2022 Porsche 911 992 Safari nears release
Latest spy shots show mule testing at the ‘Ring
Porsche continues to tease enthusiasts with public rollouts of a possible safari-specification 992, with a mule riding with significant ground clearance seen at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The prototype, captured by DrivesToday’s spies, again shows an example riding on extremely high suspension with wider, tacked-on arches, while a tweak to the design of the 992’s front bumper at the bottom is clearly visible, to offer further ground clearance. This latest sighting at the ‘Ring follows a similar public showing on the Nordschleife in October 2020, where a mule appeared with similar ride height and Styrofoam in the wheel arches, as previously reported by DrivesToday. This sighting in July 2021 once again stokes the fire as to the possibility of a genuine 992 safari being on the way.
It remains to be seen whether Porsche will genuinely offer a safari-spec 911 to customers, and whether the model will be part of a limited build run. Total 911 expects any safari 992 to be based on the Carrera 4S platform, offering power and traction in abundance. For daily updates on new 911 developments, be sure to check.
Is a contemporary 911 about to return to the rally stage? A safari-spec 992 takes a further step towards reality as Porsche tests a prototype with long travel suspension on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. More information on thisunique 992 concept can be found on
The 911 992 GT3 Touring is an exceedingly special 911, there’s no question about that. In terms of moving the game on over the brilliant 991 before it, we’ve documented this with a back-toback road test beginning on page 14, but there’s a larger subtext here that’s relevant to the wider 911 story. That’s because it’s not simply bettering the 991 which makes the 992 GT3 Touring such an astounding accomplishment, but because it does so amid a challenging backdrop of evertightening restrictions and legislation across a breadth of areas. Whether it’s emissions or pedestrian safety, governments aren’t just moving the goalposts for traditional sports cars: they’re shrinking the goal entirely. As we’ve discovered previously in this magazine, Porsche’s GT department chief, Andreas Preuninger, has admitted to having sleepless nights trying to evolve such spectacular machines such as a GT3 while conforming to these increasingly stringent laws. It presents the ultimate conflict: how can you improve on something so revered… while having one hand tied behind your back? The fact we can still enjoy a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine in a GT3 is nothing short of miraculous, especially in a sphere where other brands have gone turbocharged or committed to electric power altogether. But not only is the traditional GT3 still present, it’s entirely relevant: it’s quicker, more powerful, has more grip and, crucially, is more efficient than ever before. Yes, its ability to please both lawmakers and petrolheads is borne out of a need to conform, but legislation has led to marvellous innovation, and the result is nothing short of astounding. Where can Porsche possibly go from here? I’m sure headaches are being had over that very subject as you read this, but nevertheless, the 992 GT3 must surely go down as one of the great triumphs over motoring adversity. Kudos, Mr Preuninger.