This Is Not A Drill: Porsche 911 ‘Safari’ May Be A Reality As Winter Testing Commences

While we’ve reported on a few test mule 911s with raised suspension before, this is the first jacked-up prototype that has been spotted during rally-worthy antics.

Other than the noticeably beefed-up suspension, you’ll immediately clock the extended wheel arches. Look closer, and the front bumper appears to be ever so slightly remodeled, with a molded under-lip — not quite a skid plate but still different than other 992 models.

Read: New Porsche 911 GTS Spied A Day Ahead of GT3 Launch

Other changes noticeable from our last set of spy shots include an additional sensor or camera lurking in the driver’s side of the front bumper. Moreover, much like the new 911 GTS prototype we saw a few days ago, the dashboard of this test mule was completely covered.

This could be pointing to a revised dash layout, likely to appear on a facelift of the 992. When that comes out, we expect Porsche to integrate some elements of the Taycan’s interior into the 911’s cabin.

See: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3: Revs Up To 9k, Laps ‘Ring In Under 7 Min, And Still Has Number Plates

A Safari version may or may not join the 911’s lineup, but these shots give us plenty of promise. While there’s (understandably) no word whatsoever from Porsche, it would be safe to assume that if it happens, it would share its AWD system with the 911 Carrera 4S.

This isn’t the first time Porsche has toyed with the idea of a modern-day 911 Safari, as in 2012 they created a prototype dubbed the 911 Vision Safari. That tribute to the original 1978 car featured raised suspension, reinforced wheel housings, large bumpers, and a rally-focused cockpit with race seats and a roll cage.