About the Transsyberia

The Cayenne Transsyberia nameplate represents two distinct vehicles: the 26 factory-built rally raid customer race cars and the 285 road-legal special edition released for the 2010 model year, which commemorated Porsche's unprecedented rally victories.

The rally cars were purpose-built competition vehicles with stripped interiors, full safety cages, and extensive modifications for extreme off-road conditions. These were never street-legal. The road edition was a highly optioned variant of the Cayenne S that brought rally-inspired styling and enhanced off-road capability to public roads.

Unveiled: Paris Motor Show, October 2008
Model Year: 2010
North American Launch: Spring 2009
Total Production: 285 units built worldwide (out of an initial planned cap of 600)
North American Allocation: 119 units — 102 for the US and 17 for Canada
Rest of World: 166 units delivered to Europe, Asia, and other international markets

Following three consecutive rally victories, Porsche introduced the Cayenne S Transsyberia special edition. Critically, it did not use the standard Cayenne S engine. Instead, it received the 4.8L V8 from the Cayenne GTS, producing 405 hp (301 kW) @ 6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm. This powertrain enabled 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds with the 6-speed manual and 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed Tiptronic S automatic, with a top speed of 157 mph — impressive for a luxury SUV of that era.

The 6-speed Tiptronic S automatic was the standard transmission, with a 4.11:1 final drive ratio for optimal off-road acceleration; a 6-speed manual was a no-cost option and is exceptionally rare. Air suspension with PASM came standard, continuously adjusting damper forces and offering up to 10.7 inches (271 mm) of ground clearance in the special off-road level. The PTM all-wheel drive system distributed torque with a 62% rear bias for enhanced driving dynamics.

An optional "Off-Road Technology Package" (PT3) was available, adding an electronically controlled, variable locking rear differential, heavy-duty underbody skid plates, rocker panel sill protection, and an extra reinforced fuel tank guard. These weren't cosmetic additions but functional upgrades enabling genuine backcountry capability.

The Transsyberia was offered in four exclusive two-tone color combinations designed to mimic the rally livery: Black with Orange accents (the "Hero" color used in most marketing), Crystal Silver Metallic with Orange accents, Black with Meteor Grey Metallic accents (a more subtle "stealth" spec), and Meteor Grey Metallic with Crystal Silver Metallic accents. Each combination was drawn directly from the factory rally livery.

Distinctive visual features included contrasting-painted 18-inch Cayenne S II lightweight alloy wheels (in Orange or Meteor Grey), air intake vent fins, exterior mirror housings, and an extended bi-plane roof spoiler, all riding on the wider front and rear track widths borrowed from the Cayenne GTS. A factory dual-twin sport exhaust system with matte black or polished stainless quad tips (also from the GTS) sat out back. Decorative "Cayenne S Transsyberia" side strips were available at no cost (delete option available). Off-road roof lights with four integrated lights were standard on vehicles without moonroofs. In North America, those roof-mounted auxiliary off-road lights were delivered inside the cargo area rather than pre-installed, since they were not street legal for on-road use in several jurisdictions.

Inside, sport seats featured Alcantara inserts, and the multifunction steering wheel wore an Alcantara cover with a contrasting-colored twelve o'clock marker, like the race-ready rally vehicles. Diamond-pattern aluminum interior trim, orange or grey seat belts, and floor mats with stitched "Transsyberia" script rounded out the unique appointments. Dials and gauges were often color-matched to the exterior accents, with seat belts and contrast stitching in the accent color.

Porsche originally planned an initial run of 600 units, but production was drastically reduced globally, with only 285 examples built worldwide as 2010 model year vehicles. Of these, 119 units went to North America — 102 to the US and 17 to Canada — with the remaining 166 units distributed across Europe, Asia, and other international markets. Within North America, just 3 cars were factory-equipped with the 6-speed manual gearbox, all Canadian-market vehicles, making manual Transsyberias extraordinarily rare. This dramatic reduction made the Transsyberia one of the rarest modern Porsche SUVs ever produced, rarer than many 911 GT variants.

When the Transsyberia debuted in early spring 2009, it carried an MSRP of $70,800—a premium justified by the limited production run and rally heritage. The production model retained the reinforced A and B pillars from the factory rally Cayenne, which proved their worth during competition. This robust bodyshell provided exceptional protection, a key selling point for buyers seeking proven durability.

Today, finding an original Transsyberia in unmolested condition presents a significant challenge. Many have been modified, crashed, or simply worn out through hard use over their 15+ years in service. The Black/Orange combination remains the most iconic and sought after by collectors. Market values command a premium over a standard Cayenne GTS of the same era due to rarity, rally provenance, and the enduring "Safari" trend in collector car culture.

These vehicles represent a pivotal moment in Porsche history. The company proved its SUV could dominate one of the world's most demanding rallies three consecutive years, then brought that proven technology and engineering directly to customers in production form. For 285 owners worldwide, the Transsyberia legacy lives on.

Porsche's marketing campaign emphasized the vehicle's motorsport heritage and rally-proven durability. The Transsyberia received coverage in automotive media including Christophorus Magazine (Porsche's official magazine), with features highlighting the rally program and the limited production road vehicle.

Porsche released rally footage and promotional materials showcasing the Cayenne's extreme off-road capabilities through footage from the Transsyberia Rally events, which was used in dealership presentations to demonstrate the platform's capabilities.

Verify the 4.8L GTS V8 (not the standard Cayenne S engine) and confirm air suspension with PASM. Check for the distinctive two-tone color schemes, contrasting exterior accents, and Alcantara interior with twelve o'clock steering wheel marker.

Common listings are mislabeled. Always verify with build data and documentation. All genuine Transsyberias were sold as 2010 model year vehicles, so be wary of any claimed 2008, 2009, 2011, or 2012+ Transsyberias without proper documentation.

When only 285 examples of something exist in the entire world, every single one matters. The Encyclopedia Transsyberia was founded on a simple belief: this chapter of Porsche history deserves to be preserved.

We started this registry because we kept seeing the same problems over and over. Transsyberias listed for sale with incorrect specifications. VIN numbers being misidentified. Authentic examples sitting forgotten in garages while their owners had no idea they owned one of only 285 ever built. Stories and provenance being lost with each change of ownership.

This is about more than collecting data. It's about connecting a scattered global community of owners and ensuring that in 20, 30, or 50 years from now, people can still trace the full history of these vehicles. Every Transsyberia has a story: the rally victories that inspired it, the engineering choices that shaped it, the roads it has traveled, and the people who have owned it.

Our goal is to document and verify all 285 vehicles, wherever they are in the world. When you register your vehicle here, you're doing more than adding a database entry. You're preserving a piece of automotive history and joining a community that understands what makes these vehicles special.