It’s not often that there’s a surprise in the Porsche 911 lineup; now you know a Carrera is first, then soon a Turbo, a GTS, a GT3, etc. But the 992 generation has already seen some surprises, including the Heritage Design Edition Targa and the 550bhp Sport Classic. Now it’s time, without a doubt, for the most exciting: here is the 911 Dakar.
Ostensibly built to celebrate the first all-wheel drive 911 – the 953 that won the Paris Dakar in 1984 – and also, presumably, because it’s a really cool idea, the Dakar is described as demonstrating “the possibilities of the Porsche 911 concept”. It’s powered by the GTS version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six, which translates to 480 hp and 420 lb-ft. With the eight-speed PDK and standard four-wheel drive, a 911 Dakar will hit 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds; top speed is 149 mph, due to Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires. Conventional summer and P Zero winter tires are available, both with two layers of all-terrain casing for improved cut resistance, but hey, it’s a 911 Dakar – you’ve got to have fat tires.
Not least because they think it’s cool, the vehicle’s height increased by 50mm over a Carrera S and with a four-corner lift that can raise it a further 30mm. Porsche says this offers “rise and camber angles that rival those of more conventional off-road vehicles,” which should make for an interesting video or two. And it’s not just for rock crawling, as the Dakar can run in its ‘high level’ mode at up to 106 mph for the full rally experience. New drive modes on the rotary switch on the steering wheel help get the most out of its extra capability. Rally mode: in a 911! – Aims to perform better on loose surfaces with rear wheel drive. There is also an Offroad mode for “very safe driving”. Both feature Rally Launch Control, which allows up to 20 percent wheel slip for the best escape on gravel or similar.
Dakar cherry picks some of the best bits from the 911 range for what promises to be an incredible driving experience. It features GT3 rear-wheel steering and dynamic engine mounts as standard, as well as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control anti-roll. Also note a carbon-reinforced plastic rear spoiler, a hood made from the same (borrowed directly from the GT3, too) plus a two-seat cockpit for the full rally car vibe. With bucket seats, lighter glass and a slim battery, the Dakar weighs just 10kg more than a PDK-equipped C4 GTS; the DIN curb weight (without driver) is 1,605 kg. More interestingly, Porsche reckons the new 911 will be “just as capable on sand and gravel as it is on the Nordschleife”, even if the luggage rack is loaded with up to 42kg of fuel, water cans, boards traction, those available optionally. tent, and shovels. Just when it seemed that everything had taken a tourist turn, the Dakar arrives.
The green car seen here is painted Shade Green, a new color that will be exclusive to the Dakar. But that’s unlikely to be the focus from launch, as good as it looks, because Dakar customers will also be offered a Rally Design package for £18,000. Intended to evoke the iconic Rothmans 953, it combines white and gentian blue paint with red and gold decorative stripes, plus the customer’s choice of a number between 1 and 999 on the door. “Roughroads” is now a trademark, says Porsche, which “reflects the concept of the 911 Dakar.” But it might not work as well in reality as it did in the meeting. Shade green for us please with the tent.
Better move fast if you’re interested, as there will only be 2,500 Dakars available worldwide. In the UK, it will cost £173,000, making it more expensive than even a 911 Turbo S, and just £5,000 less than an RS. However, as a non-GT product, we should assume that getting a build slot might be easier than for a GT3. Let’s find out: The Dakar is available to order now and deliveries are expected in the spring…
Navigate left Navigate right
1/44