James’ Porsche Cayenne 957 Trans-Australia Overland Build | NSW, Australia

Australia has a way of exposing weak builds quickly. Long distances, relentless heat, corrugated roads, deep sand, and endless towing miles don’t care about aesthetics or social media appeal. They reward preparation, engineering, and restraint.

Starting in early 2025, James from New South Wales set out to cross the entire Australian continent in his Porsche Cayenne 957 — not as a support vehicle, not as a weekend explorer, but as a fully committed overlander. What followed was a journey that validated every decision made during the build process.

This Cayenne wasn’t built to look capable. It was built to stay capable, day after day, kilometer after kilometer.

A Build Defined by Distance

From coastal highways to inland tracks, James’ Cayenne has lived under load. Fully packed, frequently towing a caravan, and driven across environments that punish suspension, cooling systems, and chassis components alike, this build reflects a single guiding principle: function before everything else.

Rather than chasing extreme lift heights or unnecessary complexity, the focus was on balance — keeping the vehicle predictable, durable, and comfortable enough to survive long days behind the wheel.

Suspension That Carries the Journey

At the core of the build is Akioverland’s 3-inch air suspension lift kit with integrated subframe drop. This system was chosen not for visual impact, but for what it preserves.

By correcting driveline angles and maintaining proper CV geometry, the Cayenne remains smooth and composed even when heavily loaded or towing. The lift provides meaningful clearance where it’s needed, while the subframe drop ensures longevity — an often-overlooked detail that becomes critical on a trip measured in months rather than weekends.

This setup allows the Cayenne to travel far without fatigue, both mechanically and physically.

Australian Ingenuity, Owner Built

What elevates this build further is the fact that James installed the majority of the components himself. This isn’t a shop-only project — it’s the result of hands-on understanding and practical decision-making.

True to Australian overland tradition, James fabricated a custom steel-tube snorkel and airbox system, ensuring clean airflow in dusty conditions. He also added a custom transmission cooler, a critical upgrade for long-distance towing in high ambient temperatures.

These aren’t cosmetic additions. They’re solutions born from experience.

Protection That Earns Its Place

Australia doesn’t forgive exposed components, and James prepared accordingly.

Up front, a full-height tubular bumper provides structural protection and confidence when navigating remote tracks. Beneath the engine, a front skid plate shields vital components from rocks, washouts, and unexpected impacts. Along the sides, rocker protection defends the lower body where damage is most likely to occur.

At the rear, the Cayenne is fitted with an Akioverland rear tubular bumper — a component that has proven its strength in the most honest way possible. Throughout the journey, it has been used to tow a caravan across Australia, carrying sustained load without compromise. No flex, no fatigue, no excuses.

Wheels Built for Weight and Reality

A long-distance overland build lives and dies by its wheels.

James’ Cayenne runs a custom set of Akioverland Fuchs-Reimagined forged off-road wheels, engineered specifically for heavy use. With a 1860 lb load rating per wheel, they are designed to handle the combined demands of gear, fuel, passengers, and towing — not just static vehicle weight.

These wheels aren’t about nostalgia or styling. They’re about trust. When you’re hundreds of kilometers from assistance, that matters.