Overview
The Porsche 911 (992) Dakar is a special edition variant of the iconic Porsche 911 sports car that pays homage to the legendary Dakar Rally. Known for its performance, durability, and off-road capabilities, the Dakar Rally is one of the toughest motorsport events in the world, testing the limits of both man and machine. Porsche created the 911 Dakar edition to celebrate its success in the rally and capture the spirit of adventure associated with off-road racing.
Exterior: The Porsche 911 Dakar features several design elements that set it apart from the standard 911 models. It sports a rugged and aggressive appearance, with a lifted suspension for increased ground clearance, reinforced underbody protection, and larger off-road tires mounted on unique alloy wheels. The body is adorned with special Dakar Rally-inspired graphics, including distinctive decals and badges, showcasing the car’s connection to the legendary race.
Performance: Under the hood, the Porsche 911 Dakar retains the renowned performance capabilities of the 911 series. It is equipped with a powerful engine, likely a turbocharged flat-six, delivering impressive horsepower and torque to conquer both on-road and off-road challenges. The transmission system is expected to be a responsive dual-clutch automatic or a manual gearbox, allowing drivers to fully experience the thrill of driving a Porsche.
Interior: Inside the cabin, the 911 Dakar blends sportiness and comfort. It features unique upholstery with Dakar-themed accents, such as contrasting stitching, special badges, and bespoke trim elements. The seats provide excellent support during high-speed off-road adventures, while the dashboard and center console incorporate modern technology and driver-focused controls.
Off-Road Capability: To enhance its off-road capabilities, the Porsche 911 Dakar comes equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system. This system, coupled with specialized suspension tuning and off-road-oriented settings for the engine and transmission, enables the car to tackle various terrains, including sand, gravel, and rocky surfaces. Additionally, the reinforced underbody protection shields critical components from damage during intense off-road maneuvers.
Limited Edition: As a tribute to the Dakar Rally and its heritage, the Porsche 911 Dakar is likely to be produced in limited numbers. The exclusivity of this special edition adds to its appeal among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
In summary, the Porsche 911 (992) Dakar is a unique variant of the iconic sports car designed to embody the spirit of off-road racing. With its distinctive design elements, powerful performance, and enhanced off-road capabilities, the 911 Dakar pays tribute to Porsche’s success in the Dakar Rally while providing an exhilarating driving experience both on and off the road.
We wrote an article on the launch of this car, you can find even more detail here.
How to spot
- Dakar decals
- Much higher ride height compared to other 911’s
- Off-road tyres
- Unique spoiler
Specifications
Capacity: 2981cc
Compression ratio: 8.7:1
Maximum Power: 480hp @ 6,500rpm
Maximum Torque: 570Nm @ 2,300 rpm
Brakes: Front 350mm and Rear 350mm
Suspension: McPherson-front axle with anti-roll bar and rear axle steering
Wheels & Tyres: Front: 8J x 19-inch Dakar forged wheels with 245/45 ZR 19 Rear: 11.5J x 20-inch Dakar forged wheels with 295/40 ZR 20
Length: 4,530mm
Width: 1864mm
Weight: 1,605kg
Did you know?
A fun fact about the Dakar Rally is that it was originally called the “Paris-Dakar Rally” because the race started in Paris, France, and ended in Dakar, Senegal. The first edition of the rally took place in 1979 and covered a distance of approximately 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) through some of the harshest terrains in Europe and Africa. However, due to security concerns and the increasing difficulty of organizing the race across multiple countries, the Dakar Rally was relocated to South America in 2009 and renamed the “Dakar Rally” while maintaining its adventurous and challenging spirit.