Due to debut at the Auto China 2012 show in Beijing at the end of April, the Porsche Cayenne GTS ushers in a new generation of Porsche SUV's, focused more on sport than on utility, on hauling ass rather than hauling stuff.
Its V8 engine, based on that of the Cayenne S, has been tweaked not only to deliver more power (310kW, to be precise) but also to deliver it more dynamically, with explosive bursts of acceleration on tap.
It'll sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and to 160 (100mph in the old language) in 13.3, driving through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with idle stop function.
Top speed is 261km/h, says Porsche, and combined fuel consumption 10.7 litres per 100km, although not at the same time.
ROAD-ROCKET PERSONA
But power, as they say, is nothing without control; the GTS rides lower than previous Cayennes, on tauter suspension, with more sporty running gear.
It doesn't just fill the gap between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo, but stands out from the previous Cayennes thanks to its road-rocket persona, with looks to match.
The front end is borrowed from the Cayenne Turbo, with frames and trims in gloss black, deep side skirts, wider wheel arches and a distinctive biplane rear spoiler.
The sporty leather interior features alcantara trim elements, with eight-way power-adjustable fort sports seats as standard equipment.
Pricing for the South African market, says Porsche, is not yet available.