In 2002, the love of off-roading and the great outdoors in the Middle East was upheld even more with the launch of the Porsche Cayenne. It made a huge impact as the first capable and luxurious off-road sports car, intricately designed to traverse the region’s deserts and valleys.
To celebrate Cayenne’s 20th anniversary, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE challenged two of UAE’s big Porsche importers, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi (Ali & Sons) and Porsche Centre Dubai and the Northern Emirates (Al Naboodah Automobiles) to “breathe new life” to a fleet of first-generation (E1) Cayenne models that will showcase the car’s contribution to the region.
Eight carefully restored cars, and the latest generation of the SUV were displayed as star attractions during the Icons of Porsche Festival in Dubai in November 2022. Guests were able to take them on exhilarating off-road drives together with expert drivers.
The two teams faced a big challenge in sourcing good condition first-generation models in the beginning because they had to meet strict requirements such as the cars having Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) specs. Nonetheless, they were able to surpass the trial.
Each car was retrofitted to highlight impressive off road capabilities through utilizing accessories and modifying where necessary.
Team Al Naboodah Automobiles worked on 3 Cayenne S models and one GTS. Their modifications focused on ground clearance and underbody protection through using lift kits and off-road wheels. In terms of powertrain, their models proved to still be very capable.
Meanwhile, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi kept the revisions to one of the cars to a bare minimum in order to demonstrate how the original Cayenne has aged well over the past two decades. A limited edition and powder coated matte black 8J x 18 57 Porsche Classic wheels that feature a laser-engraved Porsche logo have been fitted to the E1. Graphics were also added—they come in a range of three decal sets, ‘Adventure’ (Guards Red), ‘Rallye’ (Ice Race Blue), and ‘Hunt’ (Hunting Car Olive).
Other cars were completed with a roof tent, 30 mm spacers to the rear wheels and 25 mm spacers at the front for a wider stance, and locally modified tubular bumper bars to improve clearance, among others.
Transformation Through Customization
The challenge opened a really exciting project that revealed a number of potential buyers lining up to purchase the restored Cayenne SUVs.
The resto-mod treatment for the eight Cayenne first-gen models demonstrated the possibilities of transformation through customization. This 2023, Porsche Classic is set to expand its off road accessory range—something for enthusiasts to look forward to!