Porsche recently celebrated an extraordinary premier of the 911 Dakar edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A high-riding version of the 992 GTS that could literally go anywhere, suitable for both on and off-road while still offering the comfort Porsche is renowned for.
Limited to just 2 500 examples, the jacked-up 911 seeks to explore all the possibilities of the Porsche 911 and take them a bit further. Featuring the same engine found on a 911 GTS, the powerful 3,0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder engine produces 353 kW of power and a maximum of 570 N.m of torque paired with an 8-speed PDK automatic transmission distributing power to all four wheels. The Dakar will sprint from a dead stop to 100 km/h in just 3,4 seconds. Due to all-terrain tyres, the top speed is limited to 240 km/h.
The first striking detail you’ll notice on the Dakar is the massive ground clearance compared to other 911 models, it approximately sits 50 mm higher than a 911 Carrera. The Dakar comes with a high-level setting that brings the ride height a little over 80 mm which Porsche says makes it on par with a standard SUV. The lift system is not only used to slowly cross obstacles but is an integral part of the retuned chassis. The high-level setting is available for ambitious off-road adventures at speeds of up to 170 km/h, above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.
The suspension for the off-road Dakar is heavily revised with new components and software bespoke for this application, rear-wheel steering is added as well as the active engine mounts from the GT3. The 911 Dakar comes equipped with two off-road drive modes, a standard off-road setting which incorporates the high-level suspension system and maximizes traction on sand and rough terrain. The Dakar also has a Rallye drive mode, which biases power to the rear axle and includes a Rallye launch control.
Changes to the exterior include a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof taken from the GT3, red-painted forged aluminium tow hooks on the front and rear, and stainless steel mesh grilles along the front fascia to prevent rock strikes from damaging more-delicate components.
Inside you’ll find fixed-back bucket seats as standard, rear seats were omitted because of the adjustable suspension system, which fills the space that is normally occupied by the rear seats. The curb weight of the Dakar is 1 611 kg, making it only 10 kg heavier than the Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.
A nod to the historic original, It will also be available in a special two-tone exterior finish in the style of the classic Rothmans livery – stay tuned for our interview with Jon Williams, the seasoned South African rally driver that got to drive the model for its global premiere.
