In Los Angeles, Porsche is celebrating a world premiere: the Porsche 911 Dakar is equally at home on the road and off it. This model of Porsche 911 has a production limit of 2,500 units, which shows that concepts are virtually limitless. Also, it commemorates Porsche’s first Paris-Dakar win in 1984, when all-wheel drive was introduced in the Porsche 911. This is why the Porsche 911 Dakar is also offered with an optional Rallye Design Package, reminiscent of that iconic winning car.
In comparison to a 911 Carrera with sports suspension, the Porsche 911 Dakar has 50 millimetres more ground clearance. It is possible to raise the front and rear ends by an additional 30 millimeters using the standard lift system. Compared to conventional SUVs, it has higher ground clearance and a steeper ramp angle. As well as being used to cross obstacles slowly, the lift system is an integral part of the retuned chassis. Off-road adventures at speeds up to 170 kph are possible with the ‘high level’ setting. When the car reaches that speed, it automatically lowers back down to its normal height.
The 245/45 ZR 19 front tyres and 295/40 ZR 20 rear tyres are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres. Besides the chunky tread pattern, the sidewalls and threads are reinforced with two carcass plies. The Porsche 911 Dakar’s tyres are highly cut-resistant and are suitable for challenging terrain. Two carcass plies are available for Pirelli P Zero summer and winter tyres. All-terrain tyres come as standard and deliver sports car dynamics on the road as well.
With 480 PS (353 kW), the three-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder 911 Dakar consumes 11.3 litres of fuel per 100km, emits 256 g/km of CO2, and consumes 10.5 litres of fuel per 100km in NEDC, emits 239 grams of CO2, and offers maximum torque of 570 Newton meters. Despite the all-terrain tyres, the high-performance sports car has a top speed of 240 km/h; it sprints to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The engine comes standard with an eight-speed PDK and Porsche all-wheel drive. A rear-axle steering system, engine mounts from the 911 GT3, and PDCC anti-roll stabilization are also standard. Due to the interplay of all components, the 911 Dakar is just as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Two distinct driving modes are also available on the steering wheel, which ensure maximum off-road performance.
All-wheel drive with rear-focus is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces in rally mode. The high clearance is automatically activated in Offroad mode. Designed for maximum traction on sand and difficult terrain, this mode provides maximum traction. Both of the optional driving modes also feature the new Rallye Launch Control, which enables impressive acceleration on loose surfaces and allows wheel slippage of around 20 per cent.
Additionally, the 911 Dakar has a newly developed lightweight, fixed CFRP rear spoiler. In addition, it has a CFRP front luggage compartment lid with striking air intakes inspired by the 911 GT3. The vehicle also features standard off-road details such as red aluminum towing lugs, widened wheel wells, and stainless steel protective elements on the front, rear, and side sills. Stainless steel grilles protect the side air intakes on the redesigned front end from flying rocks.
There is a visible 12-volt power outlet on the Porsche 911 Dakar’s roof rack that powers its headlights. The rack is designed to be able to accommodate rallying equipment such as fuel and water canisters, shovels, traction boards, and folding shovels without any problems. As an option, you may also purchase a roof tent for the 911 Dakar.
With its standard full bucket seats as well as its omission of rear seats, the 911 Dakar gives a clear indication that it has strong sporting ambitions on the inside. Its weight has been further reduced by the use of lightweight materials, such as lightweight glass and a lightweight battery, causing the Porsche 911 Dakar to weigh only 1,605 kg – just 10 kg more than the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.
Among the many notable features of the Dakar interior is the standard Race-Tex surfaces in Shade Green with decorative stitching, which is also available as an exclusive exterior finish for the 911 Dakar, which is a metallic grey color. There is a Rallye Sport Package that includes a roll-over bar, a six-point safety belt and a fire extinguisher as an option.
This two-tone paint finish in White/Gentian Blue Metallic by Porsche Exclusive Manufactur is at the heart of the optional Rallye Design Package available from Porsche Exclusive Manufactur. This is the first time Porsche has combined bicolor paint with decorative foiling in series production. The customer can choose an individual race number from 0 to 999 on the side of the vehicle.
Along with the rally stripes, the 911 Dakar with Rallye Design Package, which is based on the winning vehicle of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, also features Roughroads lettering on the doors. The term refers to the concept of the 911 Dakar and its suitability for off-road driving. In contrast to the standard vehicle, the white-painted rims and red taillight strip round out the distinctive appearance. Shark blue accents and extended Race-Tex and leather surrounds can also be found in the interior.