00:30 24-11-2025

Porsche’s Sonderwunsch turns a 2009 Cayenne GTS into a retro off-roader

Discover how Porsche’s Sonderwunsch reimagines a 2009 Cayenne GTS into a retro off-road build: Blackolive paint, Pasha interior, V8 inspected, desert-ready.

Porsche has once again shown that the Sonderwunsch program can do more than turn out rare 911s. This time, a plain 2009 Cayenne GTS entered the Factory Re-Commission project and emerged as an exclusive off-roader with a retro streak, built for the sands of the Middle East. The result reads cohesive rather than contrived, a neat reminder that Sonderwunsch stretches beyond the brand’s icon.

The client is American collector Phillip Sarofim, who asked for a 1970s vibe in the spirit of the 911 Spirit 70 concept. Porsche completely overhauled his Cayenne, which had just over 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, effectively returning the car to as-new condition. The body now wears a Blackolive shade with matte cladding, new wheels, and off-road tires. A U.S.-spec trailer hitch has been fitted—the owner plans to tow an Airstream across the Rub’ al Khali desert.

The cabin is a genuine design experiment: English green leather pairs with Porsche’s signature Pasha pattern, which decorates the seats and even the glovebox. Light aluminum finishes the look, delivering the feel of a well-made retro cockpit without leaning into restomod theatrics. It comes across as confident and unforced.

The engine appears to be the original naturally aspirated V8 from the GTS. Porsche notes that as part of a comprehensive restoration, the powertrain also undergoes a thorough inspection. The company does not disclose the price of such an exclusive build, making it clear the project is aimed at those who do not ask the cost.