Porsche 911 Dakar – 2,500 units, 480 hp, 8-speed PDK, 170 kph off-road

Here it is, the new Porsche 911 Dakar. Based on the Porsche 992, the Dakar is the first off-road series-production 911 and was presented to the world public at the L.A. Auto Show.

The Porsche 911 Dakar borrows its engine from the 992 Carrera GTS

Probably the most important questions we received were: “What engine will the Porsche 911 Dakar have?”, “How fast is the Porsche 911 Dakar?”, “How much does the 911 Dakar cost?” and “How many 911 Dakars will Porsche make?”.

As we already speculated before the show, the 3-liter biturbo engine from the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is also used in the Dakar. Its 480 hp and 570 Nm are brought to the ground via an 8-speed PDK. This allows the Porsche 911 Dakar to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds. The top speed remains limited to 149 mph due to the off-road tires. Porsche is building 2,500 911 Dakars in total. Prices start at 222,000 USD.

There’s even Porsche 992 GT3 kit in the 911 Dakar

To make the Porsche 911 Dakar capable off-road, while remaining all the 911’s goods on tarmac, Porsche’s engineers shook out all the available aces from their sleeves. The Dakar shines with rear-axle steering, 992 GT3 engine mounts, and Porsche Dynamic Chassic Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization. As standard, the 911 Dakar is 50 millimeters higher than the Carrera. The lift system installed on both axles can increase its height by a further 30 millimeters if required. According to Porsche, this enables the 911 Dakar to achieve slope angles that are otherwise reserved for SUVs.

The rotary switch, which is also familiar from the GT3, can now be used to activate two additional driving modes. In Rallye mode, the all-wheel drive is very rear-heavy. It is particularly suitable for driving on loose, uneven surfaces. In its Offroad setting for difficult terrain it also activates the so-called high level. This raises the 911 Dakar to another 30 millimeters higher setting.

The Porsche 911 Dakar features Rallye Launch Control

A new “Rallye Launch Control” is available in both modes. It allows up to 20 percent wheel slip and ensures impressive acceleration off paved roads. The high level allows speeds of up to 105 mph. Beyond that, the Porsche 911 Dakar lowers back to its normal level.

Many details characterize the 911 Dakar as a true off-roader

From the outside, the 911 Dakar differs from its siblings, among other things, by its fixed rear spoiler. This is a special development for the Dakar and is made of carbon fiber. Like the engine mounts, the Dakar took over the front hood with its distinctive air vents from the current Porsche 911 GT3.

The exterior contains many off-road insignia that indicate the extreme design. For example, aluminum recovery lugs at the front and rear. Unlike the test vehicle, the Porsche 911 Dakar has a separate front bumper. Also, a lot of stainless steel protection for sills, nose, skirts and air intakes.

Roof basket, roof tent and Rallye Design Package available on request

Porsche also offers an optional roof basket for the off-road 911. With a payload of 42 kilograms, it offers enough capacity for recovery boards, gas and water cans, and folding spades. Its integrated auxiliary headlights are supplied with power via a 12V connection on the roof. A roof tent is also available on request.

As a tribute to the 1984 Paris Dakar Rally winning car, Porsche is also offering the 911 Dakar in a special paint finish. This is reminiscent of the Rothman’s design of the time – surely still familiar to many from the Williams Formula 1 cars of the 1990s. It shines with two-tone paint in White/Gentian Blue Metallic in combination with decorative foiling. Another first in Porsche’s corporate history.

Next to the starting number plate, the lettering “Roughroads Porsche” catches the eye. Porsche had this brand name protected. It is intended to further clarify the concept of the Porsche 911 Dakar. In contrast to the production model, it has white rims and red taillights – just like the 1984 model. The Rallye Design Package is rounded off by extended Race-Tex and leather trim, as well as seat belts and accents in Sharkblue.

In the interior, the Porsche 911 Dakar is more sport than luxury

The Porsche 911 Dakar also has its own interior. Rear seats are omitted entirely in favor of the standard full buckets. Lightweight glass and a Lifepo-battery reduce the weight, leaving the scales at 1,605 kilograms. Compared with the Carrera 4S PDK, the 911 Dakar has thus gained only 10 kilograms – despite significantly reinforced chassis components.

The Racetex trim inside is also standard, combined with the 911 Dakar exclusive decorative stitching in Shadegreen. Incidentally, the color is also available as a metallic exterior paint. Those who also want a complete rally feeling on the inside can order the Rallye Sport Package. It includes roll bars, six-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher.

Matching Porsche Design titanium carbide chronograph

As with the last limited-edition models, Porsche is offering a matching chronograph to go with the car. The watches bear the names Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar and 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition, respectively. For the first time, the case is made of particularly scratch-resistant and lightweight titanium carbide.

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