Porsche 911 Dakar unveiled – All-terrain performance, 465 HP, just 2,500 units

The current generation Porsche 911 (992 gen) has grown today as Porsche took the wraps off the latest special variant based upon which. Christened as the 911 Dakar, this lifted, all-terrain variant based on the 992 GTS was inspired by the brand’s famed 953 Dakar rally car from 1985 – the original ‘911 4x4’.

Prior to its debut, the 911 Dakar underwent a lengthy development process which included tests across deserts and snow, not forgetting the creation of special prototypes with portal axles to climb a volcano. The end result of those brings forth this final road-going version, which arguably now stands as one of the most capable 911 models ever made.

To conquer paths less travelled warranted a beefier suspension with the ground clearance to match. As a result, the 911 Dakar sits 50 MM taller than a 992-gen 911 Carrera S, and this can be raised further by another 30 MM too. According to Porsche, the 911 Dakar’s suspension setup wasn’t just designed merely for driving over obstacles at low speed, it can be used at speeds of up to 170 KM/H for “ambitious off-road adventures”.

Said ethos extends to the wheels and tyres too as the 911 Dakar rolls on special Fuchs-inspired alloy wheels wrapped in bespoke Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tyres that boast tread depths of up to 9 MM and highly reinforced sidewalls. Porsche claims that, despite being off-road-focused, these tyres still deliver dynamic on-road performance too, though customers can opt for asphalt-friendly Pirelli P-Zero tyres too.

Whilst still on the 911 Dakar’s off-road-specific bits, Porsche have also primed it with a rear-wheel-steering system from the 911 GT3, as well as active anti-roll bars. Coupled with the aforementioned off-road suspension and wheels plus tyres, it all ensures the 911 Dakar remains nimble, both on and off the asphalt.

Mechanically, the 911 Dakar is identical to the 911 Carrera S. It harnesses the same signature 3.0-litre ‘boxer’ flat 6-cyl turbo mill that outputs 475 HP and 570 NM, as well as the 8-speed PDK automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive (AWD) driveline package.

The result sees this powertrain package able to propel the 911 Dakar’s claimed 1,605 KG heft – just 10 KG more than an AWD-equipped 911 Carrera GTS -  from nought to 100 KM/H in just 3.5 seconds using Porsche’s regular launch control system, though top speed is limited to just 240 KM/H.

Notably, the 911 Dakar is also primed with a gravel-friendly Rallye Launch Control system. It also sees its two new drive modes added, those being ‘Rallye’ and ‘Off-Road’. Aptly, Off-Road puts the suspension at its full height and divides the power equally front to rear, whereas Rallye is designed for loose, uneven surfaces whereby it sends most power to the rear axle.

Beyond these purposeful off-road setup, the 911 Dakar has been treated with a radical exterior overhaul that models upon the most extreme off-road vehicles. It also sports aluminium towing eyes up front and at the rear, significantly widened wheel arches, as well as beefy steel protective bash plates. Other bespoke details include a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) rear spoiler, plus the bootlid lifted from the ultra-light 911 GT3.

On board, the 911 Dakar’s weight is kept at the lowest possible figure thanks to Porsche’s weight-saving efforts such as deleting the rear seats, fitment of slimmer window glass and a lightweight battery. Otherwise, the cabin remains largely identical to what’s seen in other 911 models.

For those seeking a different kind of off-road adventure, Porsche have also specified a number of special options for the 911 Dakar such as a roof tent and cargo basket, the latter able to haul up to 42 KG.

Not digging the bespoke ‘Shade Green’ hue made just for the 911 Dakar? There’s a Rallye Design Package option to consider that dresses the 911 Dakar in a two-tone finish with gold and red stripes plus race number decal on the side between 1 and 999 – a la the classic Rothmans race livery. Lastly, 911 Dakar buyers also have exclusive access to buy a matching 911 Dakar-themed Porsche Design timepiece as well.

Of course, go-anywhere ability in a 911 doesn’t come cheap, with US prices starting from US$223,450 (approx. RM 1,016,698). Above all, the 911 Dakar will be rare too thanks to Porsche’s plan to build just 2,500 units worldwide.

Are you digging the Porsche’s take of go-anywhere performance in the 911 Dakar? Or would you be more chuffed to be in its sportier V10-powered Italian cousin the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…