Porsche will be presenting a new version of the Cayenne at the Paris Motor Show in October: the Cayenne S Transsyberia. As you’d expect from a vehicle named after the Cayenne’s three consecutive victories in a 4460-mile intercontinental rally (from Moscow to Ulan Bator), the Transsyberia is a rugged-looking vehicle with exceptional performance.

The engine is that of the Cayenne GTS, developing 405bhp at 6500rpm and maximum torque of 369 lb ft at 3500rpm, along with the GTS’s final-drive ratio, shortened by 15 per cent compared with the S, to 4.1:1. This enhances the Transsyberia’s in-gear acceleration, particularly significant in everyday driving conditions and “in racing” (!), says Porsche.

The Transsyberia’s top speed matches the GTS, at 253km/h or 158mph. With the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, acceleration to 100km/h, or 62mph, comes in at 6.1 seconds (0.5 seconds quicker than the Cayenne S and on a par with the GTS), while the interim sprint from 80–120km/h in fifth gear takes just 6.6 seconds. Six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission is available as an option.



The sports exhaust with two dual tailpipes is featured as standard on the Cayenne S Transsyberia, and there’s a choice of four colour ‘concepts’. Aside from the rally combinations Black/Orange and Crystal Silver Metallic/Orange, you could opt for something a little more discreet, either Black/Meteor Grey Metallic or Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic.

With the exception of this last colour combination, the 18-inch wheels come in a contrasting colour, as do the side-plates on the air intake grid, the ‘Cayenne S Transsyberia’ designation applied as a no-cost option at the side, the exterior mirror housings and the upper part of the extended roof spoiler.

The off-road roof headlights so characteristic of the competition model are likewise available as a no-cost option and are placed in the vehicle upon delivery (since in Germany, such headlights on the roof are not homologated for use on public roads).



Meanwhile, the optional Offroad Technology Package provides a differential lock on the rear axle activated by the driver when required and controlled electronically. Other special features are side-sill protection with integrated skid plates, reinforced engine protection at the bottom, and additional protection of the fuel tank and rear axle as well as a second towing hook/opening.

Ornamental trim on the dashboard support and the doors, on the instruments and dials, the belts and foot-mat surrounds comes in each case in the contrasting colour chosen for the exterior. The steering wheel rim (along with certain other surfaces and components) is padded and finished in alcantara – and the steering wheel features a 12 o’clock mark in a contrasting colour.

The new Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia retails in the German market at Euro 77,558, including 19% value-added tax. UK prices tbc. Deliveries to dealers will start in January 2009.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Porsche