World premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Ground clearance increased by up to 80 millimetres with lift function
Optionally available with Rallye Design Package to echo the look of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally winning car
Off-road sports tyres for superior traction
Optionally available roof basket including additional lights and off-road accessories
Porsche is celebrating an extraordinary world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the new Porsche 911 Dakar. Limited to just 2,500 examples worldwide, this exclusive model is just as comfortable off road as it is on road, and demonstrates the possibilities of the Porsche 911 concept. It takes inspiration from the first overall victory by Porsche in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, which was simultaneously the birth of all-wheel drive in the Porsche 911. As a nod to this win, the new 911 Dakar is offered with an optional Rallye Design Package, reminiscent of that iconic, winning car.
The first striking detail of the Porsche 911 Dakar is its ground clearance, which is 50 mm higher than that of a 911 Carrera S with sports suspension. It can be raised by a further 30 mm using its lift system, resulting in ground clearance and ramp angles which rival those of more conventional off-road vehicles. The four-corner lift system is not designed merely for driving over obstacles at low speeds, but is an integral part of the re-tuned suspension. The ‘high level’ setting is available for ambitious off-road adventures at speeds of up to 106 mph (170 kph). Above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.
Complementing the car’s high-speed off-road attributes are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres (sized 245/45 R 19 at the front and 295/40 R 20 at the rear). The chunky tread pattern is nine millimetres deep and the reinforced sidewalls rest on two carcass plies, helping ensure the tyres are highly cut resistant. This makes the tyres of the Porsche 911 Dakar ideal for challenging terrain while retaining a high level of on-road sports car dynamics. Optional Pirelli P Zero summer and winter tyres, also with two carcass plies, are also available.
Commanding power on all driving surfaces
Familiar from the 911 GTS models, the 3.0-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine with 480 PS (353 kW) and a maximum torque of 570 Nm delivers strong performance with a compelling boxer sound. The car sprints from rest to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed, limited due to the all-terrain tyres, of 149 mph (240 kph).
As standard, the engine comes with an eight-speed PDK and Porsche all-wheel drive. Standard equipment also includes rear-axle steering, dynamic engine mounts from the 911 GT3, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) anti-roll stabilisation. The interplay of these components results in the 911 Dakar being just as capable on sand and gravel as it is on the Nordschleife. Its maximum off-road performance is also thanks in part to two new driving modes selectable via the rotary switch on the steering wheel. Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive, while Offroad mode is for high-clearance driving. Both of the new driving modes also feature Rallye Launch Control, which can handle loose surfaces and wheel slippage of 20 per cent.
Room for equipment on top
Other characteristic features of the 911 Dakar include the newly developed, lightweight fixed rear spoiler made of CFRP, as well as the CFRP front lid taken from the 911 GT3. There are also standard off-road details such as aluminium towing lugs at the front and back, widened wheel wells and sills, and stainless steel plates on the front, rear, and sills. The side air intakes on the redesigned front are also protected against flying rocks with stainless steel grilles.
The roof of the Porsche 911 Dakar features a visible 12-volt power outlet for the headlights of the optional roof rack. With a capacity of 42 kgs, the rack can accommodate equipment such as fuel and water canisters, folding shovels, and traction boards. A roof tent is also available for the 911 Dakar.
In the interior, the 911 Dakar underlines its sporting abilities with full bucket seats as standard, and the omission of the rear seats. Lightweight glass and a lightweight battery reduce its mass yet further, enabling the Porsche 911 Dakar to weigh in at just 1,605 kgs – only 10 kgs heavier than a 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.
A defining feature of the Dakar interior are the standard Race-Tex surfaces with decorative stitching in Shade Green, a colour which is also exclusively available as a metallic exterior finish for the 911 Dakar. A Rallye Sport Package with roll-over bar, six-point seat belts and fire extinguisher is optional.
Rallye Design Package evoking the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally winning car
The optional Rallye Design Package from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur features a two-tone paint finish in White and Gentian Blue Metallic. This combination of two-tone paintwork and decorative vinyl on a standard production model is a first for Porsche. On each door, customers can choose an individual starting number between 1 and 999. The look of the 911 Dakar with Rallye Design Package recaptures the winning car from the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally and, in addition to decorative stripes in red and gold, features a ‘Roughroads’ logo on the doors. The term is a registered trademark and reflects the off-road concept of the 911 Dakar. White rims and a red taillight strip, in contrast to the standard car, round off the distinctive appearance. Interior highlights include extended Race-Tex and leather surrounds as well as seat belts and accents in Shark Blue.
Porsche Design Chronograph
911 Dakar customers can exclusively order the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 ‒ 911 Dakar or the Chronograph 1 ‒ 911 Dakar Rallye Design Edition to match the vehicle. For the first time, the housing is made of particularly scratch-resistant and light titani-um carbide.
The new Porsche 911 Dakar can be ordered now at a price of £173,000 incl. VAT with first deliveries in the UK due around Spring 2023. The Rallye Design Package is available from £18,434 incl. VAT.
Customers will be invited to explore the potential of the new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
Combined fuel consumption for the 911 Dakar is 25.0 mpg (WLTP), equivalent to 256 g/km CO2.
