THE Porsche Cayenne S may have provided the basic building blocks for the Cayenne GTS, but several tweaks and changes have made the latter a much more dynamic model, more so than even the top-of-the-line Cayenne Turbo.

For one, the V8 engine has 5 per cent more power than the Cayenne S. The GTS also has a 15 per cent shorter final drive than the S to let the revs climb more quickly and make it more responsive.

SLEEK: GTS offers a new seat configuration (above) and unique chrome exhausts. Its rear bench still takes three passengers but the two outer occupants have contoured single seats. The middle sections of all the leather seats are finished in alcantara.

These two modifications were also made to the Cayenne S Transsyberia rally car, a model built specifically for the over 7,000 km journey across Siberia and Mongolia this year.

The GTS is also the first Cayenne to combine steel suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management or PASM. Previously, PASM - which offers variable damper settings - was only offered on cars with air suspension.

In addition, there is more negative wheel camber for both front and rear tyres to enhance cornering ability.

Visually, the GTS is also more distinctive because it sports new 21-inch sports wheels - up from the 18-inch rims on the Cayenne S. Extended wheel lips accommodate the wider wheels, from which red brake callipers like those on the Cayenne Turbo peek out. The nose has the 'Turbo look', with the same large air intakes and LED light bars.

Anyone tailing the GTS will also recognise it immediately for its chrome-plated dual tailpipes. And two special colours - GTS Red and Nordic Gold - make this new variant unique.

In the cabin, the GTS offers a new seat configuration. The rear bench can still take three passengers but the two outer occupants have contoured single seats with extra-high side supports. The centre sections of all the leather seats are finished in alcantara, as are the roof lining, centre console armrest and door lining.

Starting at $348,888, the GTS also costs $41,000 more than the Cayenne S. For some, that may be a small price to pay for the dynamic difference.