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Can you ever imagine witnessing and driving a Porsche off-road car?
Porsche supercars are usually seen on the highways and city streets. But recently, the giant German carmaker introduced an off-road version of the most loved 911 series - the Porsche 911 Dakar.
Read on to learn how the Porsche 911 Dakar blends the iconic 911 legacy with off-road prowess, inviting enthusiasts to explore uncharted terrains in true Porsche style.
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In This Article:
- Exterior: Inspired by the 1984 Porsche 953
- Interior: Race-tex, Black Aluminum, No Rear Seats
- On-road Performance: 8-speed & 4-wheel Drive
- Off-road Performance: +80 Mm Ground Clearance
- Rallye Sport Package for Enhanced Protection
- Utility & Accessories
- Technical Specs
Carbon Fiber Elevates Porsche 911 Dakar’s Performance Off the Beaten Path
Exterior: Inspired by the 1984 Porsche 953
The Porsche 911 Dakar, an off-road iteration of the iconic 911, draws inspiration from the legendary winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1984 - the Porsche 953 driven by René Metge.
Instantly recognizable, the number 953 takes center stage on both sides of the car, boldly displayed alongside the reaffirmation motto - Rough Roads PORSCHE.
While maintaining the classic 911 design, the Dakar model introduces distinctive elements as a nod to the 1984 Porsche 953, such as:
- Two-tone White/Gentian Blue Metallic paint finish
- Decorative Gold/Red stripes
- 19/20-inch wheels painted in White, fitted with all-terrain tires
A significant upgrade lies in using carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the bonnet (hood) and rear spoiler, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to weight reduction.
Its 1,605-kg curb weight is slightly heavier than the standard 911 version (1580 kg) yet is much lighter than other off-road vehicles, which generally weigh around 2,000 kg. This quality enhances aerodynamics effectively, a big bonus for an off-road supercar.
Every detail, from the number 953 to the CFRP components, reflects the Porsche mantra that on sandy terrain, every gram counts.
Interior: Race-tex, Black Aluminum, No Rear Seats
Inside the Porsche 911 Dakar cockpit, a blend of sportiness, luxury, and functionality comes to life. The Race-tex material, a polyester fiber similar to Alcantara but more exclusive, wraps many interior components, including:
- Steering wheel
- Seats
- Dashboard
- Armrests
- Headrests
This material contributes to the car’s overall sporty feel and maintains a high level of aesthetics and luxury.
Brushed Black aluminum inlays, the inlay in Shade Green, and a limited edition plaque on the passenger side add distinctive touches to the interior. Buyers can choose between the standard cockpit or the Rallye Design Package, which incorporates decorative inlays and supports in Ceramica paired with contrasting blue stitching for a more personalized look.
To optimize off-road performance, the Porsche 911 Dakar features CFRP full bucket seats, offering excellent lateral support while keeping the overall weight in check.
The intentional removal of rear seats further emphasizes Dakar’s commitment to shedding unnecessary weight for off-road adventures.
On-road Performance: 8-speed & 4-wheel Drive
Under the hood, the Porsche 911 Dakar boasts a 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, akin to the 911 Carrera 4 GTS.
This powerhouse generates 473 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque, transferring to all four wheels through the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission.
Despite being electronically limited to a maximum speed of 150 mph (240 kph), the Porsche 911 Dakar’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 kph) is a mere 0.1 second slower than the 911 GTS, showcasing its formidable on-road capabilities.
Off-road Performance: +80 Mm Ground Clearance
The Porsche 911 Dakar distinguishes itself as the only 911 with a sports chassis, elevating it by 50 mm compared to the standard model (from 111 mm to 161 mm).
This height proves invaluable when navigating challenging off-road terrains.
When ground clearance becomes crucial, the lift system can raise the car by an additional 30 mm at both the front and rear, reaching a total increase of 80 mm. This feature enables the car to reach 150 kph, ensuring optimal performance on varied off-road surfaces.
The Sport Chrono Package for the 911 Dakar also introduces two performance setups:
- Rallye mode for gravel roads, muddy tracks, and wet grass
- Off-road mode for dunes and rocky passages
Furthermore, the Rallye Launch Control further enhances the car’s capabilities, ensuring a perfect rally stage start on loose ground.
These features collectively position the Porsche 911 Dakar as a formidable off-road machine, blending the brand’s iconic design with cutting-edge technology to conquer the most challenging landscapes.
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Rallye Sport Package for Enhanced Protection
The Porsche 911 Dakar’s prowess extends beyond its engine and design, with the Rallye Sport Package offering enhanced protection for off-road and circuit driving.
This package includes two six-point seatbelts, ensuring maximum restraint and safety. A Black powder-coated steel roll bar is bolted to the bodyshell behind the front seats, providing structural reinforcement and safeguarding occupants during unforeseen challenges.
One of the critical safety features of the Rallye Sport Package is an easily accessible fire extinguisher strategically mounted on the passenger side.
This quick-access design ensures that crucial firefighting equipment is readily available, contributing to the driver’s safety during high-intensity off-road adventures.
Utility & Accessories
An off-road expedition demands proper equipment and accessories, and the Porsche 911 Dakar is well-prepared to meet these requirements.
Aluminum Roof Basket
The vehicle’s roof becomes a versatile storage space capable of holding up to 40 kg of essential belongings using a specially designed roof basket equipped with auxiliary headlights. This robust aluminum roof basket features a matte black powder coating, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance.
Canisters
The Dakar also provides options for carrying fuel and water canisters securely and essential recovery boards for navigating muddy and soft terrains. The aluminum roof basket becomes the ideal platform for securing these items, emphasizing functionality.
Foldable Roof Tent
Furthermore, users can enhance their off-road experience by opting for a foldable roof tent designed for two people. This convenient accessory can be easily set up in a few simple steps, providing a comfortable resting place during the journey.
To maintain a streamlined and organized interior, the tent, mattress, and ladders are neatly stowed away in a purpose-built hardshell case, ensuring that utility and convenience are seamlessly integrated into the Porsche 911 Dakar’s off-road experience.
Technical Specs
MSRP |
Starting from $223,450 (limited to 2,500 units globally) |
Displacement |
2.981 cm³ |
Number of cylinders |
6 |
Horsepower |
473 |
Torque |
570 Nm |
Acceleration |
0 - 60 mph: 3,2 s 0 - 100 kph: 3,4 s 0 - 160 kph: 7,8 s 0 - 200 kph: 12,0 s 1/4 mile: 11,6 s |
Top speed |
150 mph (240 kph) |
Transmission |
8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) |
Length/width/height |
4.530 mm/1.864 mm/1.338 mm |
Wheelbase |
2.450 mm |
Ground clearance |
161 mm |
Curb weight |
1,605 kg (3538 lbs) |
Fuel consumption |
Urban: 19,4L/100 km Suburban: 10,7L/100 km Highway: 10,1L/100 km Combined: 11,3L/100 km |
Wheels |
19/20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires |
Seating capacity |
2 |
Exterior color options |
White/Black/Shade Green Metallic/Shark Blue/Ice Grey Metallic/GT Silver Metallic/White/Gentian Blue Metallic |
If you have questions about the Porsche 911 Dakar off-road or any details discussed here, connect with us and learn more.
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