Complimenting the vast aftermarket industry of restomoddoing 911s, Kalmar Automotive has now debuted its RS-6 as an off-road ready 996 coupe.
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Porsche 911 Dakar for who?! Kalmar Automotive has prepared a 996 coupe which promises to deliver the spirit of adventure with a budget-friendly twist. Kalmar’s debut water-cooled, Safari-style 911 dubbed the RS-6, stands tall with the ground clearance akin to a Cayenne, yet without breaking the bank like its air-cooled counterparts. While the Porsche 911 has long been hailed as a versatile sports car for everyday use, the recent introduction of the Dakar version elevated its all-around capabilities. However, with a hefty price tag R4 501 000 locally, the Dakar model resides in the realm of the affluent. This converted 996 is the solution!
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Building upon Kalmar Automotive’s repertoire of enhanced off-road solutions for vehicles like the Cayenne and safari-style air-cooled 911s, Kalmar set its sights on the more economical 996, marking its venture into the realm of water-cooled 911s.
At a starting conversion cost of €45 000 (R920 000), the newcomer’s RS-6 nomenclature is derived from “Rally Special” as opposed to the “Rennsport” already featured in Porsche’s ranks. The beauty lies in the fact that a donor 996 comes at a fraction of the cost compared to its air-cooled counterparts, making the RS-6 an enticing proposition for enthusiasts seeking off-road prowess without going the route of a pumped up SUV.
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Potential buyers can commence with any variant of the manual or Tiptronic 996 coupe, spanning from the Carrera 2 to the all-wheel-drive Turbo. While the base configuration retains the stock 220 kW flat-six engine of the pre-facelift models, there’s an option to elevate the power output to 368 kW, complemented by the standard limited-slip differential.
Kalmar’s standard suspension kit encompasses bespoke adjustable dampers, custom springs, heavy-duty driveshafts, and narrow 6×16-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber or WRC-style spiked Michelins. With a massive 210 mm of ride height – equivalent to the second-generation Porsche Cayenne and 80 mm more than a regular 996 – buyers can opt for a hydraulic suspension kit for an additional 50 mm (2 inches) adjustment at the touch of a button.
Standard features include roof-mounted fuel cans, a spare wheel, an auxiliary light bar, and robust underbody protective panels – essential, especially for water-cooled vehicles. The interior, stripped down to the essentials, forgoes most soundproofing in favour of Recaro sports seats or full racing buckets, with Kalmar ready to cater to individual tastes and preferences.
Would this retro take on the 996 generation be a more exciting prospect than the factory-developed 911 Dakar?
