This Danish Visionary is Transforming the Porsche 911 into an Off-Road Beast You Never Saw Coming
If you thought the Porsche 911 was solely a sleek icon of the asphalt, think again. In an audacious move that's ruffling feathers in the motoring world, a Danish coachbuilder named KALMAR Automotive is taking this quintessential sports car and turning it into something utterly unexpected—a high-performance, off-road warrior. This is the story of the Rally Special-6 (RS-6), a vehicle that redefines what a Porsche 911 can be.
A Porsche Unlike Any Other
While it's not uncommon to see off-road modifications on older, air-cooled Porsche 911s, KALMAR Automotive is breaking new ground. They've set their sights on the newer 996-generation 911, a model not typically associated with rugged terrain. The result? The RS-6—a build that imbues the 911 with the soul of an SUV, without compromising its sports car heart.
The Anatomy of the RS-6
The transformation begins with a donor car, which can be a 911 Carrera, Carrera 4, or Turbo. Into this, KALMAR installs a smorgasbord of off-road-ready upgrades. There's a limited-slip differential for improved traction, and a reinvented suspension system featuring inverted front shock absorbers, specific springs, and new bushings. It doesn't stop there—the package also includes a subframe kit to adjust the car's roll center, a strut brace, and beefed-up driveshafts.
But it's the RS-6's underbelly that truly prepares it for the rough and tumble. Underbody protection plates shield its vitals, while 16-inch wheels don high-performance, spiked Michelin tires. And while its 8.2 inches of ground clearance might not rival a Jeep Wrangler, it's certainly on par with the likes of the second-generation Porsche Cayenne.
Performance Meets Practicality
The RS-6 isn't just a brute in the wilderness—it's a meticulously balanced machine. Weighing in at roughly 3,200 pounds with its modifications, it's only slightly heavier than its road-going cousins. This is thanks to a rigorously stripped-down interior, where non-essential parts have been ditched in favor of lighter alternatives. Even with the added roll cage and Recaro front seats, KALMAR has kept the weight gain to a minimum without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Customization at its Core
What makes the RS-6 even more special is its bespoke nature. Clients can keep the drivetrain stock, or they can opt for a tune that pushes the output beyond 500 horsepower. Transmission options are just as flexible, with a choice between the six-speed manual or an automatic. And for those looking to further personalize their ride, options like different liveries, upholstery types, adaptive shock absorbers, and a hydraulic-lift system are available. Not to mention a roof rack designed for the adventurous soul, ready to carry spare wheels and fuel cans across the great beyond.
The Price of Uniqueness
Turning a Porsche 911 into an off-road behemoth has its price, starting at €45,000 (around $49,000) excluding the donor car. It's a steep entry fee, but considering the growing interest in the 996-generation and its comparative affordability, it's a price many are willing to pay for exclusivity.
As we witness the evolution of the Porsche 911 into something truly unique at the hands of KALMAR Automotive, one thing's for certain—the boundaries of automotive ingenuity and creativity are being pushed further than ever before. The RS-6 stands as a testament to that spirit of innovation, proving that even the most iconic vehicles can embark on new, unexpected journeys.