When it comes to off-road versions of the 911, the 911 Dakar is well known these days, but there’s another special off-road 911 developed by a tuning company.
Let’s take a closer look at this off-road 911 that has recently been appearing frequently on social media.

What is MARSIEN – The Legacy of the 959 Revived for Today

MARSIEN is a special car developed by Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH, led by Marc Philipp Gemballa, son of the legendary tuner the late Uwe Gemballa. It is a high-performance model based on the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S (992 generation), designed to deliver genuine off-road capabilities. The name comes from the French word for “Martian,” inspired by test drives on the red dunes of the UAE.

Photo by Marc Philipp Gemballa

This project can be seen as an attempt to revive the spirit of the Porsche 959 that made its mark in the Paris-Dakar Rally in the 1980s. When announced in 2021, production was limited to just 40 units worldwide, all of which sold out immediately after the announcement, demonstrating incredible popularity. The modification alone is priced at €495,000, with the base 911 Turbo S priced separately. The total cost is estimated to exceed 80 million yen in Japanese currency.

As a one-of-a-kind model that achieves a high level of performance both as a supercar and as an off-roader, it has attracted passionate attention from Porsche owners worldwide.

Cutting-Edge Technology Delivering Overwhelming Performance

At the heart of the MARSIEN is the 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine from the Porsche 992 Turbo S, specially tuned by RUF. It produces over 750 hp and 930 Nm of torque in standard form, with an optional “Stage 2” upgrade boosting output to a maximum of 830 hp. This incredible power is achieved through enhanced turbochargers and optimized ECU mapping.

The drivetrain features Porsche’s genuine 8-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive system.

Photo by Marc Philipp Gemballa

A standout feature is the innovative suspension system developed jointly with KW Automotive. The front suspension is changed to a rare double wishbone setup for the 911 series, paired with electronically controlled dampers. This allows the ride height to be adjusted from 120mm to a maximum of 250mm at the push of a button.

Driving modes include Porsche’s standard on-road settings plus dedicated off-road modes for gravel, mud, sand, and snow. Each mode optimizes engine output characteristics and transmission control parameters to deliver excellent traction on any surface. Additionally, specialized air filters for dust protection and a titanium exhaust by Akrapovič are meticulously designed for this model.

Photo by Marc Philipp Gemballa

Innovative and Functional Design Philosophy

The exterior design of the MARSIEN is the work of French designer Alain Deloge, skillfully blending futuristic elements with the DNA of the 959. The body panels consist of over 85 carbon fiber parts, achieving a weight reduction of about 50 kg compared to a standard 911 Turbo S. Large air ducts, wide fenders, and an integrated rear wing-engine hood are all made of carbon fiber, balancing aerodynamics and lightweight construction at a high level.

To accommodate different driving scenarios, two sets of wheels come standard.

Photo by Marc Philipp Gemballa

Michelin ultra-high-performance tires are fitted for on-road use, while all-terrain tires are provided for off-road driving. Both sets of wheels are forged aluminum with center-lock hubs, featuring 24-karat gold emblems on the center caps, reflecting uncompromising attention to detail. The interior is luxuriously trimmed with full leather and Alcantara, featuring special touches such as a Carrera GT-inspired carbon fiber high center console and strap-style door handles throughout.

Stunning Performance and Off-Road Capability

The MARSIEN’s performance defies conventional supercar expectations. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 330 km/h. These figures rival the standard 911 Turbo S, delivering overwhelming power without feeling the weight gain from off-road modifications. However, the true value of this car lies in its astonishing off-road capabilities.

During development, it was tested extensively in environments ranging from the Nürburgring Nordschleife to Middle Eastern deserts and Nordic ice fields.
Thanks to the variable suspension with a maximum ground clearance of 250mm and standard skid plates, it easily conquers harsh terrains like rocky areas and sand dunes. The dedicated driving modes ensure optimal traction on slippery surfaces and deep sand.

A desert driving video by the UK’s Top Gear has proven its overwhelming off-road performance, marking the unprecedented challenge of a 750-hp off-road Porsche as a resounding success.