Truth be told, there's very little "sport" in the average sport utility vehicle. Versatile and back road capable, yes; but the number of SUV's that are genuinely fun-to-drive can be counted on one hand.

That places the 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS premium mid-size sport utility in the front row of a very small class.

More street smart than trail tough, this sports car-inspired SUV would sooner head for the Autobahn than the Rubicon with its 4.8-liter V-8 engine that builds 405 horsepower coupled to a standard 6-speed manual transmission at a base price of $71,600. An available 6-speed Tiptronic automatic adds $3,000 to the cost.

Cayenne GTS is the first in Porsche's North American portfolio to receive a six-speed manual transmission mated to a V-8. Good idea, but I find the shifts rather coarse compared to the ultra-smooth shifting 6-speed manual gearbox of the Porsche sports cars.

GTS is consistent with its Cayenne stable mates and features full-time all-wheel drive for four-season drivability.

A rocker switch on the center console controls GTS's Active Suspension Management System to offer drivers choice of Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. A "Sport" button also located there, modifies the engine, transmission and suspension settings for more aggressive driving.

Cayenne's Dynamic Chassis Control, which constantly monitors the front and rear anti-sway bars, virtually eliminates body roll through S-curves and twisty maneuvers. Traction control and anti-skid system with rollover sensors are standard.

Painted 21-inch rims wrapped in low-profile performance rubber are part of GTS's pavement adhesion. Porsche does not recommend use of performance tires in winter, however.

Inside, GTS is handsomely packaged with an Alcantara suede headliner, window pillars, door panels and seat inserts. Mat aluminum trim compliments the cabin's rich look.

Multi-adjustable, power front seats are bolstered to support driver and passenger. Rear outboard seats are equally supportive and with good leg room and foot space. The middle rear seat position has no bolsters, making it perfectly suited for a child car seat.

BACKYARD BRAWN

Cayenne satisfies the need for weekend recreation with standard driver-adjustable air suspension that provides GTS extra ground clearance of nearly 10-inches for off-road use when equipped with all-season tires and 18-inch wheels.

Low range gearing and center locking differential is included. And with level control and height adjustment, GTS can navigate 21-inches of standing water.

Need to tow when you go? GTS musters a maximum towing capacity of 7716-lbs. when the trailer is equipped with onboard brakes. If not, 1654-lb. capability reigns.

Over 200,000 Cayenne units have been sold since the model's debut in 2003. The Chicago metropolitan region ranks as the top Porsche Cayenne market in the U.S.