Porsche never intended its first SUV to haul cargo, but this custom diesel pickup proves otherwise.
Some custom builds solve problems manufacturers never addressed. Others answer questions nobody was asking in the first place. This heavily modified Porsche Cayenne falls into the second category. The Cayenne was Porsche's first SUV and played a major role in transforming the brand's fortunes, but one owner of a second-generation model apparently decided it was missing one important feature: a pickup bed. Now, the unusual creation has surfaced for sale in New Zealand.
The project started life as a 2011 Cayenne S powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. On paper, it wasn't a bad candidate for such a conversion. The engine produces 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The transformation involved removing the rear portion of the roof and eliminating the rear doors altogether. What was once a four-door SUV became a two-door pickup with an extended cab. Unsurprisingly, the cargo bed is fairly short. That's the compromise when you're trying to retain the donor vehicle's 114-inch wheelbase and overall length of 190.8 inches while also creating usable cargo space.
The rear hatch was reworked to serve as a tailgate, while a glass partition—likely borrowed from another pickup truck—was installed behind the cabin. Aside from those modifications, the body remains surprisingly clean, without any exaggerated styling additions or aftermarket bodywork.
One of the more interesting touches is the set of off-road tires mounted on the factory alloy wheels. They should provide additional grip on loose or slippery surfaces while working in conjunction with Porsche's electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management all-wheel-drive system.
Inside, the cabin remains largely stock. Black leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and the factory navigation system are all still present. The vehicle also features right-hand drive, making it suitable for roads in New Zealand and Australia.
The odometer shows approximately 126,800 miles, and the seller is asking NZ$50,000, which converts to roughly $30,000 USD at current exchange rates.
Whether that's a bargain or not is up for debate. Paying around $30,000 for a heavily modified 15-year-old Cayenne with well over 125,000 miles isn't likely to appeal to everyone. Then again, finding another Porsche Cayenne pickup anywhere in the world may be nearly impossible.