Porsche 911 Dakar

Porsche is reviving the legendary 911 4×4 that won the 1984 and 1986 editions of Paris-Dakar Rally. The new Porsche 911 Dakar is designed to win any race under any condition, mud, sand, dirt or snow.

Based on the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, the 911 Dakar is stanced 50mm (2″) higher than the former with sports suspension. Even more, the standard lift system can raise the front and rear ends a further 30mm (1.2″). The high level setting is available for off-roading at speeds of up to 170 km/h (105mph). Above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.

This beast is powered by a eight-speed twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with the high-capacity cooling system from the 911 Turbo. Producing 473 horsepower, the 911 Dakar sprints to 100 km/h (0-60mph) in 3.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 240km/h (150mph) due to the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires (P245/45ZR19 front, P295/40ZR20 rear).

The Dakar includes two driving modes unique to this model. Off-Road mode allows maximum traction on difficult terrain or sand automatically enabling a high stance. Rally mode is for loose and uneven surfaces enabling rear-focused all-wheel drive. Both modes feature Rallye Launch Control, which allows wheel slippage of around 20 percent.

Additional features are Porsche Traction Management all-wheel-drive, rear-axle steering, GT3-style engine mounts, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, a fixed rear spoiler, a CFRP hood from the GT3, aluminum tow hooks, flared fender arches and rocker panels, and a roof with a 12V socket that can power the top basket, which can hold up to 42kg (92lbs) of cargo and accessories.

Porsche warns that production will be limited to 2,500 units for the 2023-2024 model years combined.