BY PETER BARNWELL
PORSCHE’S high performance DNA is largely derived from a deep involvement and success in many forms of motorsport not the least being so-called ‘rally raids’ like the arduous Dakar (formerly Paris-Dakar) Rally and many other similar cross country, multi-day events.
Capitalising on this vast experience, Porsche has unveiled a road-going, rally raid version of its 911 sports coupe called the 911 Dakar at the 2022 Los Angeles motor show. Needless to say, the car has created a tonne of attention internationally.
And it will be available here in right hand drive configuration with deliveries commencing mid-next year priced from $491,400 plus on-road costs and options.
But if you have the readies, better get in quickly because the 911 Dakar is a limited edition run of only 2500 units that will guarantee exclusivity.
Porsche has long been rumoured to be building its own high-riding, ruggedised version of the 911 that is as much at home in the dirt as it is on the tarmac and the result is stunning to see and no doubt to drive.
It was designed and specified to be “just as comfortable off-road as it is on the highway,” while delivering the same high level of outright performance and handling as other variants of the legendary 911.
Porsche says: “The car doesn’t just demonstrate the possibilities of the Porsche 911 concept but also evokes the first overall victory by Porsche in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, the start of AWD availability in the 911.”
Derivatives of the 911 are raced to this day in the Dakar and other rallies across the globe.
While the 911 Dakar looks the business many enthusiasts would want to know how it would perform in a real rally. That would be easy to find out if you have half a million dollars to stump up.
If additional exclusivity is sought, buyers can option their 911 Dakar with the Rallye Design Package for an extra $54,730 which brings styling elements from that iconic winning car including a specific colour scheme harking back to the days when cigarette advertising was acceptable.
The Dakar sits 50mm higher than a regular 911 Carrera with sports suspension owing to the ground clearance demands of off-road driving making this is a striking vehicle compared with the road-going 911.
Adding to its off-road capability is a lift system that can raise the front and rear ends an additional 30mm. This gives the Dakar ground clearance and ramp angles to rival those of conventional SUVs, says Porsche.
The Stuttgart based specialist manufacturer also says the lift system is not merely designed for driving over obstacles at low speeds but is an integral part of the re-tuned suspension. The highest suspension setting is designed for “ambitious’ off-road adventures ranging to lower setting for more road oriented fast driving.
Aiding traction off-road are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres (245/45 ZR 19 at the front and 295/40 ZR 20 at the rear) with chunky 9mm tread depth and reinforced sidewalls featuring two carcass plies to resist perforation.
Combining beefier suspension and cut-resistant tyres makes the Porsche 911 Dakar a strong proposition in tough off-road driving. Although tackling some of Australia’s gnarly tracks in a half-million dollar car might not be to everyone’s liking.
Road oriented ‘summer’ tyres that also feature two carcass plies are available as an option.
Motivating the muscular beast is a version of Porsche’s 3.0-litre bi-turbo flat six-cylinder with 353kW of power and maximum torque of 570Nm that Porsche assures us “delivers superior performance with a compelling boxer sound”.
The 911 Dakar can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in a scant 3.4 seconds says Porsche, and the engine drive al four wheels through an eight-speed PDK transmission. Standard equipment includes rear-axle steering, engine mounts from the 911 GT3 and PDCC anti-roll stabilisation.
Porsche says the interplay of all these components results in the 911 Dakar being just as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Off-road performance is maximised by a choice of two driving modes which are selectable through a rotary switch on the steering wheel. “Rallye” mode is calibrated for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive.
In “Off-road” mode the high clearance is activated automatically. This mode is designed for maximum traction on difficult terrain and on sand. Both these modes feature Rallye Launch Control, which enables strong acceleration on loose surfaces.
As an option, the Dakar is available with a cool-looking roof basket or roof tent.
Then there is a fixed lightweight rear spoiler in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the CFRP front luggage compartment lid with striking air outlets taken from the 911 GT3. There are also standard off-road details including red aluminium towing lugs at the front and back, widened wheel wells and sills and stainless steel protective elements on the front, rear and side sills.
Side air intakes on the redesigned front end are also protected against flying rocks by stainless steel grilles.
The roof features a visible 12V power outlet for the auxiliary lights on the optional roof rack that has a capacity of 42kg and can accommodate rallying accessories such as fuel and water canisters, folding shovels and traction boards.
Inside are sporty bucket front seats and the omission of the rear seats, while lightweight glass and a lightweight battery help reduce weight to 1605kg – or 10kg heavier than the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.
Suede-like ‘Race-Tex’ surfaces with decorative green stitching feature inside while the car itself is another shade of green called Shade Green metallic.
Going even further down the all-terrain rally raid road is the Rallye Sport Package with fire extinguisher, roll cage, six-point harnesses that brings echoes of the 1984 Paris-Dakar winning vehicle.
Other options and option packages will be available when the 911 Dakar arrives here in the second half of 2023.
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