• The 997 gets TracTive suspension with adjustable ride height for better off-road capability.
  • Many of the new body panels are made from kevlar, and there’s underbody protection.
  • The cabin gets upgrades, including Recaro CS Sportster seats for comfort and support.

Cars like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato sparked a new interest in high-riding sports cars and supercars, and eager to get involved, Kalmar Automotive has released its own rugged 911. Based on a 997 model, the car is dubbed the RS-7 (we’re not sure how Audi will feel about that…) and comes complete with a raft of modifications.

Kalmar decided against using a more modern 911 for one simple reason. Porsche 911s built after the 997 generation have complex frames made from aluminum and steel that are glued and bonded together. According to Jan Kalmar, that doesn’t suit a safari car that should be repairable with a hammer and a welder. This is why they’ve gone with the 997, as it was the last 911 with a full steel chassis.

Read: Kalmar’s 9X9 Is A 993-Based 959 Homage With Up To 917 HP

Alterations have started with the bodywork. It now includes flared fenders at the front and rear. There’s also a ducktail spoiler and a new light pod up front that houses four large rally lights. New wheels have also been installed and are wrapped in Michelin off-road tires, ensuring the car can deal with even the most difficult terrain.

The single biggest upgrade is the suspension. It now consists of fully active TracTive dampers offering adaptive damping and hydraulic ride height adjustment. In its lowest setting, the RS-7 has 6.6 inches (170 mm) of ground clearance, and in its highest setting, it rises to 8.2 inches (210 mm). A new limited-slip rear differential has also been added, promising to have a transformative effect on the way that the car drives.

Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari

Helping to protect the 911’s key mechanical components is aluminum underbody protection. Larger air intakes have also been installed, to make sure nothing overheats while tackling tricky terrain at low speeds.

The cabin is also rather special. New Recaro CS Sportster seats have been installed, and the original audio system has been ditched to save weight. A new display has also been added to the center console, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments of the suspension.

Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari
Kalmar Makes Its Own Wild Porsche 911 Safari