The brilliant Kalmar RS-6 is a modified Porsche 911 (996) in the style of the 911 Dakar, but cheaper

A little over a year ago Porsche presented the 911 Dakar, a limited edition with off-road styling and features in homage to the 911 with which the German brand won the Dakar Rally in 1984, but with a couple of problems: the scarce number of units for the whole world and, consequently, its price: from 256,000 euros for the Spanish market.

But for everything, or almost everything, there is a solution, and it comes courtesy of Kalmar, a Danish tuner specialized in giving a new look to classic Porsche models. First, they have a design line that gives models such as the 911 (964) greater sportiness and aggressiveness, in the style we have seen with other tuners such as Singer; and second, called “Adventure Range“, with which the Porsche acquire an off-road aesthetic and capabilities, like the Kalmar RS-6 we are looking at today.

As I was saying, Kalmar focuses on a preparation line in which customers supply donor vehicles from the 964 and 993 generations, which appreciate more every year, thereby raising the final costs. For this reason, the Danish tuner takes the 911 (996) for its new addition to the Adventure Range catalogue, with which it can reduce costs while offering the off-road capabilities it promises. That said, behind it lies an elaborate modification process, so it remains intended only for deep pockets.

The Kalmar RS-6 can be built from the Carrera 2, Carrera 4 and Turbo versions of the 911 (996), keeping at its heart the six-cylinder boxer engine with water cooling that they equip as standard, with either a manual or automatic gearbox. With a series of modifications, they are able to raise its power to a sufficient 500 CV to move across any terrain. All of this is accompanied by a custom-fitted limited-slip differential, which achieves the greatest possible traction even on demanding terrain.

Continuing with the mechanical modifications of the Kalmar RS-6, the Danes also fit it with a new suspension system with inverted front dampers, which results in an increase in ride height of 80 mm, thus achieving a total ground clearance of 210 mm, exactly the same as that of a second-generation Cayenne. For anyone for whom this new height might be an inconvenience, two other suspension options are offered: first, one with adaptive dampers that adjust the height depending on the surface, the pace, and the body roll, or, alternatively, hydraulic suspension that lowers the height by 50 mm with the mere push of a button, bringing the sports car closer to the ground again. All of this is complemented by Michelin winter tyres, which can even be fitted with studs, mounted on 16-inch wheels.

From here on we move into design modifications which, starting with the exterior, the Kalmar RS-6 can equip on its roof with what they call a survival kit for those who enjoy extreme adventures, housing fuel canisters, a spare wheel holder and an LED bar for auxiliary lighting. Also, as standard, it is fitted with new underbody protectors with plates ranging from 5 to 8 mm thick, plus additional armour for versions that have the cooling system mounted at the front. Finally, customers can add vinyl graphics to give it whatever aesthetic touch their imagination allows.

Inside the Kalmar RS-6, modifications are also made with the aim of making it as light as possible while remaining robust. All interior elements that are not considered essential, such as trim or soundproofing, are removed and replaced with specific improvements, in addition to seats signed by Recaro, which can be sporty or competition-grade, together with a roll cage. Optionally, if you are going to compete with it, you can install specific equipment such as a full roll cage, a handbrake and a Trip-Master synchronisation system.

The price Kalmar sets for converting the 991 (996) into an RS-6 starts at 45,000 euros excluding taxes, to which must be added the cost of the donor vehicle.

Technical specifications of this car

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