Transsyberia success spawns limited edition Porsche Cayenne S

A Porsche Cayenne has won the notoriously difficult Transsyberia rally three years on the trot. The rally, which runs over a 7200km route from Moscow to Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, has been won over three consecutive years by Cayennes, with the Porsche SUVs also taking second and third positions in 2007 and the first six places this year (more here).

Marking this impressive record of success, Porsche will release a limited production run of the Cayenne S early next year, with the car to be unveiled to the public at the Paris motor show next month (October 4 - 19).

The Cayenne S Transsyberia will be powered by the 4.8-litre direct-injection petrol V8 from the Cayenne GTS, developing 298kW of power at 6500rpm and 500Nm of torque at 3500rpm. A 4.1:1 ratio (lower ratio) final drive is also lifted from the Cayenne GTS for the limited edition model, ensuring stronger straight-line performance. Porsche will sell the Cayenne S Transsyberia with a Tiptronic S transmission, but also plans to offer a manual transmission for no extra cost.

With the GTS mechanicals, the Cayenne S Transsyberia will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 6.5 seconds -- 0.3 seconds faster than the standard Cayenne S -- and the top speed is 251km/h, the same as for the GTS.

Other features added to the Cayenne S specification to arrive at the Cayenne S Transsyberia include: standard dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch Cayenne S II alloy wheels, self-levelling air suspension with active suspension management (PASM), side-sill protection with integrated side 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.

Porsche has decided upon a range of four colour schemes for the new model: Black/Orange, Crystal Silver Metallic/Orange, Black/Meteor Grey Metallic and Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic.

For three of the four colour schemes, the wheels are finished in a contrasting colour, the exception being the Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic combination (pictured).

Porsche offers the Cayenne S Transsyberia with the no-cost option of model designation appliqués to suit side, exterior mirror and dual wing rear roof spoiler applications. Roof-mounted 'spotties' are a further no-cost option.

Porsche Traction Management is fitted as standard and an Offroad Technology Package is available as an option, featuring an electronically-operated differential lock for the rear axle, manually selectable by the driver.

Changes to the interior highlight the car's competition heritage with the steering wheel is bound in alcantara and the material also the trim of choice throughout the car. The dash, door moulds, instruments, seatbelts and foot mat surrounds are all finished in the same contrasting colour as applied to the exterior.

Locally, Porsche will introduce the Cayenne S Transsyberia in March 2009, priced at $165,900. That price is based on the 33 per cent Luxury Car Tax, yet Porsche expects the cars to sell quickly.

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