More than 30,000 sports car enthusiasts from around the world gathered in the Dubai Design District for the fifth Icons of Porsche festival. The event marked a record number of attendees and affirmed its position as one of the most significant international celebrations of Porsche’s heritage, modern engineering, and collector culture. This year’s festival highlighted a powerful narrative of progress, personal expression and design evolution through an exceptional display of models, classic and new.

How the Original Cayenne Becomes a Modern Collector’s Icon

Since its initial unveiling in 2002, the first-generation Porsche Cayenne has grown from a moment of brand experimentation into a beloved icon. When Porsche entered the SUV segment, it was seen as a bold strategic shift expanding the brand beyond its sports car legacy. Over time, the decision proved to be visionary, and vehicles from this era have now developed a passionate global following. Owners, collectors and enthusiasts have formed communities where restoration, personalisation and preserving the cultural identity of the early Cayenne are shared passions.

One example of this dedication was showcased through an exceptional Sonderwunsch project. Phillip Sarofim, an entrepreneur and committed collector, entrusted his 2009 Cayenne GTS to Porsche’s bespoke Federal Re Commission programme. The vehicle underwent a complete restoration to new car condition and then a thoughtful process of deep personalisation. This made it the first officially recommissioned Cayenne under the programme, and it immediately became one of the focal points of the festival.

Paint to Sample in Black Olive created a nostalgic retro exterior appearance, enhanced further by matt black alloy wheels and lower body trim. The interior was executed with equal intention. Leather in English Green requested under Leather to Sample was paired with Porsche’s iconic Pasha Black Olive pattern, which appeared not only on seating surfaces but even inside the glove compartment. The attention to detail positioned this Cayenne as a contemporary collector masterpiece where artistry meets legacy engineering.

The Cayenne Electric Makes its Public Debut

Positioned next to the recommissioned classic stood the latest milestone in Porsche’s SUV evolution. The Cayenne Electric made its first live public appearance and drew significant attention. The electric model produces up to 1,156 PS, and visitors were equally impressed by its advanced performance engineering and by its progressive design language. The newly developed Porsche Driver Experience, featuring an elegantly curved Flow Display, was a particular point of interest, reflecting the brand’s shift towards an intuitive digital cockpit experience.

In addition to technical achievement, attendees were introduced to the most expansive configuration offering ever available for a Cayenne. Customers will be able to choose from 13 exterior colours, 12 interior combinations, up to five interior packages and five accent styling packages. Newly developed leather tones, Magnesium Grey, Lavender and Sage Grey complement a leather-free series available in Race Tex with an optional Pepita textile that recalls iconic Porsche design history. This expanded palette reflects the increasing importance of personal expression within the brand.

Together, these two models communicated a compelling story. The first-generation Cayenne demonstrated how older models can be transformed into meaningful one-of-one collector pieces through the Sonderwunsch programme. By contrast, the Cayenne Electric presents an extraordinary range of personalisation opportunities from the factory with the additional option to expand it further through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

Beyond the Cayenne: Further Highlights of Icons of Porsche

911 Turbo S

The festival also provided a platform for new innovations across the Porsche portfolio. The new 911 Turbo S which first premiered during IAA Mobility in Munich was positioned as a headline attraction. With an advanced twin turbo power system using T Hybrid technology the model delivers 523 kW rated at 711 PS making it the most powerful production 911 ever produced.

Macan GTS

Another introduction was the newest addition to the all-electric SUV family, the Macan GTS. Delivering up to 420 kW or 571 PS with over-boost, the model features a lowered sports air suspension and the option of a rear differential lock, which elevates dynamic driving capability. The interior and exterior also express the signature GTS design language, which adds further distinction.

Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid Sonderwunsch

In a further demonstration of limitless customisation, the interior of the Panamera Turbo E Hybrid Sonderwunsch revealed how a personal design vision can become reality. Fade treatments, complementary exterior referencing colours, exquisite craftsmanship, and features such as a champagne cooler and a bespoke humidor demonstrated the extraordinary possibilities available for those seeking exclusivity.

911 GT3 with Manthey Kit

Performance enthusiasts were drawn to the Manthey Kit for the 911 GT 3 (992.2). With refined aerodynamics, upgraded brake components, and an improved suspension package, the kit enhances capability for track-focused driving. The 911 GT 3 equipped with this kit achieved a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 6 minutes 52.981 seconds, which is approximately 2.8 seconds faster than the previous version fitted with the same upgrade.

911 Targa 4 GTS Art Car

Art and automotive culture converged as Porsche collaborated with artist Kasing Lung to present a limited collector edition King Mon figure celebrating 10 years of The Monsters and 60 years of the Porsche 911 Targa. An art car featuring Labubu behind the wheel added playfulness and collectability to the festival.

The commemorative tone continued as the event honoured 25 years of the Carrera GT, one of Porsche’s most celebrated super-cars and a timeless symbol of engineering excellence.