Porsche Cayenne news - Cayenne in off-road shocker - 2007

All those who have decried the Porsche Cayenne for not being able to go off-road can now shut their faces.

Porsche must have taken exception to anyone questioning its engineering prowess because it's now come up with a limited edition Cayenne to tackle the Transsyberia Rally.

This gruelling 6,000-mile dash across Russia's worst terrain will be tackled by all 26 of the Cayenne S Transsyberia production run.

To cope with the demands of the event, all of the cars will be fitted with Porsche's air suspension and trick active suspension management to give their occupants a smoother ride.

The cars will also have a unique off-road mode to help provide traction in rough terrain, and roof-mounted snorkels will let the cars paddle in water up to 76cm deep.

The stripped-out, lightweight Cayennes have reinforced bodies, roll cages, underbody protection, roof lights and a winch on the front, so it's clear Porsche is determined to win the event and prove the Cayenne is a proper 4x4.

Anyone who fancies betting against Porsche should bear in mind that the German firm went desert racing with a 911, and won.