At the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche celebrated an amazing world premiere: the new Porsche 911 Dakar is just as at home off-road as it is on the freeway. The special edition, limited to 2,500 cars, demonstrates that the Porsche 911 idea has few boundaries.
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Celebrating the first Dakar win
The new model reminds many of Porsche’s first overall triumph in the 1984 Paris Dakar Rally, which also marked the introduction of all-wheel drive in the Porsche 911. For this reason, a Rallye Design Package is also available as an option for the new 911 Dakar, evoking that legendary winning vehicle.
The Porsche 911 Dakar’s ground clearance, which is 50 millimeters higher than that of a 911 Carrera with sports suspension, is the vehicle’s first notable feature. Furthermore, the front and rear ends may be raised by an extra 30 millimeters using the conventional lift system. Its ramp angle and ground clearance are comparable to those of traditional SUVs.
The lift system is an essential component of the tuned chassis and is employed for more than just gently navigating obstacles. With a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph), the “high level” option is available for adventurous off-road excursions. The vehicle immediately descends back to its usual level once it reaches that speed.
Specially designed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires, measuring 245/45 ZR 19 up front and 295/40 ZR 20, complete the vehicle’s dynamic all-terrain capabilities. The sidewalls are strengthened, the chunky tread pattern is nine millimeters thick, and there are two carcass plies in the threads.
Because of all this, the Porsche 911 Dakar’s tires are excellent even for difficult terrain and have a high level of cut resistance.
Power and special driving modes
With 480 HP (353 kW) and a maximum torque of 570 Newton meters, the three-liter Biturbo six-cylinder engine performs well while producing a commanding boxer sound. The new sports vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, but its peak speed is restricted to 240 km/h (150 mph) because of the all-terrain tires.
The engine has Porsche all-wheel drive and an eight-speed PDK as standard equipment. Additional standard features include PDCC anti-roll stabilization, 911 GT3 engine mounts, and rear-axle steering. The 911 Dakar is just as dynamic on the sand and other uneven terrains as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife thanks to the interaction of all its parts.
Two new driving modes, which can be chosen via the rotary switch on the steering wheel, also guarantee maximum off-road performance. Rallye mode, which has an all-wheel drive that is rear-focused, is excellent for slick, uneven ground. The high clearance automatically activates in Off-road mode. This setting is intended to provide the most traction possible on the sand and challenging terrain.
The new Rallye Launch Control, which provides exceptional acceleration on slick roads and permits wheel slippage of around 20%, is now included in both of the new driving modes.
Special rallying accessories and interior
The newly created, fixed, lightweight CFRP rear spoiler and the CFRP front baggage compartment lid with dramatic air vents borrowed from the 911 GT3 are other distinguishing characteristics of the 911 Dakar. Standard off-road features include enlarged wheel wells and sills, red aluminum towing lugs at the front and rear, and stainless steel protection components on the front, rear, and side sills.
Stainless steel grilles on the revised front end also shield the side air intakes from flying boulders.
The headlights of the optional roof rack have access to a conspicuous 12-volt electrical plug on the Porsche 911 Dakar’s roof. The rack can easily hold rallying supplies including gasoline and water canisters, foldable shovels, and traction boards thanks to its 42-kilogram weight limit. The 911 Dakar also has a roof tent available.
The 911 Dakar’s interior emphasizes its racing intentions with standard full bucket seats and the absence of back seats. The Porsche 911 Dakar weighs only 1,605 kg, which is just 10 kg more than the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK. This is made possible by the lightweight glass and a lightweight battery.
The standard Race-Tex surfaces with ornamental stitching in Shade Green, which are also only offered as a metallic exterior finish for the 911 Dakar, are a distinguishing characteristic of the Dakar interior. Optional features include a roll-over bar, six-point seat belts, and a fire extinguisher in the Rallye sport package.
Porsche 911 Dakar styling options
The White/Gentian Blue Metallic two-tone paint treatment is the centerpiece of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s optional Rallye Design Package. Porsche is the first automaker to use bi-color paint and ornamental foiling together in serial production. The user may choose a unique racing number between 0 and 999 on the side of the car.
Dakar with Rallye Design Package, whose look is based on the winning car of the 1984 Paris Dakar Rally, also has a “Roughroads” inscription on the doors in addition to the rally stripes in red and gold. The name, which is a registered trademark, refers to the 911 Dakar and emphasizes how well-suited it is for off-road driving.
In contrast to the normal car, the white-painted rims and the red taillight strip complete the unusual look. Interior features include seat belts and accents in Sharkblue, extended Race-Tex and leather surround, and leather trim.
