That’s one interesting-looking Cayenne you’ve got there…
Thank you. I have had my eye on this particular model ever since seeing it obliterate the opposition during the Transsyberia Rally in 2008 where it got the better of Mercedes and Land Rover. It’s a really interesting rally, which is open only to four-wheel drive automobiles and trucks.
Technical modifications are allowed but they must be street legal too. Most of the modifications are to improve safety, reliability and ease of maintenance.
It proved it could stand the test didn’t it?
It sure did. I always loved what Porsche had done to this car. It proved that it could endure the severe punishment during the rally where it went on to secure first, second and third places on the podium.
The race runs from Moscow in Russia to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia through some of the most challenging terrains ranging from city to forest stages and river to marshlands. It even crosses through the Gobi desert, in fact it has it all. It was up against tough competition. To beat Land Rover was no mean feat.
How similar is your car to the rally version?
This is the great thing about this car as quite a lot of the rally DNA was carried over into the production model. It has the same engine and transmission for starters and it has the powerplant found in the Cayenne GTS. That 4.8-litre naturally aspirated and direct injection V8 sure has some fire in its belly.
The fuel tank and the rear axle have been reinforced too and that surprises a lot of people. OK, it doesn’t have the reinforced A and B pillars, bolted-down safety cage or that roof mounted snorkel but, trust me, this thing can tackle almost every terrain imaginable. It doesn’t see anything as much of a challenge, it’s that capable.
Tell us about its performance…
It produces 405bhp at 6,500rpm and has 580Nm of torque from just 3,500rpm. The exhaust and engine management has been modified by Porsche to maximise output. Fuel consumption is surprisingly good, I mean for a car of this size and weight, a full tank, which sets me back Dh140, still gets me close to 550km in the city. It has a six-speed tiptronic with a 4.11:1 final drive ratio and it always delivers smooth, crisp shifts.
Is there anything you wish you could change about it?
Yes, the only thing I would like to change or add, rather, are paddle shifters. This would enhance the driving pleasure a bit more. But having said that, there are way more things that I like rather than dislike about it. For instance, I especially love the roof-mounted spotlights and the alloys. These two things go quite some way in accentuating the features of the car.
Sounds like it’s a blast to drive…
It is just awesome whether you are just cruising around town or driving on Shaikh Zayed Road, it’s a real pleasure. I love driving it at my own pace, and that’s not any sort of dizzying speeds at all. However, at times I put it into Sport mode and open up the engine.
It’s a real thrill and sounds epic but this is my baby and so I do my best to look after it. Best of all, it is under warranty from Porsche so in case something goes wrong, they’ll be able to take care of it for me, which is a big worry off my mind. I haven’t done any modifications or made any changes whatsoever to it, it’s all stock and I honestly don’t feel the need for any since it has had so much done to it already.
I bet this one gets more attention than any other Cayenne out there…
I think you might be right. I have had people taking pictures of it when I am at the petrol station and had strangers walk up and ask me questions about it or if I would be interested in selling it.
Would you?
I hate to say it, but I would. As much fun as this is, not to mention practical, I am looking to change it for the new Porsche Boxster S or maybe the Porsche Cayman R, which I feel is one of the best balanced and poised cars around.
I would love a two-seater for myself but since I have a wife and two small boys, an SUV is ideal for hauling the family. I have friends suggesting that I consider a few American muscle cars such as the Mustang GT, Camaro SS or even the Dodge Challenger SRT8. But I’m not sure yet.
American muscle will always put a smile on your face, just by cranking the engine!
I agree, but my Cayenne Transsyberia always puts a huge smile on my face when I start it up. It has such an intoxicating grunt, and that is perhaps one of its best features. I love cars that are comfortable, preferably big and safe.
What have you previously owned?
I’ve had two Peugeots — a 405 and a 505. They were lively, strong and fun especially
the 405. But I suffered a bit of bad luck in that someone hit me from behind just as I pulled out of a parking lot. But these Peugeots were built strong and mine suffered just a few cuts and bruises while his car was mangled!
Then I bought a Ford Explorer, which again proved to be great value for money and in the three years I had it, I never had to spend an extra dirham on it apart from the regular service and consumables. I sold it to my neighbour and I still see it every day, and I’m happy that it’s in good hands.
If you could have a garage full of your favourites, what would the list include?
A Porsche Carrera GT, 911 Carrera GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda MX5 and an Audi A8L. Though I love exotic cars such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, I feel the German brands are built to last.
