After seeing a lot of news about the recent storms in Europe, I can see why Roni Collin decided to build a lifted first-generation Porsche Cayenne Turbo to be his daily winter driver.
You see, Roni – you might recognize his name from his partial ownership of the SpeedHooked Pitstop – lives on an island in Finland connected to the mainland by a road. Sometimes in the fall or spring it disappears completely underwater, while in the winter the heavy snow can render a normal SUV impassable. Roni sets a goal not to get stuck even in the snow once This year, so far so good.
Visually, the Cayenne looks much tougher than it leaves the factory. That’s thanks in part to Eurowise’s 3-inch lift kit, as well as front and rear steel bumpers — the bumpers themselves have been shaved in half for a more aggressive off-road look and better clearance. Then there’s the color; the Cayenne was originally silver, but Roni repainted it in Porsche Black Olive.
However, the wheels may just be the standout detail. These are BBS center locks from a Porsche 997 Cup car, refinished in black and wrapped in a 33″ Yokohama Geolandar M/T.
Considering all the high powered Baja Design LED lights mounted up front, I don’t think the Roni has any issues seeing the road ahead, or not. Even the original headlights have been modified to accommodate a pair of BD amber LEDs.
At the back, you’ll find an FIA-spec Cartek fog light—another modification from a Porsche Cup car.
Under the hood, the original 4.8L V8 – good for around 500PS – remains largely unchanged, save for Roni’s relocated oil cooler and straight-pipe exhaust. It sounds brutal, but harmonious nonetheless.
The spacious cabin features a Porsche Cup car steering wheel with working paddle shifters and added heating for cold winter days. The front seats are Recaro Pole Positions, and the heating system has also been upgraded.
You’ll love the wooden gearshift knob, which is turned locally in Porvoo, similar to the one in early Porsche 917 Le Mans race cars.
Meanwhile, the dash has a custom hub that holds everything you need for your off-road adventures.
Roni didn’t intend to build the most powerful land vehicle, nor did he want to fully embrace the “bohemian” traveler vibe with rooftop tents and similar upgrades. He wanted the Cayenne to stand out on the street, excel in snowy conditions, and have some Porsche racing genes. I’d say all those boxes are ticked really well, really well.
if you want to know other Roni’s black and olive-green Porsche in his garage, which he calls the “911 GT2 Touring,” a car that doesn’t exist. It’s actually a 991.2 911 Turbo S with a GT2 RS bumper and GT3 RS front fenders, hood and polycarbonate rear window with a comfortable four-seater interior, so it’s called a Touring .
Cayenne for winter everyday, 911 for summer – Roni’s style is as good as it gets.
Vladimir Lyadov
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