Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Porsche Germany, introduces the new Cayenne GTS
The Leipzig Auto Show, known as Automobil International (AMI), may lack the prestige of a Paris Motor Show or a Frankfurt Auto Show, but it’s still a key event for Porsche. After all, Porsche’s factory in Leipzig builds the Cayenne SUV, and is in the midst of a major expansion to begin building the upcoming Macan SUV. In other words, Porsche wants to make a statement that Leipzig, both as a city and as a show, is important to Porsche.
Enter the Porsche Cayenne GTS, which is being debuted at this week’s AMI. Like other GTS models, it’s meant to bridge the gap between entry level vehicles and more performance-oriented (and pricier) options. In keeping with GTS tradition, the Cayenne GTS gets a 4.8-liter V-8 engine rated at 420 horsepower (20 horsepower more than the Cayenne S), mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Outside, the Cayenne GTS borrows styling cues from the Cayenne Turbo, including a front fascia with large cooling ducts, side skirts, wider fender flares and a twin-wing roof spoiler. In other words, the Cayenne GTS looks like a Cayenne Turbo, but costs significantly less money.
There’s no word yet on pricing or when we’ll see the Cayenne GTS stateside, but we’d say within six months after its European launch. The Cayenne sells well here, and offering a “just right” in-between model will help Porsche to grow sales in the U.S. market.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
