Renn Safari.
It all begins with an idea. A napkin.
Potholed roads, ever restrictive speed constraints, modern cars going too fast – what if you built a Porsche that’s as comfortable – and fun – on the school run as it is driving a pass in the Dolomites or off-road in Morocco? That’s a Renn Safari.
The 996 and 997 builds are in partnership with Safari Projek in South Africa. The 957 Cayennes are developed from our own GTS test mule that has been tested here in the UK, Gorafe Desert in Spain and in Morocco.
Based on a Porsche 996 or 997 Carrera 4S, these Safari spec cars are relatively inexpensive yet very reliable with parts readily available. We can work with your own donor car or source one based on your requirements/budget. But what makes it a Renn Safari?
-
To get enough wheel travel the track in front was widened by 120 mm.
The rear needed to be widened in order to fit the same wheel as used in the front. The rear suspension geometry was altered to enable better weight transfer to the front axle under braking, creating a much better turn-in under braking on gravel roads.
-
The top mount for the McPherson strut was moved out by 60 mm via a specially designed top mount for the bespoke Reiger shock absorbers.
Bespoke suspension components were manufactured from 7075 aircraft aluminium to widen the track, fitted with chrome molly-rod end bearings on all pivot points. The Reiger shock absorbers combined with the suspension changes generated +/-200 mm of wheel travel front and rear.
-
The C4S rides on huge 225/55r18 SUV wheels fitted to OZ Racing 18 Inch 8J wide wheel rims all-round, and this 996 C4S now clears the ground with an enormous 280 mm.
The car also has a set of Evo Corse wheels.
-
New front and rear bumpers were designed and made, afterward, moulds were taken from the prototypes. Front and rear bumper inserts are fabricated from steel with front and rear bash plates/underbody protection. Polyurethane-coated aluminium underbody protection plates cover the entire underside of the car.
-
The engine was fitted with a set of performance headers and de-cat exhaust with a centre outlet in the rear steel bumper insert.
The radiator angle needed to change to get clearance for the bigger wheels, we did not want to move them forward and compromise the already long overhang in front of the front axle.
-
The 6-speed manual rear axle is treated to Quaife limited slip differential to improve handling on dirt roads and allow you to step out the rear side (drifting).
-
The Exterior Spec is based on your requirements. Do you need sand-ladders, spare fuel, spare wheel, water, an axe and shovel? All builds come with a Thüle roof rack, but how you spec the accessories is down to personal choice.
-
This is a very subjective choice – you may want to stay with the Factory paint for your Renn Safari, of go for something a little more unique – Rothmans or Marlborough livery? We can work with our graphic designer to create any historic livery that inspires you.