Kalmar Creates Its Own Unique Porsche 911 Safari | Carscoops

      A fully active suspension, rally lights, and a rear-wheel carrier make the 997 ideal for navigating rough landscapes.

      The 997 features TracTive suspension with adjustable ride height to enhance off-road performance.

      Many of the newly designed body panels are constructed from kevlar, along with underbody protection.

      The interior sees improvements, including the addition of Recaro CS Sportster seats for enhanced comfort and support.

      With the emergence of vehicles like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, there has been a renewed interest in high-riding sports cars and supercars. In response, Kalmar Automotive has introduced its own rugged 911 model. Based on the 997, this car is named the RS-7 (though it's uncertain how Audi will react to that) and comes with a host of modifications.

      Kalmar opted against using a newer 911 for one straightforward reason: Porsche 911s manufactured after the 997 generation feature complex frameworks made of aluminum and steel that are glued and bonded together. According to Jan Kalmar, this design does not fit a safari vehicle that should be easily repairable with a hammer and a welder. Hence, they chose the 997, as it was the final 911 with a complete steel chassis.

      Alterations began with the bodywork, which now showcases flared fenders at both the front and rear. It also includes a ducktail spoiler and a new light pod on the front that accommodates four large rally lights. New wheels have been fitted with Michelin off-road tires, ensuring that the car can handle challenging terrain effortlessly.

      The most significant upgrade involves the suspension. It now features fully active TracTive dampers that provide adaptive damping and hydraulic ride height adjustment. In its lowest configuration, the RS-7 offers 6.6 inches (170 mm) of ground clearance, while its highest setting allows for 8.2 inches (210 mm) of clearance. A new limited-slip rear differential has also been incorporated, promising to significantly improve the car's driving dynamics.

      To protect the 911's essential mechanical components, aluminum underbody protection has been installed. Larger air intakes have also been added to ensure optimal cooling while navigating demanding terrain at low speeds.

      The cabin is also quite distinctive, featuring new Recaro CS Sportster seats. The original audio system has been removed to reduce weight, and a new display has been integrated into the center console, allowing for real-time adjustments to the suspension.