Chicago studio transforms sleek Porsche 911 into rugged off-road vehicle in a workshop setting.

Chicago Studio Transforms Porsche 911 into an Off-Road Icon With Three-Inch Lift

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Written by John Oliver

2026-09-09

A Familiar Icon Elevated

The Porsche 911 is no stranger to reinvention, but this time its transformation is strikingly unusual. In an exciting development, a local firm reimagines this iconic vehicle. Chicago‘s Tangent Design Group has elevated a 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera 4 by three inches, an ambitious project they call the Urban Safari. The lifted silhouette rests on chunky off-road tires, a stark contrast to its typical low-slung form.

Lifted Porsche 911 shown from the side on dusty terrain.
Tangent urban safari 911 with modified suspensions on display, front view.
tangent urban safari 911

Crafting a New Vision: An Innovative Alteration

This custom redesign began in 2019, right after Tangent completed another 911 commission. Opting for a 2021 Carrera 4 painted in a specially chosen Black Olive, the team set out to explore the vehicle’s potential without morphing it into a rallying pastiche. The process initiated with intricate 3D scanning of key components including bumpers and fenders, melding digital precision with hands-on craftsmanship.

For another intriguing transformation in automotive design, see how Audi Nuvolari takes shape as a hybrid supercar crafted from concept to reality.

Tangent urban safari 911 in a garage with design tools around.
tangent urban safari 911

Engineering the Lift

The most transformative modification was the three-inch lift. By keeping the original suspension intact, Tangent cleverly devised a way to accommodate larger tires, fundamentally altering the 911’s known aesthetics. This elevated stance brings a fresh dynamic to the car’s silhouette, engaging the design space around the wheels in unexpected ways. Indeed, the designers reinvent not only the vehicle’s height but also its interaction with the terrain.

Tangent urban safari 911 under studio lights, revealing off-road modifications.
tangent urban safari 911

A Playful Yet Serious Design

Bold choices in color and accessory further emphasize the car’s distinctiveness. The Paint-to-Sample Black Olive paint shifting between green and near-black is visually compelling. Yellow graphics highlight the sides, while amber lights and a Gerber axe on the roof rack bring a playful edge to the vehicle’s serious demeanor. Each element of the car, from the bull bar to the ducktail, underscores the blend of spirited design with technical prowess. With each added feature, Tangent reshapes the familiar into something extraordinary.

Tangent urban safari 911 showcasing all-terrain tires, close-up.
tangent urban safari 911

The Urban Safari exemplifies Tangent’s knack for blending traditional practices with digital innovation. They utilized 3D scanning and CAD for precision engineering while keeping the tactile design approach crucial to the process. By doing so, they transformed an iconic sports car into a ready-for-anything adventure machine.

If you’re interested in vehicle modifications, explore how the Chip LUV electric vehicle reimagines eco-friendly urban transport.

Tangent urban safari 911 in field trials, rugged landscape in background.
tangent urban safari 911

A Creative Exploration

What stands out is the car’s origin story. As an industrial design consultancy, Tangent approached the project with the same thoroughness it applies to product development. This Porsche 911 became a canvas for experimenting, captured in stunning imagery by Motive Archive. Through this project, the studio redefines not just vehicles, but their creative approach as well.

Tangent urban safari 911 parked on gravel, side view.
tangent urban safari 911

Developed with such ingenuity and fervor, the Urban Safari is more than a mere design project—it’s an ode to innovation, executed by a team committed to pushing creative boundaries in automotive design.

Tangent urban safari 911 on a test drive through forested area.
tangent urban safari 911
Modified Porsche with roof rack and fog lights, ready for adventure.
Rear view of the lifted Porsche, emphasizing enhanced off-road features.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

How much was the Porsche 911 lifted?

The Porsche 911 was elevated by three inches.

What year and model is the Urban Safari based on?

The Urban Safari is based on a 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 4.

What unique color is the Porsche 911 painted?

The Porsche 911 is painted in a specially chosen Black Olive, which shifts between green and near-black.