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Geneva Motor Show: TechArt Magnum "de Sede" ups the interior ante

Alex Nunez — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Porsche

Click image for hires photo gallery

TechArt's credentials as a tuner of Porsches are completely unassailable. Whether it's more grunt underhood, a racier look, a more sporting ride, or an interior redesigned to taste, TechArt can do it, and the resulting vehicle is usually an exercise in power merged with panache. Their latest grin-generator -- the new, 997-based GTstreet -- is a perfect example. Another TechArt staple is the 600+ horsepower Cayenne-based Magnum, whose extreme styling is no doubt polarizing, but far more interesting than that of the base Cayenne Turbo.

The Magnum is the canvas used to showcase TechArt's classy new "de Sede of Switzerland" interior, which is named for the eponymous luxury furniture manufacturer. Instead of emphasizing sport with a racy cabin loaded with alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber (materials that TechArt will gladly adorn your machine with, if you so desire), the de Sede-enhanced Magnum is a case study in opulence.

The interior features de Sede leather (it comes only from German and Swiss cows) on the seats, doors, dash and headliner. The seats themselves are specially padded for maximum comfort, and the rest of the car is loaded with amenities, as you might expect. Microsuede-lined storage bins, a refrigerated cooler in the back seat, the requisite hi-fi A/V system with heatreast-mounted seats, PS2 console, and wireless headphones are among the highlights. If you're not in Geneva to see it in person, you can check out four shots of the inviting-looking cabin are in the attached gallery. TechArt doesn't include pricing, but you know the saying: If you have to ask...

[Source: TechArt]

Gallery: TechArt Magnum w/ de Sede interior

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: TechArt Magnum "de Sede" ups the interior ante

Geneva Motor Show: TechArt Magnum "de Sede" ups the interior ante originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Porsche Cayenne unveiled

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:50:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Porsche

Click to enlarge

Porsche has released photos and information on the facelifted Cayenne, and as expected, the front of the Cayenne gets the brunt of the changes, with the rear end getting a few mild touch ups.

The new front clip does more to separate the base V6 model from its range topping sibling, eschewing the old Turbo styling cues with fewer gapping air ducts and turn signal indicators being pushed to the outside of the air dams. Moving up into the range, the new triangular headlamps remain on the Turbo model, but the turn signals go horizontal, ala Cayman and Turbo, the air intakes open wider and a duo of "power streaks" flank the hood on both edges.

The rear of the new Cayenne gets a subtly smoothed-over bumper with pass-thrus for the exhaust tips and new taillights, both of which are less than noteworthy.

The major changes come in the form of three new engines that will provide the proper amount of motivation for Porsche's big, ugly duckling. The old 3.2-liter V6 has been nixed in favor of the 3.6-liter V6 found in the new Touareg, producing 290 HP in the base model. The Cayenne S gets a 4.8-liter V8, up from 4.5-liters in the outgoing model, to produce 380 HP and 370 ft.-lbs. of torque. At the high end of the range, the new Cayenne Turbo receives a power boost to 500 HP and 516 ft.-lbs. of twist, likely to dispatch the 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, then continuing to a top speed of 171 MPH.

(Gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading 2008 Porsche Cayenne unveiled

2008 Porsche Cayenne unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TechArt Magnum: 600HP Cayenne Turbo to appear at MPH '06

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

TechArt knows its way around a Porsche, so we aren't the least bit surprised to learn that they've coaxed 600 horsepower out of the Cayenne Turbo.

The TechArt Magnum is in the news today because it's been announced that it'll be appearing at MPH '06. In addition to the expected static displays, MPH '06 ups the motor show ante by incorporating a Jeremy Clarkson-hosted live demonstration of supercars like the Magnum in a theatrical setting (see video). This gives showgoers the opportunity to see the cars in all their tire-smoking powersliding glory.

To rewind a bit: the Magnum made its official debut at last year's Frankfurt show, and benefits from the fitment of larger turbos, a new intercooler, TechArt intake and exhaust, new air filter and a reprogrammed ECU. Complementing the SUV's 600 horses is a healthy 638 lb ft of torque. 62 mph arrives in a scant 4.5 seconds and the top speed is a ridiculous 181 mph.

Equally ridiculous, unfortunately, is the TechArt body kit that turns the Magnum's front end into a busy mess. We know that the Cayenne is not exactly an easy starting point, but a look that works for the Cayman does not fare nearly as well here. Too bad, because from the rear and sides, the Magnum looks sharp. Hopefully, the refreshed Cayenne will give tuners more to work with up front.

All that said, we'd gladly pay the price of admission to see the Magnum shriek across the stage as Clarkson dishes out the one-liners. 600 horses is a lot, and like we said, TechArt knows what it's doing. Should be a helluva show.

(Rear view shot, press releases after the jump)

[Sources: MPH '06 / TechArt]

Continue reading TechArt Magnum: 600HP Cayenne Turbo to appear at MPH '06

TechArt Magnum: 600HP Cayenne Turbo to appear at MPH '06 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Into metal? Porsche Exclusive has a Cayenne for you

Alex Nunez — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Porsche

This month, Porsche drops the Cayenne S "Titanium Edition" on the North American market. It's a sweet deal that dresses the S up in titanium trim and includes a number of popular options at a reduced price. It's a compelling package for anyone considering the V8 Cayenne. After all, a deal is a deal.

For the less budget-minded, however, the in-house customization arm known as Porsche Exclusive can rock your world. You want metal? Porsche Exclusive brings it hardcore with the Cayenne Turbo Titanium Metallic. The folks at PE will take your turbocharged Cayenne and give it a makeover that will frighten small dogs and children and have Prius drivers giving you the finger.

First of all, the Cayenne Turbo Powerkit boosts output from 450 to 500 horsepower. A 500 HP kickplate in the door sill announces the upgrade to passengers as they get in. (Even better: Just buy a 520 HP Turbo S and use that as your starting point.) The SportDesign packages adds some visual zip, and is complemented by aluminum trim on the gaping front intakes and sideview mirrors. 20" painted SportDesign rims finish things off nicely.

Inside, carbon fiber trim is everywhere, and other goodies such as headrest-mounted LCD screens are available if you want them. The whole package looks great, and gives the Cayenne a mean look befitting a Porsche.

Of course, Porsche Exclusive can dress up your vehicle however you like. The fire-breathing Titanium Metallic turbo is just an example of what they can do. From the look of it, they do things very, very well.

Thanks to reader David P. for the heads-up!

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: Porsche via Sybarites]

Continue reading Into metal? Porsche Exclusive has a Cayenne for you

Into metal? Porsche Exclusive has a Cayenne for you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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