JE Design makes the Porsche Cayenne stand out

In Turbo form, the 2009 Porsche Cayenne is possibly one of the most extreme vehicles on the market today. Weighing 5200-lbs yet capable of reaching 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the $94,595, 5.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 powered machine is among the fastest SUVs money can buy, wraps the driver in luxurious leather, and yet remains surprisingly capable off-road. But if owning the ultimate go-fast hauler just isn't enough for you, you might want to check out Germany's JE Design -- best known for restyling cars from the Volkswagen group like the Touareg and Q7, now the tuner is taking a stab at their platform-mate with its new, JE Design Porsche Cayenne 957.

Joining a long list of tuner Porches on the market, the JE Design Cayenne 957 features a host of (mercifully) subtle styling changes that give the SUV a more muscular appearance. A new front end spoiler features a center resembling a skid plate that can be painted a different color from the rest of the body, along with LED daytime running lights. A new, smaller grille and masks surrounding the edges of the headlights also make the car look lower and less like an off-roader. This theme continues with new side sills, an extended rear apron with diffuser, and available dual oval tailpipes that blend with the upgraded gear better than those from the factory. JE Design is also giving buyers the chance to embrace the LED revolution, with the tiny bulbs available as optional entry lights on the door sills and running along the rear apron.

Of course if the 957 looks lower than a normal Cayenne, it's not just because of styling upgrades -- to make the large SUV more nimble, the tuner has lowered its body and center of gravity by 35mm via an electronic lowering module, and added a stainless steel coilover suspension with adjustable compression. This setup can bring the car an additional 30 to 70mm closer to the ground, although those who prefer a fixed setting can opt for normal, lower springs instead. To maintain grip the tuner also includes its special SUV-Select wheels -- a five-spoke, one-piece cast design specifically designed to aid the performance of heavyweight machines. Available in either polished "shadow silver" or matte black, the set comes equipped with 295/30 R22 XL tires.

No self-respecting tuner comes without a substantially upgraded interior, and JE Design promises that their Cayenne will not disappoint in this department. Still being designed, the company isn't currently ready to provide details on the new cockpit, but it should feature a generous helping of carbon fiber. However there is one thing the Cayenne 957 treatment seems to be missing -- extra power. Fellow German tuner Enco recently released their take on the Cayenne, called the 550 GT BiTurbo, fitting the SUV with a less-restrictive exhaust that bumps output by 50 horsepower and 22 lb-ft. of torque (to 550 and 538, respectively). JE Design's treatment, on the other hand, focuses primarily on styling upgrades and new suspension components. Of course the lowered ride height and adjustable compression coilovers should noticeably improve handling, and it's not like the Cayenne isn't scary fast already. For more info on the JE Design Cayenne 957, check it out here.