KALMAR Automotive debuts RS-6
Producer and restorer of bespoke sports cars and special-purpose adventure vehicles, KALMAR Automotive, has revealed its first water cooled ‘Adventure Range’ 911.
The KALMAR RS-6 - RS meaning ‘Rally Special’ - goes one further than the original KALMAR RS as an all-terrain 996 generation Porsche 911. After 12 months of testing, the lightweight (1,440kg) RS-6 recently made its debut in Lapland at the KALMAR Beyond Adventure’s Spirit of Speed events in January where it was driven by customers across snowy tracks in temperatures as low as -35°C - and KALMAR say it is equally as comfortable in the scorching desert.
As an entry-level option, the KALMAR RS-6 represents an intriguing solution for potential customers looking for off-road fun. Customers can use any hard top 996 to be given the RS-6 treatment whether that be a Carrera 2, Carrera 4 or Turbo, and in left or right-hand-drive, with six-speed manual or Tiptronic gearbox options. While 300bhp is the standard, for the even more adventurous customer that can be jacked up to 500bhp.
Also coming as standard is 5-8mm thick underbody protection, either all-terrain or spiked winter tyres, a stiffened cross towbar and an 80mm higher ride height. Although as an option, the ride height can be lowered by 50mm for on road driving at the push of a button to turn it from gritty off-roader to low riding sports car in a matter of seconds.
For those planning on taking their modded 996 on an extreme adventure, a roof-mounted survival kit with jerry cans, space for a spare wheel and high output LED light bar are included. KALMAR want to ensure each RS-6 is unique with many aspects able to be tailored to the needs of the customer, including bespoke liveries.
Speaking at the Spirit of Speed event where the car made its debut, Jan Kalmar, founder and owner of KALMAR Automotive, said, “RS-6 is designed and built to challenge your perception of where a 911 can take you. Thanks to the higher 996 production volumes, donor cars are readily available at a lower cost. Now, we can open up the thrill and fun of adventure driving in a Porsche to a new audience.”
While the 996 may be underappreciated in the world of Porsche, KALMAR says the RS-6 is a response to rising prices of 964 and 993 donor cars, offering a more affordable entry point into the world of off-road 911s. And for that, they should be applauded in a world where 911 Dakars are commanding over £250,000.
Pricing for the RS-6 range starts at €45,000 (£38,500) plus taxes and donor car. For more information on the RS-6 and KALMAR Automotive visit www.kalmarautomotive.com.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: KALMAR Automotive