Track Tested: 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS

The Porsche Cayenne may not please company loyalists, but they don't buy enough cars to have the final say. Since its introduction, the Cayenne has slowly become less of a true SUV and more of a tall wagon with all-wheel drive. It's also the best-selling vehicle Porsche builds by a long shot, so anyone who dismisses the Cayenne's existence should be thankful that it pays the bills for development of cars like the GT3.

With the Cayenne GTS it's all about street performance. Porsche's engineers got rid of all the SUV hardware and laced up a set of 21-inch wheels and tires at each corner. The GTS is also the only V8-powered Cayenne in the U.S. that offers an optional 6-speed manual. Sad to say, but our test vehicle had a Tiptronic automatic, but it still put down some impressive numbers at the track.

See for yourself after the jump.

Vehicle: 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS
Odometer: 1873
Date: 09/03/08
Driver: Josh Jacquot

Price As Tested: $87,310 (including destination)

Specifications:
Drive Type: all-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed Automatic
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 4806cc (293cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,600
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 405 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 369 @ 3,500
Brake Type (front): ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): ventilated disc
Steering System: rack and pinion with power assist
Suspension Type (front): double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear): multi-link
Tire Size (front): 295/35ZR21 (107Y)
Tire Size (rear): 295/35ZR21 (107Y)
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Latitude Sport
Tire Type: performance
Wheel Size:   21 X 10 front - 21 X 10 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear):  alloy 
As tested Curb Weight (lb):   5,376

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.5
0 - 45 (sec): 4.4
0 - 60 (sec): 6.8
0 - 75 (sec): 9.7
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.8 @ 94.6
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.5
30 - 0 (ft): 22
60 - 0 (ft): 109
Braking Rating:   Excellent
Slalom (mph): 66.4
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .87
Handling Rating: Very Good
Db @ Idle: 42.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 76.0
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.0

Acceleration Comments: Sport Mode selected for suspension, transmission and throttle. Best launch technique was to brake torque to 2,000rpm, then wood throttle and release brake.

Braking Comments: Awesome brake feel and performance. Dead consistent pedal feel stop after stop. 109 feet in an SUV says it all.

Handling Comments: (Skidpad) With PSM off, this Cayenne will rotate dramatically under braking. Lift throttle does surprisingly little, however. (Slalom) Excellent control considering its height and weight. Surprisingly rapid turn in with suspension lowered and set to "Sport". Good steering weight and feedback, overall very impressive for its size and weight.