While Porsche is already offering countless variants of the 992, there is a special one coming up in the following years. We are talking about the long-rumored 911 Safari which is set to revive the rally-prepped 911s of the past. Our spy photographers caught the model during testing on public roads, with minimum camouflage hinting at a possible 2022 reveal.

This is not the first time we see prototypes of the 911 Safari. The model made its spy debut at the Nurburgring in October 2020, followed by more appearances in January, February, April, and <"a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2021/07/high-riding-porsche-911-safari-caught-looking-taller-than-ever-at-the-nurburgring/">July of this year. Porsche engineers have been testing the model on the track, tarmac, and snow, in order to make all necessary adjustments for production.

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The prototype is fitted with a jacked-up suspension allowing for generous ground clearance, at least in sportscar terms. While a raised sportscar seems a bit odd, there is definitely a market for this kind of crossover-style variant, one that Porsche aims at capitalizing on.

Besides the suspension that will probably feature active dampers, softer springs, and longer travel than in the rest of the 911 range, the model is fitted with chunkier tires looking significantly wider at the rear axle. The thicker sidewall will make it possible to drive on gravel/mud/snow with the help of additional off-road driving modes and an all-wheel-drive system. The front and rear tracks also seem to be wider than the regular 911, as proven by the fender add-ons.

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Design-wise the 911 Safari is expected to feature a model-specific bodykit, including cladding on the wheel arches, side sills, and front/rear bumpers, as well as skid plates. The end result will probably look similar to the Taycan Cross Turismo which is the first high-riding model from Porsche’s non-SUV range.

Porsche has yet to officially confirm plans for the 911 Safari but given the numerous sightings of the model during the past year, we wouldn’t be surprised if its debut happened sometime in 2022 or 2023. Mind you that back in 2012, Porsche built a driveable 911 Vision Safari concept based on the previews 991 generation, however, for unknown reasons they kept it a well-kept secret until 2020.

Image Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops