Biturbo blitz from Chemnitz

-
By: CAR magazine

Saxon-based tuning firm Enco has produced their long-awaited latest in a relatively fresh line-up of modified vehicles since the company’s formation in 2000, the Porsche Cayenne-based 550 GT Biturbo.

Unmistakably an eye-catcher from any angle (albeit not to everyone’s tastes), the aerodynamic pack endows the 550 Biturbo with a “sportive” front apron with large cooling vents – so serious off-roading will be a complete no-no – a carbon-strengthened lightweight bonnet, wide fender flares and an ENCO rear spoiler with integrated diffuser and slots for quad exhaust exits.

The exhaust system specialist has made allowances for the adoption of sport baffle, sport catalysts, high performance manifold and optimized engine characteristics for increased efficiency. Unfortunately for Enco the, 550 GT Biturbo leaves its Chemnitz premises about two months too late to claim the “most powerful Porsche SUV” gong, as Porsche’s latest Cayenne incarnation, the Turbo S, remains more powerful. Nonetheless, the 550 Biturbo’s 4,8-litre V8 produces a very respectable 405 kW at 6 100 r/min and 730 N.m of torque from 2 300 r/min – enough to dispatch 100 km/h from standstill in 4,9 seconds and a top whack of 282 km/h.

The sport braking system in the 550 Biturbo uses brakes discs measuring 400mm up front and 380 mm at the rear with six-piston and four-piston calipers respectively. Enco has also used a sport module for the 550 Biturbo’s air suspension, which lowers the SUV by up to 50 mm closer to the tarmac and 23-inch light-alloy rims – sporting black varnish and white ornamental strip.

Only the highest-quality materials are used in Enco interiors, evident by the flawless stitching on the facia, creating a two-tone accent along with the two shaded of the full leather upholstery. New to Enco, are integrated front headrest monitors which feature DVD compatibility, TV tuner and game console connectivity. Prices for the conversion start at a cool R2 million.

Related Articles
R17

Renault’s Electric R17 is an Ode to the 1970s