Revival of the SUV through the Sonderwunsch program
Porsche has restored a 2009 Cayenne GTS SUV through its Sonderwunsch program. The car received a unique Blackolive paint job, matte black wheels, and off-road tires. The interior was completely redesigned using English green leather and Pasha fabric with olive accents.
Creative approach to restoration
This special project belongs to American entrepreneur and car collector Philip Sarofim. He handed over his Cayenne GTS with approximately 50,000 miles on it to Porsche and gave the team complete creative freedom, setting only one requirement – the car must have a tow hitch for towing his Airstream trailer.
Unique design features
The SUV received an exclusive Blackolive paint job that gives it a retro look. The lower part of the body and wheels have a matte black finish, and new off-road tires complete the look. The interior has been completely redesigned using English green leather and Pasha patterned fabric.
Alexander Fabig, Porsche Vice President of Individualization and Classic, noted: “Until now, we have mainly carried out such complex Factory Re-Commission projects for classic Porsches or rare models. The fact that we restored a 16-year-old Cayenne to like-new condition shows how diverse the dreams of Porsche enthusiasts are.”
Structure of the Sonderwunsch program
The Sonderwunsch program is divided into three areas: Factory Commission allows customization of new cars, Factory Re-Commission enables restoration of old models, and Factory One-Off develops unique parts to create one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Cost and completion time
Porsche does not disclose exact prices for such projects, but a company representative noted that the cost “varies depending on the vehicle and scope of work.” According to preliminary data, such projects often cost six-figure sums above the base price of the car. Completion times also depend on the complexity of the project and customer requests.
This project demonstrates how approaches to automotive restoration are changing – now not only classic sports models but also practical SUVs can get a second life. The restoration of the Cayenne GTS indicates the growing value of early models in this series among collectors. Similar initiatives may stimulate a different approach to car preservation, when even utilitarian models begin to be considered as objects of cultural heritage.