The Porsche 911 is typically associated with agile handling and high-speed cornering. However, Tangent Design Group took a novel approach with its latest project, raising a 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 by three inches and equipping it with off-road features.
Following several years of development, the Chicago-based studio unveiled the Urban Safari project, which reimagines the sportscarfor more demanding environments.
The Urban Safari projectbeganin 2019, after Tangent finished another Porsche 911 build. This time, the studio wanted to make a 911 for itself and chose a 2021 Carrera 4 as the base. All-wheel drive was key to the plan, and they ordered the car in Porsche’s custom Black Olive color.
Tangent Design Group began with an actualPorscheas the basis for the redesign. The team removed body components and employed 3D scanning to capture the geometry of the bumpers, fenders, wheel wells, and rocker panels. This data was then imported into CAD software to develop new exterior elements.
Full-size parts shaped the look
The studio used a large 3D printer to make full-size prototypes. Designers put these parts right on the Porsche to see how they looked and fit. They did the same for the wheels, using full-scale paper models next to the car before Brixton Forged made the final aluminum wheels.
Three inches changes the stance
The primary modification involved a custom three-inch lift. While retaining the original suspension, Tangent Design Group created space for larger off-road tires. The increased ride height significantly alters the vehicle's profile and accentuates the wheel arches.
Modern electronics added complexity
Modifying the suspension of a modern Porsche involved more than simply increasing ride height. Tangent Design Group ensured that the lift was compatible with the vehicle's electronic systems and preserved the original driving characteristics of the Carrera 4. The completed project maintains the appearance of a 992-generation 911 while presenting a more robust aesthetic.
Black Olive meets yellow details
The car's body is painted in Black Olive, a shade that looks green or almost black depending on the light. Yellow graphics stand out along the sides, and amber lights sit on the front bull bar. Together, these touches give the car a unique expedition look.
Recovery gear rides up top
The roof rack holds recovery gear like boards and a Gerber axe. These extras fit the Urban Safari theme and make the lifted 911 look ready for adventures far from city streets. A rear windshield wiper, ordered from the factory, adds a useful detail.
A rally-inspired rear end
Tangent added a full ducktail spoiler to the back of the car. This feature links the raised Porsche to classic rally cars and changes its usual shape. Along with the lifted suspension and bigger tires, it finishes the transformation.
An industrial design experiment
The Urban Safari shows Tangent's experience as an industrial design firm. Scanning, CAD modeling, building prototypes, and full-size testing were all key parts of the project. Rather than just adding aftermarket parts, the studio treated the 911 as a full design challenge, seeing how much they could change it while keeping its core identity.
