The term “Transsyberia†stands for the intercontinental rally from Moscow to the Mongolian Capital of Ulan Bator about 7200 kilometres away. In 2006 a Porsche Cayenne won this highly demanding off-road rally for the first time. Then, entering the competition model for the Transsyberia Rally in 2007, production-based Cayenne Ses finished the rally in first, second and third places. And now, just a few weeks ago, the rally vehicle optimised to an even higher standard scored its third overall victory in the Rally; it even clinched the next five positions in the overall standings!
Porsche is now presenting the new Cayenne S Transsyberia at the Paris Motor Show (4 – 19 October 2008). Like the rally model, the road-going version is also based on the Cayenne S with its 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V8 featuring Direct Fuel Injection. The difference, however, is that the new Transsyberia has the power unit from the Cayenne GTS, developing 405bhp at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 500Nm at 3500 rpm.
In conjunction with the final drive (also carried over from the GTS but shortened by 15 per cent to 4.1:1), the Cayenne S Transsyberia offers a 0-100kph run of 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. This is 0.5 seconds faster than the Cayenne S. The manual Cayenne S Transsyberia completes the sprint from 80-120kph in fifth gear in 6.6 seconds, two seconds faster than the Cayenne S. The top speed of the Cayenne S Transsyberia remains the same as the GTS’s 253kph. The six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission is available as an option.
Apart from the Black/Orange and Crystal Silver Metallic/Orange rally colour combinations, the customer also has the choice of the more discreet Black/Meteor Grey Metallic and Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic combinations. With the 
exception of the Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic colour combination, the 18-inch Cayenne S II wheels come in each case in a contrasting colour, as do the side plates on the air intake grid, the “Cayenne S Transsyberia†model designation applied as a no-cost option at the side, the exterior mirror housings and the upper part of the extended roof spoiler with its double wing profile fixed in position. The off-road roof headlights so characteristic of the competition model are likewise available as a no-cost option. A sports exhaust with twin dual tailpipes featured as standard.
The Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia comes as standard with air suspension including PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management for electronic adjustment of the damper system: as a function of driving conditions and the driver’s personal style of motoring, PASM actively and continuously adjusts damper forces, also reducing body dive in the process. Self-levelling ensures consistent ride height at all times, while at the same time enabling the driver to vary ground clearance as required. PTM Porsche Traction Management distributes engine torque actively, depending on driving conditions, between the front and rear axle. In the basic mode 62 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the 
rear wheels, 38 per cent to the front. A fully controlled longitudinal lock varies the distribution of drive power as a function of driving conditions and may be locked completely if necessary. As soon as the driver activates the low-gear ratio that is standard, the vehicle automatically switches to the off-road mode on ABS and the automatic brake differential, and sets the air suspension to off-road ground clearance.
The optional Off-road Technology Package enhances the superior off-road qualities of the Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia featured as standard from the start to an even higher level by means of 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 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.
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, in turn, is padded and finished in alcantara. The steering wheel additionally features a 12 o’clock mark in one of the contrasting colours.
The model will be introduced into markets by 15 April 2009. The basic retail prices for the Cayenne S Transsyberia is 79,448 US Dollars, and 81,799 US Dollars if you opt for the Tiptronic. All prices are valid for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region and exclude value added tax as well as country-specific requirements.
