Quick Answer: The Porsche Cayenne 957 is the 2007 to 2010 facelift of the original Cayenne. It looks cleaner than the earlier 955 and adds direct fuel injection to several gas engines. The range includes the 405 PS GTS, 500 hp Turbo, and 542 hp Turbo S.
In this article, we’ll explain the Porsche Cayenne 957, the refreshed version of Porsche’s first SUV. We’ll cover the model range, what changed from the 955, and what to inspect before buying.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Years: the 957 is the 2007 to 2010 update of the first Cayenne.
- Big change: Porsche added direct fuel injection and revised the exterior.
- V8 choice: the Cayenne S has a 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8.
- Driver’s pick: the GTS makes 405 PS and has a lower, firmer setup.
- Fastest: the Turbo S makes 542 hp in Porsche’s US figures.
- Buying rule: service history beats a low asking price every time.
What the Porsche Cayenne 957 Name Means
Porsche fans use 955 for the original Cayenne and 957 for its facelift. Porsche introduced the revised truck in 2007, then sold it until the second-generation Cayenne arrived for 2011. The 957 is still a first-generation Cayenne, so it shares the same basic shape and tough, old-school cabin feel.
The update is easy to spot once you know the cars. Porsche gave it revised headlights and LED rear lights. It also received new front and rear trim, mirrors, fenders, side sills, and a rear spoiler. You can see the family story in our broader Porsche Cayenne guide.
What Changed in 2007
The 957 was more than a bumper job. Porsche used direct fuel injection for the first time in the Cayenne and said the change improved fuel economy by up to eight percent. The established engines gained power, while Porsche added new choices around them.
The refreshed range brought the Cayenne GTS and later the Cayenne Diesel. The GTS used a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8. The Diesel arrived in 2009 and was Porsche’s first diesel production car. US shoppers will see far fewer diesels than European shoppers.
That makes the 957 a useful dividing line in the used market. It still has the original Cayenne’s chunky character, but it got a cleaner exterior and a broader engine range. It is not a cheap SUV just because an early example can be cheap to buy.
Porsche Cayenne 957 Models and Engines
Porsche offered a wide spread of power and personalities. The base Cayenne used a V6. The S and GTS used naturally aspirated V8s, while the Turbo and Turbo S used twin-turbo V8 power. All of them are heavy, all-wheel-drive SUVs, but they do not feel like the same vehicle on the road.
Here are Porsche’s published facelift figures for the core V8 models.
| Model | Engine character | Porsche launch figure | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne S | 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 | 385 PS | The straightforward V8 route |
| Cayenne GTS | 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 | 405 PS | A firmer, sportier setup |
| Cayenne Turbo | Twin-turbo V8 | 500 hp | Effortless speed |
| Cayenne Turbo S | Twin-turbo V8 | 542 hp | The range-topper |
The GTS is the sweet spot for a driver who wants a 957 with personality. Porsche rated its output at 405 PS, also expressed as 399 hp. It gives you naturally aspirated V8 response without the Turbo’s extra heat, plumbing, and boost hardware. See our Porsche Cayenne GTS guide for the later generations too.
The Turbo and Turbo S are serious machines. Porsche’s 2022 history puts the facelift Turbo S at 542 hp. Buy one because its history is excellent, not because its badge looks expensive.
Why the Cayenne GTS Stands Out
The 957 GTS gave the first Cayenne a different job. It sat lower and focused more on road driving than the regular S. Porsche also offered it with a six-speed manual, which is a big deal for anyone who wants an SUV that feels a little less appliance-like.
A clean GTS makes sense when you want the first Cayenne at its best. It has enough power, a V8 soundtrack, and less complication than a Turbo. It is still a heavy luxury SUV, so tire, brake, suspension, and cooling bills can hit hard.
Transsyberia and the Off-Road Side
The Cayenne’s oddest 957 chapter was the Transsyberia. Porsche entered the 2007 Transsyberia Rally with Cayenne S race cars and later sold a road-going special edition. The rally route ran from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar, and Porsche says seven Cayennes finished in the top 10 in 2007.
The road version used the GTS engine at 405 PS and borrowed the GTS’s shorter axle ratio. Porsche built 285 examples. It is a cool collector car, but a regular S or GTS is the sensible place to start if you want to drive one often.
Buying a Porsche Cayenne 957
Start with records, not paint
Ask for invoices, not promises. You want evidence of regular servicing and a clear explanation for repairs to the cooling system, suspension, driveline, and electronics. A clean body does not tell you whether the expensive work was done.
Get a Porsche specialist to inspect the car before money changes hands. Have them scan every module, check for leaks, and inspect the air suspension if fitted. Drive it long enough to feel how the transfer case and transmission behave. For a general checklist, use our used Porsche buying guide.
Choose the right level of complexity
The V8 S and GTS are already complex old performance trucks. The Turbo adds turbochargers and more heat. The Turbo S adds more performance again. That does not make a Turbo bad, but it does make a neglected one a bad gamble.
Do not buy by mileage alone. A higher-mileage 957 with complete records and recent specialist work can be a stronger car than a low-mileage example that sat unused. Leave room in the budget after purchase. These are old Porsches, not old economy cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Porsche Cayenne 957?
The Porsche Cayenne 957 is the facelifted first-generation Cayenne sold from 2007 to 2010. It has revised styling, direct fuel injection on several gas engines, and more power across much of the range.
Is the Porsche Cayenne 957 better than the 955?
Yes, the Porsche Cayenne 957 is usually the better first-generation choice because it is newer and received the 2007 technical update. Condition and service records still count more than the badge on the tailgate.
Which Porsche Cayenne 957 engine is best?
The Porsche Cayenne 957 S is a sensible V8 choice, while the GTS adds a sharper setup and 405 PS. The Turbo and Turbo S are much faster but bring more expensive systems to inspect.
What is the Porsche Cayenne Transsyberia?
The Porsche Cayenne Transsyberia is a limited 2009 road-going special edition inspired by Porsche’s Transsyberia Rally cars. It used the 405 PS GTS V8 and Porsche built 285 examples.
What should I check on a Porsche Cayenne 957 before buying?
Check the service history, cooling system, suspension, transfer case behavior, electronics, and every warning light on a Porsche Cayenne 957. A Porsche specialist inspection is worth the money before any purchase.
Images: Porsche Cayenne GTS Design Edition 3 by Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0. Porsche Cayenne S 2008 by order_242, CC BY-SA 2.0. 2008 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia by Stande99, CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
