The 530-bhp Stage Two package provides a significant boost over the standard car, though, and what impressed me most was how seamlessly this conversion works. While there are mechanical modifications involved, the ECU reprogramming is the vital part of any such work. When you drive a car as heavy as the Cayenne, every extra bit of power and torque helps, and the extra 80 bhp and 74 lb-ft are usefully felt every time you go into the throttle travel. The freer flowing exhaust system also allows boost pressure to be raised, and this is doubled from 0.4 bar to 0.8 bar with between 0.1 and 0.2 bar extra in over-boost. "The standard exhaust is very good," said Jan. "Our exhaust does not make any extra power but has a deeper, more sporty sound."
Thus modified, the Cayenne rockets to 60 mph in 5.1 sec. and tops out at 179 mph. Basically, this conversion takes the Cayenne Turbo from Boxster S to 911 Carrera performance.
Everyday driveability is one of the objectives of all 9ff conversions. It makes living with a very fast Porsche a perfectly natural thing to do.
Stylish and Spicy Strosek Auto Design CayenneForget about your grandfather's SUV; today's luxury SUV is sleek, aerodynamic and sexy (I'm having a marketing/advertising copywriter flashback). Living close to Beverly Hills, it's amazing how even a Cayenne can appear commonplace. Making a styling statement of a status symbol requires a bit of work.
The design firm of Vittorio Strosek, in the Porsche styling business for over 20 years, recently introduced its rendition of the Cayenne. Gone are the criminally vulgar Strosek Porsches of the '80s, now replaced by subtle restyling with aerodynamic parts and signature Strosek lighting.
The front of the Strosek Cayenne is treated to a spoiler (two models for S and Turbo,) both with and without foglights and headlight moldings. For the S model, there is an optional front center air intake. The profile of the Cayenne is modified with side skirts and Strosek sport mirrors. Moving around back, there's a lot more happening with a roof-mounted spoiler (with cutout for the third brakelight) and rear valence/diffuser and a tailgate cover.
True to its round-light philosophy, Strosek designed a taillight housing with round lights. For those wishing a more conventional look, there is a set of Strosek blackout taillights.
Recognizing that most don't go off road, Strosek's Cayenne features an H&R suspension with progressive-wound springs that lower the vehicle by 40mm. Soon H&R will introduce a set of anti-roll bars, which are adjustable front and rear. Rolling stock consists of 20- or 22-in. diameter O.Z. wheels, with Dunlop SP 9000 tires.
Performance modifications are limited to two different exhausts; a 550-bhp program for the Turbo is nearing completion. Look for it by the time this goes to press.
Best known to ec readers as a BMW tuner, the firm of Richard Hamann has full tuning programs for several other marques, including Ferrari, Range Rover, Mini and even Porsche.
While the Strosek Cayenne is clearly intended for street use, the Hamann Cayenne appears to be designed for a rugged, post-apocalyptic world where performance, style and the ability to crash into things and remain unscathed reign supreme.