Who says Porsches can’t go off-roading? Check out these safari-spec 911

Updated Jun 12, 2020 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

It looks like the Porsche 911 went to a jungle gym

Usually, the only time we hear or read the words “Porsche” and “off-road” is when we’re talking about the Porsche Macan, Cayenne, and the ancient 1958 Porsche 597 Jadgwagen.

However, thanks to Kelly-Moss Racing (KMR), and Hoonigan Autofocus, we now get to see a Porsche 911 that can take on rough roads, snow, desert, and pretty much any Baja-type terrain there is.

A picture of the 911 Safari TX parked on a frozen lake

KMR's Porsche 911 Safari TX looks like it eats nails for breakfast. [Source: Hoonigan Autofocus]

Meet the Porsche Safari-Spec 911. It’s based on the air-cooled 1963 to 1998 Porsche 911, and before you get up in arms yelling that “KMR butchered a poor old 911,” the base car that KMR uses for their builds are usually beat-up old examples. So no worries there.

In order to turn the Porsche 911 into an off road capable 911, KMR patched the holes, added a roll cage, repaired the stock chassis, and added some firewalls. They also gave it a lift kit, a carbon fiber dashboard, a new suspension system with custom KMR control arms and inner tie rods, and more aggressive off-road tires.

A picture of the 911 TX driving on a frozen lake

Just picture this thing carving the sand dunes in La Paz. [Source: Hoonigan Autofocus]

>>> Related: Porsche’s new service fuels excitement when you buy your dream 911

Under the hood, it uses the same engine which was rebuilt and modified with better headers, a GT3 exhaust, with some examples like the KMR VICCI Safari Porshe 964 making more power thanks to a supercharger.

On the outside, the company also made the Safari-spec 911 tougher looking by installing a bull bar, eight fog lights, and a roof rack where a spare tire is also mounted. Initially, we’re thinking that those might clash with the elegant shape of the Porsche 911, but when we saw the pictures, we’ve come to the conclusion that it actually looks pretty great.

Now KMR’s off-road 911 isn’t a new idea because they actually built several before. The 911 Safari TX however is much plusher as its interior features Recaro seats, leather trim pieces, and even cruise control. Even the trunk is made more premium looking with a lot of leather.

A look into the 911 TX's interior

Looks comfy. [Source: Hoonigan Autofocus]

>>> Related: Find the best Porsche 911 at the cheapest price

Customizing a Porsche 911 like this is not cheap. As such, each and every single off-road capable Porsche 911 sold by KMR are one off projects which are usually sold by order, or in auctions.

Take for example the rally capable KMR VICCI Safari Porsche 964, which was sold for a staggering USD 335,000 or P16,803,600.

Frozen Lake Shredding in a Safari-Spec Porsche 911 with Kelly-Moss!

For more news on cool cars like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Porsche 911 2024

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911, pronounced as nine-eleven, is one of the most acclaimed sports cars respected by professional drivers and other car manufacturers worldwide. It is hailed for its stunning design meticulously crafted to provide an astounding performance in every ride. Inside, it is built with the latest safety, convenience, and premium features fit for royalty. Locally, it is offered in the following variants: the Porsche 911 Carrera, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Targa 4, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet GTS, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, the Porsche 911 Speedster, and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

>>> New and used Porsche 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Porsche 911 Launch

The Porsche 911 was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and was developed as a more powerful replacement for the Porsche 356. In 1963, it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show fitted with a 2.0-liter, air-cooled engine. Two years after it was exported in the US.

Fast forward to today and after producing one million automobiles in May 2017, the Porsche 911 line is still reigning supreme after every model release.  According to the German premium automobile company, 70% of this model is still roadworthy today.

Porsche 911 Exterior

Since its first release, the Porsche 911 received subtle changes to pay homage to its timeless and legendary status. At the front, it is fitted with a mildly refreshed bumper with a pair of contemporary matrix headlights.

porsche 911 front

Its body is still designed with the perfect balance of classy curves and edges that effortlessly exude a premium appeal. Its rear is fitted with slightly revamped taillights and brake lights. Its bumper, designed with air vents, complements the overall look of the vehicle.

porsche 911 exterior

Porsche 911 Interior

To match its posh looks on the outside, the cabin of the Porsche 911 features luxury such as the sports steering wheel wrapped in leather, fully electric sports seats covered in leather with a memory package, air vents with leather trimmings, personalized floor mats,  a highly efficient and interactive center console, and a contemporary instrument cluster with crystal clear graphics, and tachometer dial guards and more.

porsche 911 interior

To answer their customer’s needs and preferences, Porsche offers exclusive interior trims that will truly personalize their iconic vehicle.

Technology & Safety Features

Providing useful details such as fuel economy, driving mode, speed, and other useful information is a seven-inch touchscreen system. Also, an 11-inch touchscreen on the center console is available to provide vast driving information, car entertainment, and more.

porsche 911 steering wheel

In terms of safety, the standard on all variants is the side impact beams, ABS and Driveline Traction Control, dual-stage driver and passenger mounted side airbags, curtain first-row airbags, outboard front lap and shoulder safety belts, tire pressure warning, and electronic stability control.

porsche 911 tech

Platform & Chassis

The Porsche 911 is manufactured with the Porsche Active Suspension Management that guarantees comfort and heightened dynamics. The S variant utilizes the sports suspension with a lowered body. Its springs are engineered tougher and shorter with front anti-roll bars and stiff rear axles.

Engine & Drivetrain

The standard variants run using a 350 horsepower, six-cylinder engine while the S models are fitted with a 400-horsepower version. The GTS variant is affixed with a 430-horsepower six-cylinder engine while the GT3 is powered by a 475-horsepower, six-cylinder motor engine.

The Turbo models come with a turbocharged, 520-horsepower engine and the Turbo S variant is equipped with a 560-horsepower motor. 

All models excluding the GT3 and Turbo choices offer a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission. The Turbo, Turbo S, and the GT3 only come with a PDK gearbox. 

Porsche 911 2024 Price List

The official price list for the Porsche 911 is not available in the Philippines. To find the best price, request a callback from Porsche dealers.

Price available upon request

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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