Building on the Cayenne’s reputation as “the most sporting SUV”, this latest addition to the phenomenally successful model range will sit between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo. The uprated 4.8-litre V8 engine, now with 420HP (414bhp), is based on the power unit from the Cayenne S, with eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission and integrated auto start/stop function.

Thanks to an engine and gearbox which have been tuned for responsiveness, the Cayenne GTS boasts a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and reaches 100 mph in 13.3 seconds – with the needle flickering as high as 162mph when you keep you foot to the floor on a long enough stretch of road. Combined fuel consumption, meanwhile, is a claimed 26.4mpg.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) comes as standard, with the aim of giving a tauter feel to the chassis, while the body has been dropped a significant 24mm lower than the Cayenne S for superlative composure and agility.

Notable cosmetic features include front-end styling inspired by the Cayenne Turbo, along with high-gloss, black finish window surrounds and trims, prominent side skirts and wider wheelarches – plus a distinctive roof spoiler with twin-wing profile.

The Cayenne GTS goes on sale in the UK in July 2012, priced from £67,147.

Photos: Porsche