by Unique pickup truck based on the Porsche Cayenne: Is it worth attention?
Some automotive projects are born from an answer to a question. This one, however, arose from a question that Porsche never even thought to ask. The Cayenne became the brand’s first SUV, taking the company’s sales to new heights. But one owner of the second generation decided this car was missing a cargo bed. The result is now for sale in New Zealand.
Technical basis and transformation
The basis for the project was a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine. This is, without exaggeration, the right choice for such a task: 240 hp (179 kW) and 550 Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic. A powertrain that no longer tries to be a “real Porsche” but works like a workhorse.
The transformation involved cutting off the rear portion of the roof and removing the rear doors. What was once a five-door SUV has now become a two-door pickup truck with an extended cab. The cargo bed turned out short, as the wheelbase (2895 mm) and overall length (4846 mm) remained unchanged.
Functionality and details
The tailgate was reworked to actually open, and a partition with glass appeared behind the cab, likely borrowed from some pickup truck. The body panels remained original, without any additional body kits, making the conversion quite restrained.
Another interesting detail is the off-road tires on standard alloy wheels. These, along with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system, should provide good traction on slippery surfaces.
Interior and cost
The interior remained mostly unchanged: black leather, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and factory navigation. The steering wheel is on the right side, making the car suitable for New Zealand roads. Unfortunately, the listing has no photos of the space behind the front seats, so it is unknown if there is a bench or additional storage space.
The mileage of this Cayenne is 204,000 km (126,759 miles). It is sold by the dealer Christchurch European for NZ$49,996 (approximately US$29,800 at the current exchange rate). According to the seller, the owner spent over NZ$80,000 (US$47,700) on certifying the vehicle in the country, so it is fully road-legal. However, nearly $30,000 for a 15-year-old “chopped” Cayenne with over 120,000 miles is not for everyone.
Interestingly, this is not even the strangest Cayenne to appear recently. A four-door convertible based on the first generation with wooden panels recently crossed the block in California and sold for about $11,000.
This project evokes mixed feelings: on one hand, it is a bold and technically complex transformation that required significant expense. On the other hand, the practical value of such a vehicle remains questionable. The short cargo platform limits its utility, and the high price makes it more of a collector’s exhibit than a work tool. However, for some, it might be an ideal way to stand out on the road, combining brand prestige with unexpected functionality.
