TECHART's pumped-up Cayenne Diesel

We recently reviewed Porsche's parsimonious Cayenne Diesel, and came away impressed by the big SUV's combination of pace, panache and practicality (more here).

However, German Porsche tweaker TECHART has just unveiled its own bespoke version of the Cayenne oiler and the vehicle in question offers performance that's not that far removed from the petrol-sucking Cayenne V8.

The extreme makeover begins with TECHART's TA 055/D1 power kit, which hikes the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine's power output from 176kW to 213kW, while torque swells from 550Nm to a brawny 630Nm.

Accordingly, its maker boasts of a 0-100km/h split of 7.7sec, more than half a second quicker than the donor car, but the real benefit is that "the huge torque and very flat delivery provides impressive acceleration from any speed," boasts its maker. "It feels more like a big V8 than a highly efficient diesel V6."

The engine's peak torque figure is on tap from just 2200rpm but, tellingly, a fat 500Nm is available from 1100rpm to beyond 4000rpm, bolstering TECHART's claim that its vehicle offers tremendous flexibility and refinement.

CO2 emissions are unchanged at 244g/km and fuel consumption on the combined cycle is quoted at a none-too-thirsty 7.7L/100km, but the latter figure is likely to be on the optimistic side, as our road test of the bogger Cayenne Diesel indicated a real-world consumption figure closer to 12.5L/100km.

The 'power kit' can be supplemented by the TECHART engine styling pack, which includes a carbonfibre engine cover with red embellishments and a metalised TECHART logo.

Cosmetic upgrades needn't end there, as also on the menu is the Aerokit 1, which brings a new front panel with a deeper front spoiler, integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents to help keep temperatures under control when in thrash mode.

Aerodynamics are claimed to benefit from deeper sills, a new rear apron with integrated diffuser and a low-drag roof spoiler.

For cars fitted with air suspension, Aerokit 1 also includes a TECHART suspension control module that lowers the vehicle, reducing roll and further improving aerodynamics. When the vehicle is stationary, the control system further lowers the vehicle to improve access and boost its low-slung stance.

Aerokit 1 also adds headlight and rearlight surround trims, 21-inch alloys, twin double-oval exhaust pipes, a three-spoke TECHART sports steering wheel and interior trim upgrades that include aluminium pedals and footrest and leather edged luxury logo floormats.

Further options include 22-inch body-colour wheels, an Aero or Turbo-look bonnet, plus a vast range of interior options from individual trim components to sumptuous full leather interiors created at TECHART's coachworks in Stuttgart.

We'd stop short of calling the finished article beautiful, but it certainly is distinctive…

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