Tuner Kalmar Automotive has decided to break all conventions by turning the legendary German sports car into a true off-road beast.
If you thought a Porsche 911 was only made for racetracks or smooth roads, think again. Named RS-7, this souped-up version of the 997-generation 911 might just be the last of its kind… and here’s why.
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A 911 built for off-roading
Unlike modern SUVs that rely on an army of electronics to handle rough terrain, the Kalmar RS-7 focuses on tried-and-tested mechanical solutions. Its increased ground clearance, reaching up to 8.3 inches (21 cm), allows it to tackle obstacles that would make even some 4x4s hesitate. To absorb impacts, it features aluminum skid plates under the body and reinforced suspension, capable of adapting to all surfaces, from sand and rocks to snow. The choice of the 997 model is no coincidence: it’s the last generation of the 911 with a fully steel chassis, a material much easier to repair than the aluminum and composite structures of more recent models. As Jan Kalmar, the brand’s founder, puts it, “A safari car should be repairable with a hammer and a welding torch.” A philosophy that makes perfect sense when imagining this machine stranded in the middle of a desert.
A design built for survival
Visually, the Kalmar RS-7 commands respect. Its widened Kevlar fenders house massive Michelin off-road tires, ready to chew through dust and gravel. At the front, enlarged air intakes improve engine cooling, while at the rear, a ducktail spoiler and additional vents enhance heat dissipation. For nighttime expeditions, a rally-style LED light bar completes the setup. The interior has also been reworked for adventure: Recaro bucket seats, a roll cage, and the removal of unnecessary features like the HiFi system and factory navigation, replaced with a tablet featuring digital maps. Every detail has been optimized to make this 911 as tough as it is lightweight.
Performance meets indestructibility
Under the hood, the Kalmar RS-7 retains the reliability of Porsche’s flat-six engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. But the real game-changer is the active suspension and adaptive damping system, allowing the ride height to be adjusted and body roll to be compensated based on terrain conditions. The result? A car that can switch from a fast road setup to a full off-road configuration at the press of a button. The price for this conversion starts at around $108,000, but there’s a catch: that price doesn’t include the donor 911. A hefty sum, but one that guarantees a truly unique driving experience, far from the beaten path.
This article explores how Kalmar Automotive has transformed a Porsche 911 into a true off-road machine, featuring raised suspension, optimized mechanics, and a design built to withstand extreme conditions. A tribute to the Safari rallies of the ‘70s—and possibly the last chance to see a 911 engineered to conquer the wildest terrains.
Images: © Kalmar Automotive
