Porsche 911 Turbo S – Cayenne GTS – Cayman GT4
WHICH PORSCHE?
Which is your favourite Porsche model?
Would you go for the iconic 911 in its most famous Turbo S version, the sporty SUV Cayenne GTS or the pure-bred, naturally aspirated Cayman GT4? I experienced all three of them. And chose another one as my favorite.
PORSCHE 911 TURBO S
The original Porsche 911 Turbo was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1974. Up until then it was unheard of using potent turbo-charged engines in sportscars for the road. At the time the first Turbo reached a top speed of 260km/h, making it Germany’s fastest road car. The newest Turbo S features the most powerful 911 engine in the current range. And it is the widest production Porsche ever built, with the largest wheel package, 20inch in front, 21inch in the back. In the front it gained 4.5cm, in the rear 2cm in width.
And unlike the GT3 or GT2 it doesn’t scream power and racetrack performance, while standing in front of you. You can see it means business, but in a more subtle way. It is a practical super sportscar, a hyper car, which you can take shopping to the hyper market as well.
The power is insane. Imagine 8.9 seconds. From 0 to 200km/h! And then it still keeps pushing forward, accelerating, while re-arranging your brain. It reminds me a bit of the legendary 959, which I had the privilege of driving near Stuttgart about two years ago. But while this primary rock of motoring from the Porsche museum was (and still is) a scary widow-maker, the new Turbo S is not. It is very easy to drive, with most of the all-wheel drive power going to the rear. As precise as the scalpel of an experienced surgeon.
TECH SPECS
Engine
3.7-l. six-cylinder turbo, paired with an 8-speed auto PDK
Power
478kW and 800Nm
Top Speed
330 km/h
0-100km/h
2.7 seconds
Price
from R3 849 000
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS
I still remember the outcry in the fan community, when Porsche introduced the Cayenne in 2002. Purists predicted the end of the iconic manufacturer of exquisite sportscars from Zuffenhausen. But as we all know by now, it saved the brand. Cayenne sales skyrocketed all over the world. And the newest version is one of the most dynamic ones ever.
The 2020 Cayenne GTS once again features a powerful V8, after having been downsized to six for a while. Driving a four-door SUV like this fast on a windy road feels almost obscene. But just have a look at the silhouette and you know why it works so well. It’s a 911 in heels, even more pronounced in the Cayenne GTS Coupé version.
The perfect excuse and buying argument for an ex-911 driver, who is in need for a dynamic four-door family car. As soon as the family is home, the fun begins. I found it even more impressive to drive, than the 911 Turbo S. From latter you expect super car performance. The Cayenne GTS never stops to surprise. And on top of it, the V8 has a glorious exhaust note.
TECH SPECS
Engine
4.0-l. eight-cylinder turbo, paired with 8-speed auto
Power
338kW and 620Nm
Top Speed
270 km/h
0-100km/h
4.4 seconds
Price
from R1 834 000
PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4
If it could only be one of the three Porsches to keep and enjoy until the end of my motoring life, it would be this one.
My personal choice. A real driver’s machine, with a classic sportscar character. Naturally aspirated with a once again 4.0-l. six-cylinder boxer engine, situated in the middle and a six-speed manual gear box. Very direct, light and agile with a brilliant background noise. Ticking all the right petrol head boxes. An impressive return to past glory.
On my favourite piece of twisty tarmac, the R44 between Gordon’s Bay and Rooiels, the Cayman GT4 is in it’s element. Through those narrow bends with plenty of grip, it comes alive.
Can one top this experience? I think so, yes, in the topless new 718 Boxster Spyder. With the same power output as the Cayman GT4, but much more fresh air in your hair and an even better, unfiltered sound experience. So here you have it, the 2020 718 Boxster Spyder (in yellow) is currently my personal favourite Porsche.
TECH SPECS
Engine
4.0-l. six-cylinder, naturally aspirated boxer engine, paired with a six-speed manual
Power
309kW and 420Nm
Top Speed
304 km/h
0-100km/h
4.4 seconds
Price
from R1 799 000
- dieterlosskarn
- 5 May 2021
- 04:37
- 0 comments
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