When it comes to pushing the limits of what's possible with a luxury SUV, few platforms are as versatile and underrated as the Porsche Cayenne S 957. Once a premium family cruiser, the Cayenne has been reimagined by off-road enthusiasts around the world—and Akioverland and @cocayenne has taken this transformation to the next level.

This is the story of a dual-phase build that has proven itself from the harsh terrains of the Kuwaiti and Saudi deserts to the stylish streets of the city—without compromising performance, capability, or identity.

Vehicle Overview: Porsche Cayenne S 957

The base vehicle is a second-generation Porsche Cayenne S (957) equipped with a V8 engine and full-time AWD. Known for its balance of on-road refinement and off-road capability, this platform was the perfect canvas for an overland transformation.

Stage 1: The Overland-Ready Off-Road Beast

The first iteration of the build was tailored for serious overlanding and desert expeditions. It featured the following upgrades:

Suspension and Drivetrain Mods

• Akioverland 2.5” Nitrogen Coilovers (custom-tuned for comfort and control at high speed on desert terrain)
• Akioverland Front Adjustable Upper Control Arms
• Akioverland Rear Control Arms
• Akioverland V2 Subframe, Engine, and Transmission Drop Kit

Off-Road Equipment & Accessories

• Roof Rack + Rooftop Tent + Dual Side Awnings
• 33” BFGoodrich All-Terrain Tires on OZ Racing Wheels
• Custom Tubular Front & Rear Bumpers (fabricated locally in Kuwait)
• Rear-Mounted Spare Tire Carrier
• Cascadia 4x4 Solar Hood Panel for auxiliary power (https://ca.cascadia4x4.com/)
• Stedi Driving Lights mounted on the front bar (https://www.stedi.com.au/)
• Water Tanks and Fuel Canisters for long-distance journeys
• Custom Dual-Side Exit Exhaust system (cut after rear axle)

Performance and Utility

This setup allowed the Cayenne to excel in cross-border desert expeditions, from the shifting sands of Kuwait to the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia.

Phase 2: The Urban Evolution

Following extensive adventures in the Middle East, the Cayenne underwent a strategic transformation—trading its overland setup for a more minimalist, stylish city build, without sacrificing off-road prowess.

The updated specs include:

• Removal of rooftop accessories – Goodbye rooftop tent, fuel cans, water tanks, and spare carrier. This drastically reduced weight and drag.
• Tire upgrade to 35" all-terrain tires, significantly increasing ground clearance and attitude.
• Suspension retuned – Softer spring rates and damping settings optimized for daily driving comfort and light trail use.

What remains is a street-friendly off-road rig that still turns heads at every corner—and retains all the mechanical capability for adventure.

Why the Porsche Cayenne is the New Off-Road Hero

The Porsche Cayenne S 957 is proving itself to be a legitimate alternative to Land Cruisers and Wranglers. Its performance, weight distribution, power, and now, a growing aftermarket make it an ideal platform for off-road builds.

Whether you're building for the dunes, trails, or the streets of Dubai, the Cayenne 957 offers an incredible base for your overland dreams.