911 Turbo on stilts, anyone?
Tuning outfit Gemballa is synonymous with outrageously modified Porsches. Some have even gone under the Avalanche moniker, the first of that particular lineage appearing way back in 1985. But none come close to the latest Gemballa Avalanche. Assuming, that is, the new model ends up anything like these early sketches.
In short, Gemballa is getting in on the ruggedised all-wheel drive thing with the new Avalanche 4×4. Technical details are thin for now. The car shown in the sketches is clearly based on the now-defunct Type-991 911, rather than the new 992. But Gemballa’s accompanying statement provided no insight into whether the 4×4 package might also be offered for 992 fans.
However, it was revealed that another Avalanche model, the 4.2 RS would be offered in both 991 and 992 formats, so the 4×4 may also be a multi-generational model. As for technical specifications, none are available for the Avalanche 4×4 specifically. Instead, Gemballa said its current top engine package for the 911 offering 818bhp was being revised to produce over 1000bhp for launch later this summer.
In the meantime, the sketches show a thoroughly bulked up 911 with all new bodywork and huge off-road tyres. The general theme is very much in line with a modernised version of the increasingly popular ‘Safari’ air-cooled 911s built for both road and rally use by several tuning shops, including Tuthill in the UK and Keen Project, Stateside.
Gemballa, of course, is famous for a long line of crazy modified cars since its inception in 1981. Along with the original air-cooled Avalanche, highlights include the Mirage GT. That car was based on the already extreme Porsche Carrera GT. Gemballa somehow managed to squeeze an extra 60-odd horsepower from the Carrera GT’s naturally aspirated V10 for a grand total of 670. Gemballa says 25 Mirage GT were built. For now, there’s no word on pricing or availability for the Avalanche 4×4. But keep a weather eye on gemballa.com for updates.
