The Porsche 911 Dakar has officially made its debut, and it’s unlike anything the German marque has ever released.
The off-road Porsche got its name from the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1984, the year Porsche won the event in a RS/SC 4×4.
And today, it made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
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Let’s start with its appearance.
The first thing that stands out is the roof, which is fitted with a roof tent and a basket that you can use for jerrycans and spare parts.
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It also has a visible 12-volt power outlet for roof rack headlights.
And the roof rack is legit because it can hold 42kg.
To top it all off, the car has fixed rear spoiler and red aluminum towing lugs both at the front and back.
So how many will there be?
The exclusive model is limited to just 2,500 units, so if you’re interested in bagging one, you’ll have to be quick.
Porsche 911 Dakar price
Prices for the Porsche 911 Dakar will start at $222,000 but go up with optional extras.
Another noticeable detail on the Dakar is its ground clearance, which Porsche has jacked up 50mm higher than the Carrera.
The front and rear ends can also be raised another 30 millimeters with the standard lift system.
That ‘high-level’ lift setting is there for especially ambitious off-road adventures.
The German marque says its ground clearance and ramp angle actually rivals those of conventional SUVs.
Adding to its sporty, off-road appearance are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires.
Performance and powertrain
The marque says the new Porsche 911 Dakar is just as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
The twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine churns out 473 horsepower.
The off-road sports car can sprint to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
And due to the all-terrain tires, the top speed has been limited to 240km/h, but that’s nothing to sneeze at.
Porsche says it’s ensured maximum off-road performance with two new driving modes, Rallye mode and Offroad mode.
Rallye mode has rear-focused all-wheel drive and is made for loose and uneven surfaces.
Meanwhile, Offroad mode – which activates high clearance – is designed for maximum traction.
Porsche also used lightweight glass and a lightweight battery to bring the weight down to just 1,605kg.
It also used the same carbon fiber hood as that used on the track-focussed 911 GT3.
Porsche Design Chronograph
911 Dakar owners will be given exclusive access to order the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 to match the car.
Porsche says it’s been made using special ultra-scratch-resistant and light titanium carbide.
Even the company hasn’t said as much, we have to assume it will be limited to 2,500 units – just like the car.
