A spy photographer has caught the high-riding Porsche 911 ‘Safari’ out for testing. Hearkening back to the rally-prepped 953 of the early 1980s, the new vehicle jacks the 911 up for extra ground clearance and the leeway to tackle terrain that would shatter a GT3.
Porsche is known for drawing on its heritage to market new and special models such as the 718 and Speedster, so we’d stake a non-zero chance that this new model could arrive as a ‘Mission 953’ show car or production-badged 953.
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
Porsche ‘953’ 911 Safari spied testing Photo by Spiedbilde
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this platform undergoing trials, but its re-emergence reaffirms Porsche’s ongoing investment in the program first hinted by 2012’s secret ‘Vision Safari’ concept.
Moreover, this prototype also wears new bodywork, including a vented bonnet and front fascia that bring it closer in line with the GT series of 911s. At the sides, plastic fender flares should protect the 911’s expensive bodywork, and may enclose a slightly wider track width. Around the back, a chunkier rear bumper surrounds splayed twin pipes — a familiar signifier to those acquainted with Porsche’s sport and performance exhaust upgrades.
In line with this historic pedigree and exterior cues, a GT powertrain seems likely. We anticipate a derivative of the 992 GT3’s 4-litre flat six, channeling some 500 horsepower through all four of the 953’s centre-lock wheels.
Much like the overlanding fad, the Safari trend has been a big movement in recent years, with a handful of social media microcelebrities influencing a spectrum of off-road inspired builds. Actual off-road mettle varies, of course — especially in the case of classic rear-drive platforms with open differentials — but most evoke the general spirit with lifted suspension, skidplates and underbody reinforcement, rally-style driving lamps, gnarly tires, and a social media sticker in the rear window.
Porsche may be a little late to the party as the ‘Safari’ fad plateaus, but we welcome such a factory special all the same. Such direct manufacturer responses to customer interest are rare, and this model should be one to celebrate.
Editor’s note: having once considered doing this to a spare 944, this authour has called dibs on Driving’s first opportunity for wheel time.
Keyword: Spied! Porsche '953' 911 Safari