The Porsche 911 is one of the most popular and well-known sports cars in the world, and its lineup is full of track-focused hardcore models like the GT3 RS. But at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the German automaker showed the world the 911 Dakar, a high-riding 911 that’s ready for off-road trails. The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar will be available in the U.S. starting in the spring of 2023 for a starting price of $223,450, which includes delivery, processing, and handling. Only 2,500 of these cars will be made worldwide.
This 911 model will have an optional Rallye Design Package that is based on the first Porsche to win the Paris-Dakar Rally as a whole, which happened in 1984. The package gives the raised 911 a two-tone paint job in White and Gentian Blue Metallic with a decorative livery. In fact, this is the first time Porsche has put livery on a car with a two-tone paint job. Buyers can also choose to put a start number from 1 to 999 on the side of the car.
The 911 Dakar is 50mm (1.97 inches) higher than a standard 911 Carrera and has a lift system that can raise the front and back of the car by an extra 30mm (1.18 inches) (1.18 inches). That would give the 911 Dakar a stance like that of crossovers and SUVs, which may look strange to some people. Porsche says that “High Level” can be used at speeds of up to about 105 mph. If you go faster than that, the car will go back to its normal ride height.
The 911 Dakar has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo Boxer engine that gives it 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That lets it go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The specially made Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires keep it from going faster than 150 mph, though. It has 245/45/19 tires in the front and 295/40/20 tires in the back. The tread pattern on the rear tires is designed for off-road use, and they are 9mm deep. These all-terrain tires come with the car, but buyers can also choose Pirelli P Zero summer performance tires or snow tires.
The engine is connected to a PDK transmission with eight speeds and Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which is an all-wheel drive. So, Porsche added Rallye Mode and Off-Road Mode, two new ways to drive, to the special model. Rallye Mode is for loose, uneven surfaces and sends more power to the rear axle. Off-Road Mode is for sand and rough terrain and gives the best traction. When Off-Road Mode is turned on, the 911 Dakar’s ride height is set to “High Level.” Not surprisingly, there is also a unique Rallye Launch Control mode that lets you speed up on loose surfaces and let up to 20% of the wheels spin.
Some parts of the 911 GT3 have been put on the Dakar, like the rear-axle steering and engine mounts. There’s also a large-holed carbon fiber hood from the 911 GT3 that lets air out. The back has a fixed rear spoiler and red forged aluminum front and rear tow hooks, flared fender arches and rocker panels, and stainless steel body parts all over. On the top of the 911 Dakar’s roof, there is a 12-volt socket for the optional roof basket’s headlights. A roof tent is another option for buyers.
Inside, the back seats have been thrown out and full bucket seats are now standard up front. Some of the weight loss comes from the use of lighter glass. The 911 Dakar weighs 3,552 pounds. The Dakar is also special because it comes with Race-Tex upholstery that is stitched in Shade Green. The only car that comes in that shade of green is the 911 Dakar.
The Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar Design Edition and the Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar Rallye Design Edition were also announced. The red TiC on the dial shows that the case of these watches is made of titanium carbide, which is very light and doesn’t scratch easily. It’s the first time Porsche Design has ever made something like this, and the material is even lighter than titanium.
In the small seconds of the 911 Dakar Rallye Design Edition of the Chronograph 1, there is an extra rough road graphic in white, blue, gold, and red. This is based on the colors of the winning rally car from 1984. The black leather strap has contrasting white stitching and perforation with a Shark Blue Race-Tex backing. This is different from the standard 911 Dakar watch, which is Shade Green.
