concert with Porsche’s VarioCam Plus valve lift and timing control. With the manual gearbox, the Cayenne GTS earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. The Tiptronic S transmission improves fuel economy, rated at 13 mpg city rating and 18 mpg on the highway.
Standard air suspension comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). This suspension results in a ride height 20 mm lower than that of the Cayenne Turbo. To ensure more than adequate traction, the Cayenne GTS is fitted with 21-inch diameter alloy Cayenne Sport wheels carrying 295/35R21 tires.
Unique look, inside and out
While clearly recognizable as a member of the newest Cayenne family, the Cayenne GTS is also instantly identifiable as unique in that family. Though sharing the aerodynamically sculpted lines of the other Cayennes, when viewed in profile, the Cayenne GTS is distinguishable by its standard black monochrome finish on door handles and window trim, 10-spoke, 21-inch diameter Cayenne Sport wheels, body-color side skirts, and red brake calipers.
When viewed head-on, the Cayenne GTS shows its purposeful, aggressive face by sharing its front fascia with the awesome Cayenne Turbo. Like the Turbo, the GTS has large cooling-air intakes and horizontal directional and marker light units. Drivers behind the GTS are greeted by the vehicle’s chrome dual, twin tailpipes. An extended bi-plane spoiler at the roof’s trailing edge is available as a no cost option.
As with the exterior, the Cayenne GTS’s passenger cabin broadcasts the vehicle’s performance potential. The driver and front passenger benefit from newly designed sport seats. These boast deep side bolsters and Alcantara centers to help keep the occupants securely in place during spirited driving. Both front seats are 12-way electrically adjustable with extended memory settings.
The folding, split-back rear seat is also unique to the Cayenne GTS. It features raised bolsters and Alcantara inserts at the outer seating positions to ensure stable and comfortable seating for those occupants. However, despite the deep contours of the rear seat, it still holds three adults comfortably and safely.
The Cayenne GTS interior offers further exclusivity thanks to its aluminum interior trim, stainless-steel door entry guards with Cayenne GTS logo and the availability of a comprehensive Alcantara interior trim package.
Same high levels of safety
The Cayenne GTS boasts the same full complement of occupant protection features as the rest of the Cayenne line. All Cayenne models are equipped with Advanced Airbags and a rollover sensor, which in the event of an impending rollover, triggers the seatbelt tensioners and the side curtain airbags.
But Porsche firmly believes that preventing an accident is the best way to protect the vehicle’s occupants, so all Cayennes are equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) to help maintain vehicle stability, even under adverse weather and surface conditions. PSM is fully integrated with the vehicles’ other safety features, including off-road antilock braking and braking pre-load. Even further stability is available with the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).
This system all but eliminates body lean in turns via active antiroll bars. This brings additional passenger comfort as well as enhanced vehicle traction and improved handling, on road and off. Other available items include a DVD navigation system, Bose digital audio and a roof transport system.
2008 PORSCHE U.S. PRICING
- Cayenne $43,400
- Cayenne S $57,900
- Cayenne GTS $69.300
- Cayenne Turbo $93,700
Prices do not include destination charges. U.S. destination charges for sports cars and Cayenne SUVs are $860 and $895, respectively… As of February 2008
