Autoblog

Click image for 15-shot photo gallery

Last year, a pair of series-built Porsche Cayennes that were further modified by the customers who purchased them drove to victory in the 10,000km-long Transsyberia Rally. Spurred on by the success shown by those two cars, Porsche has built a small production run of at least twenty-six 2007 Cayenne S Transsyberia SUVs, all of which will compete in the 2007 rally. The full range of Porsche's techno-enhancements are in place, including Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDDC), and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The PTM system is further enhanced by a transverse lock from the optional Offroad Technology Package available to regular customers, and the PDCC system is already set up with a Special Offroad Mode, which, when active, lets the Cayenne ford bodies of water up to 30" deep. A roof-mounted snorkel keeps that water from invading the intake manifold.

Thanks to Tom L. for the tip!

[Source: Porsche]


The 4.8L V8 makes 385 horsepower and is connected to a six-speed Tiptronic S with a 4.11 final drive ratio. Rally car-specific modifications include:

• Reinforced A and B pillars
• Bolted-in safety cage
• Stronger underbody protection
• Installation of a handbrake in lieu of the standard, foot-operated parking brake
• Rerouted electrical system
• Passenger-operated navigation computer
• Lightweight sport exhaust
• Offroad tires
• Roof lights
• Front-mounted winch
• Stripped interior, with dual spare wheels & tires and two reserve fuel cannisters in place of the rear seat
  

It should be noted that while the car's passenger compartment has been pared down to the essentials, it isn't exactly spartan, as evidenced by its leather seats.Orange fabric door latch pulls, and diamond-plate steel flooring are also fitted, as seen in the attached gallery photo. Outside, the Cayennes are finished in black or silver, and trimmed in a contrasting orange, a la the 911 GT3 RS.

The 2007 Transsyberia Rally runs from August 2 - 17. The route starts in Moscow, crosses Siberia, and ends in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, covering over 6,600 kilometers along the way. Full info on the rally and the special Cayenne S Transsyberia can be found at the dedicated minisite Porsche has set up.