We love a Q car on PH. Old or new, big or small, there’s something eternally appealing about a lot of speed and not very much fuss. While typically a saloon or estate, the Q car can take on a few different shapes and sizes: the old V6-engined Audi A3s, for example, that look identical to diesels, and one or two Mercedes coupes that boasted V8 power with very unassuming styling.
Everyone has their preferred under-the-radar performance hero, be it a BMW wagon, Jaguar saloon or Audi two-door, though it’s hard to imagine the Porsche Cayenne ever featuring in a Q-car hitlist. They’ve just always seemed a bit too OTT, a bit brash to really deliver on the subtle speed brief. A Panamera is probably Porsche’s best stealthy option, either as a new prospect or secondhand.
But there have been 20 years of Cayennes now, and times change. While the latest cars, complete with GT Package, are more boastful than ever, the sheer popularity of Cayennes means its early impact has lessened. With so many of these Porsches, and similar-sized cars, now around, you don’t really think much of them these days. This 2011 example, an early version of the second-gen ‘E2’ car that now seems quite smart, could head the other way unnoticed.
There’s a little more to it than meets the eye, though, and plenty to pique the interest of PH. It’s a Turbo, first off, which means 500hp from a 4.8-litre V8 - good start. It’s been modified, too, with the addition of a Milltek exhaust and some ECU work, meaning it’ll now be producing more than 500hp as well as boast some additional V8 thunder. Definitely nice to have, however rarely seen on Cayennes.
And while the notion of a modified Porsche Cayenne probably throws up all manner of undesirable visions, this one goes without window tints, keeps relatively sensible wheels, and goes without even a ‘Turbo’ badge on the boot. Only the more prominent pipes give any clue as to its performance, and that’s really cool.
Plenty about this Cayenne suggests money has been spent on it, from an original spec that includes sunroof and Porsche boot protection to a service history that includes recent specialist upkeep. The colour combination that might not have broad appeal likely means only the most committed apply; for being a bit different, we think it looks quite smart. Two owners have kept it well for less than 50,000 miles, seemingly. Fast estates of course have their place for the family-minded PHer in a rush, though never has a Cayenne looked like quite such a persuasive alternative. Long live the modestly-specced turbo V8.
SPECIFICATION | PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO (E2)
Engine: 4,806cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 500@6,000rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 516@2,250-4,500rpm (standard)
MPG: 24.6
CO2: 270g/km
Recorded mileage: 47,000
Year registered: 2011
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £23,995
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