Swiss Tuner Rinspeed Chops the Porsche Cayenne to Create Chopster

As if the impact of the Chopster's bodywork weren't enough, Rinspeed has finished the genetically altered SUV with a coat

The one-off Splash concept was created to one-up the recent influx of land and water-capable vehicles. (Photo: Rinspeed)

of eye-catching metallic tangerine paint, and a set of massive rims. Massive is an understatement in this case as the Chopster rides on 10Jx23 (23-inch) five-spoke three-piece alloy wheels. These giants are wrapped in 305 width high-performance rubber with zero off-road capabilities. Such changes, as well as a bulged hood and an upgraded braking system, all point to signs that there's something equally sensational lurking beneath the Chopster's hulk-like skin.

As it stands, one of the fastest and best-handling factory-built SUVs is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Its 450 horsepower 4.5-liter turbocharged V8 is robust enough to propel it to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds, not bad considering its considerable heft. Following the hotrod ideal of pushing a motor to its absolute limits in the quest for power, the V8 has been modified to 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Made possible through modifications on the intercooler, computer system, turbocharger and other components from Rinspeed's own product range, the Chopster is capable of hitting 100 km/h in under five seconds, and achieves an estimated top speed of 290 km/h!

For the better part, the Chopster utilizes the Cayenne's interior, which is Porsche's best yet. Keeping much of its ergonomics and practicality, less the drop in headroom, it offers a wide variety of trim options such as real carbon fiber or aluminum accents, replacing the stock vehicle's plastic and wood. Rinspeed also fitted in four racing-style bucket seats to keep

Rinspeed also develops practical solutions to problems many people face: natural-gas power, safety and size issues included. (Photo: Rinspeed)

occupants firmly in place. A hidden, integrated roll bar ensures that should the worst happen, those inside will be safe.

In recent years Rinspeed has grown significantly, and with that so has the number of concept and production vehicles produced. Experimental vehicles such as the hydrofoil-inspired Splash and city-friendly, folding Presto are strictly concept cars. The Chopster, however, could easily be adapted to production. If and when the Swiss firm decides to give the hotrod SUV the green light, pricing would start somewhere in the range of 325,000 to 375,000 euros ($525,000 - 600,000 CAD, $400,000 - $460,000 USD). It wouldn't be cheap, but to some the SUV's stellar performance and stunning styling, which borders on madness, would be enough to justify the cost.