cayenne GTS 6 spd manual first impressions
03-31-2008 | 12:57 PM
#1
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From: Montreal
cayenne GTS 6 spd manual first impressions
My wife picked up her GTS on Friday. I got a chance to drive it this weekend. Note that I am not a big fan of SUVs, especially those over two tons.
Looks - The GTS styling is an improvement over the regular model - aboout as handsome as a Cayenne can be. The LED lights (not headlights) are nicely done and don't look silly like the ones on the Audi S5 for example. The aero bits look cool, especially the extended spoiler at the rear.
The interior (hers is black) is handsome as always and the alcantara seat cushions are grippy - a good thing because it is willing and able to carve up corners.
Poised lower than the S, or Turbo, the GTS looks better, less jacked up so to speak.
The Drive:
Suspension has three settings - normal, comfort and sport. In comfort mode the ride is very decent and body roll is next to nil. Normal is stiffer and a bit bouncy - feels a bit over-damped to me, sport mode even more so. On a smooth track I have no doubt that sport mode would be fun. On bombed out roads, less so.
The engine makes wonderful noises. Th exhaust is loudere than on regular version. I think there is a baffle that opens (like on the 997 GT3) over a certain RPM. Haven't tested that yet because it is over the break-in rpm limit.
The clutch and shifter are excellent, pedal pressure is lighter than a GT3 and no problem even for a woman. The shifter is very precise, no slop, throws are a bit longer than a GT3 without a short shift kit. It is a pleasure to change gears. Pedals were fine for heel and toe for me and this truck begs for heel and toe down-shifts which is saying a lot.
Cannot say much about performance, still in the break in phase. The GTS puts a lot of rubber on the road with 295/21-35 tires. Hit a bit of standing water and aquaplaning will be something to worry about. The brakes are very powerful as you'd expect. I thought I'd find rotors with holes in them, but they are solid like those on the Turbo. I guess they still think someone might go off road in this model.
All in all a very quick (even with small throttle openings and a 4200 RPM red line for break-in) truck that handles pretty much like a high performance car. The only thing that detracts is the obvious sensation of weight and a suspension which is strapped down to handle it.
I am still trying to find out why the GTS has 3x the gas guzzler tax of the S, and 50 percent higher than the Turbo, which makes no sense to me.
Best,
Looks - The GTS styling is an improvement over the regular model - aboout as handsome as a Cayenne can be. The LED lights (not headlights) are nicely done and don't look silly like the ones on the Audi S5 for example. The aero bits look cool, especially the extended spoiler at the rear.
The interior (hers is black) is handsome as always and the alcantara seat cushions are grippy - a good thing because it is willing and able to carve up corners.
Poised lower than the S, or Turbo, the GTS looks better, less jacked up so to speak.
The Drive:
Suspension has three settings - normal, comfort and sport. In comfort mode the ride is very decent and body roll is next to nil. Normal is stiffer and a bit bouncy - feels a bit over-damped to me, sport mode even more so. On a smooth track I have no doubt that sport mode would be fun. On bombed out roads, less so.
The engine makes wonderful noises. Th exhaust is loudere than on regular version. I think there is a baffle that opens (like on the 997 GT3) over a certain RPM. Haven't tested that yet because it is over the break-in rpm limit.
The clutch and shifter are excellent, pedal pressure is lighter than a GT3 and no problem even for a woman. The shifter is very precise, no slop, throws are a bit longer than a GT3 without a short shift kit. It is a pleasure to change gears. Pedals were fine for heel and toe for me and this truck begs for heel and toe down-shifts which is saying a lot.
Cannot say much about performance, still in the break in phase. The GTS puts a lot of rubber on the road with 295/21-35 tires. Hit a bit of standing water and aquaplaning will be something to worry about. The brakes are very powerful as you'd expect. I thought I'd find rotors with holes in them, but they are solid like those on the Turbo. I guess they still think someone might go off road in this model.
All in all a very quick (even with small throttle openings and a 4200 RPM red line for break-in) truck that handles pretty much like a high performance car. The only thing that detracts is the obvious sensation of weight and a suspension which is strapped down to handle it.
I am still trying to find out why the GTS has 3x the gas guzzler tax of the S, and 50 percent higher than the Turbo, which makes no sense to me.
Best,
03-31-2008 | 01:55 PM
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From: Wayne, PA
Regarding the GG tax diff for manual versus tip in Canada--no idea.
04-03-2008 | 11:31 PM
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From: El Paso Tx/CdJuarez Mx/FrankfurtAmM
Thanks for your impressions. I have not had the chance to test a 6spd manual on the GTS. Sounds like it is all that they say it is.
I have had my remorses about ordering this car but a couple of work situations make the decision of getting the GTS less difficult.
I will be moving for most of the year to do a project in a town near Mexico City. I was thinking on taking my M5 or M3 down there and even use them on the occasional track days on the F1 track in Mexico city(Hermanos Rodriguez). But then again an SUV is always more practical for the rest of the things I want to do. Do you guys think that I could take the GTS to a track day, have some fun and drive home like most people do with their GT3's or in my case with my M3?
By the way most of the people would say I'm crazy taking either of this cars to Mexico city but actually I will be driving most of the time a small compact car from my employer and the Cayenne or the M's will be for the weekends.
I have had my remorses about ordering this car but a couple of work situations make the decision of getting the GTS less difficult.
I will be moving for most of the year to do a project in a town near Mexico City. I was thinking on taking my M5 or M3 down there and even use them on the occasional track days on the F1 track in Mexico city(Hermanos Rodriguez). But then again an SUV is always more practical for the rest of the things I want to do. Do you guys think that I could take the GTS to a track day, have some fun and drive home like most people do with their GT3's or in my case with my M3?
By the way most of the people would say I'm crazy taking either of this cars to Mexico city but actually I will be driving most of the time a small compact car from my employer and the Cayenne or the M's will be for the weekends.
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04-04-2008 | 11:38 AM
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From: Los Angeles, CA
No GG Tax in USA...true
Fuel economy ratings puzzle me..
I realize that the "GTS" has a slightly lower rear axle ratio for more performance zip. 4.11:1 vs 3.55
Tip ratings 13/18
Manual ratings 11/17
vs 13/19 for an "S"
First vehicle with a stick that has lower highway rating than an automatic
Guess it's the transmission final drive ratio
Tip 6th 0.69
Manual 6th 0.84
A performance gas pig no doubt!
Fuel economy ratings puzzle me..
I realize that the "GTS" has a slightly lower rear axle ratio for more performance zip. 4.11:1 vs 3.55
Tip ratings 13/18
Manual ratings 11/17
vs 13/19 for an "S"
First vehicle with a stick that has lower highway rating than an automatic
Guess it's the transmission final drive ratio
Tip 6th 0.69
Manual 6th 0.84
A performance gas pig no doubt!
04-18-2008 | 02:25 PM
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From: Exit Row seats
bob- local dealer is trying to swap my RS4 out for a GTS...I've been toying with the idea of using it for a tow vehicle as well for my mx5 with an open trailer- what do you think?
