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Porsche Preps Cayenne S for Transsyberia Rally

Though the Cayenne might be best known for performance capabilities andoutlandish horsepower and torque output levels for the Turbo and Turbo S models, it is one of the most competent off-roading machines on the market, unlike the Audi Q7 or BMW X5. Developed in collaboration with Volkswagen's Touareg, it can be had with a multi-level air suspension, a series of complex locking differentials, and a heavy-duty off-roading package that includes sway bars that can be decoupled for greater articulation. Indeed, the Cayenne is a Porsche that is able to climb and ford better than most luxury sport utility vehicles, save the Land Rover Range Rover.

And while the Cayenne is one of Porsche's

A Cayenne S Transsyberia, strutting its stuff. (Photo: Porsche)

best selling vehicles, it was never initially entered in any major motorsport events, like the 911. This changed last year, however, when two privately owned and privately modified Cayennes were entered into the Transsyberia rally and won.Spurred by the victory, Porsche decided to series produce 26 units of the new, facelifted Cayenne S to compete in this year's event. Mechanically speaking, these SUVs are very close to stock. The new V8 engine with direct injection produces 385 horsepower and includes

Less luxury, but it's still far more comfortable than a race car. (Photo: Porsche)

a lightweight sport exhaust. Like all Cayenne S models, this one has a six-speed automatic, although its final drive is different than the production car.

Given that these Cayennes are going to compete in an actual race, Porsche took precautions to ensure that the vehicles would be up to regulation in terms of safety and capability. Amongst the list of improvements made in-house are stronger underbody protection plus reinforced A- and B-pillars, as well as a bolted-in roll cage to protect the passengers should the car have an accident at high speeds. A re-routed electrical system and a handbrake were also fitted.

It won't be too hard to tell the Cayenne S Transsyberias

Based on the success of the privately run Cayenne in the 2006 Transsyberia Rally, Porsche is building 26 new SUVs to compete. (Photo: Porsche)

apart from the otherparticipants; they're either silver or black with bright orange mirrors, wheels, intake vents and side trim. Each of the 26 Transsyberias also include a roof-mounted snorkel that allows these special vehicles to ford up to 30 inches of water, a high-power roof-mounted light bar for improved visibility and a large winch, for when the off-roading gear isn't enough. Inside, Porsche has stripped out a good deal of the standard equipment such as power windows and the stereo. Instead of having a back seat, Porsche fitted a pair of reserve fuel tanks, plus two spare wheels, because the going can get rather tough on these long distance journeys.

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