Porsche Cayenne Diesel owners wanting to personalise their car can now order performance and styling upgrades from tuning company Techart. There is a power kit that offers increased performance and an aerodynamic styling kit, the Aerokit1, with a distinctive look.
Aerokit1 comprises a deeper front spoiler with additional cooling vents and new driving and fog lamps. Side skirts and a rear valance with integrated diffuser are claimed to improve under-body aerodynamics. A roof spoiler also helps manage airflow over the vehicle.
Other visual changes include headlight and taillight trim, 21-inch alloy wheels and twin double oval exhaust pipes. Inside, a three-spoke Techart steering wheel, aluminium pedals and leather-edged logoed floor mats add a touch of distinction. Customers can choose to further personalise their Cayenne with 22-inch body coloured wheels, a different bonnet and a range of interior options.
For cars with air suspension Aerokit1 includes a control model to allow three positions. There is a setting to lower the body, reducing roll and improving aerodynamics. When stationary, the vehicle is lowered even more, both to ease access and to emphasise the styling changes.
Techart offers a power kit to boost the output of the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Power is up from 240bhp to 290bhp and torque is increased from 406lb.ft to 465lb.ft. The result is a claimed 0.6 second reduction in the 0-62mph acceleration time (7.7 seconds instead of 8.3) compared with the standard car. It is also claimed that flexibility and mid-range acceleration are enhanced. Despite this the economy and emissions figures are unchanged, with 30.4mpg on the combined cycle and an official CO2 figure of 244g/km.
An engine bay styling pack is available to customers who fit the power kit. This includes a carbon fibre engine cover with red embellishments and a Techart logo.
Both Aerokit1 and the power kit are available individually for existing Cayenne owners: the power upgrade costs £2,500 while the styling changes will set you back £15,000. If you prefer, you can order a new Cayenne with Aerokit1 for £53,000 and include the power kit for an extra £2,000.
The styling changes may not be to everyone's taste but the performance modifications look worthwhile. It might not quite combine the performance of the V8 models with the economy of the diesel, but it does close the gap. Techart upgrades are available in the UK from Tech9 Motorsport.
John Lambert - 7 Jul 2009