Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Cars & Concepts
November 16, 2022 10:00 PM

Rally-inspired Porsche 911 Dakar is pitched at SUV set

The Rally-inspired Porsche 911 Dakar is limited to 2,500 models globally.

Urvaksh Karkaria
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    911DAKAR-MAIN_i.jpg

    The Porsche 911 Dakar can be raised 80 mm higher than the 911 Carrera, which allows it to acheive ride height and ramp-over angles similar to conventional crossovers, Porsche said.

    Porsche is pitching its new 911 Dakar as a sports car aimed at the SUV set.

    The rally-inspired Dakar features a raised suspension, all-terrain tires and an antilock braking system optimized for loose gravel.

    Porsche unveiled the two-door off-roader on the eve of the Los Angeles auto Show. The 911 Dakar is limited to 2,500 units globally and starts at 222,020 euros in Germany.

    The Dakar's appeal extends beyond the shriveled pool of two-door sports car buyers. Its racy performance and utility ride speak to both the on-track and off-road demographic.

    "When drivers are looking for crossovers and sport-utilities, appealing to these buyers means going to where they are," said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

    What the 911 Dakar lacks in volume, it makes up in buzz.

    "It's a showpiece that allows engineers to go to town and show what they can do," said Ryan Kirchner, new-car manager at Porsche of The Main Line in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. "Porsche wants to build its cars for the extremes."

    Made for off-road

    A 3.0-liter, twin-turbo Boxer engine delivers 473 hp and propels the 911 Dakar from zero to 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.2 seconds.

    It rides 50 mm higher than the 911 Carrera. The standard lift system, designed to help clear obstacles at low speeds, can raise the car by an additional 30 mm — achieving ride height and ramp-over angles similar to conventional crossovers, Porsche said.

    Rear-axle steering, engine mounts adopted from the 911 GT3 and a body roll-reducing system enable the Dakar to tackle sand and loose gravel.

    Two drive modes — Rallye Mode and Off-Road Mode — offer off-road performance. Rallye Mode helps on uneven surfaces and biases power to the rear axle. Off-Road Mode maximizes traction on sand and in rough terrain.

    Rallye Launch Control, developed for this model, allows wheel spin of up to 20 percent.

    The Dakar weighs 3,552 pounds (1,605 kg) and is designed for the outdoors. It features a fixed rear spoiler and a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic hood with large openings designed to extract air.

    Red front and rear tow hooks made of forged aluminum, flared fender arches and rocker panels add to the off-road appearance, as do stainless steel body elements on the front and rear fascia and side skirts. The side air intakes in the front fascia have stainless steel mesh grilles to keep out rocks and other debris.

    A 12-volt socket delivers power for the headlights of the optional roof basket that can hold 92 pounds (42 kg) of water canisters, shovels and other camping gear. A roof tent is available.

    Paying homage

    The model name Dakar is a nod to the first overall victory by Porsche in the Paris-Dakar rally, achieved in 1984 by a purpose-built Porsche 911 fitted with an all-wheel-drive system for the first time.

    The 911 Dakar is offered with an optional two-tone paint Rallye Design package inspired by the iconic winning car.

    Engineers have racked up more than 300,000 miles (483,000 km) with the 911 Dakar under what Porsche calls "extreme conditions." In addition to tests at Porsche's off-road proving grounds in Weissach, Germany, the car has tallied 6,000 miles off-road, from frozen Swedish lakes to Moroccan dunes.

    CARS & CONCEPTS: Sign up for this multipurpose newsletter that covers the biggest moves in Europe’s product market.
    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    New VW Passat to arrive in September; Skoda Superb to follow
    Recommended for You
    VW Passat Europe
    New VW Passat to arrive in September; Skoda Superb to follow
    Ford Explorer EV 2023 front
    Ford Explorer EV races into segment poised for big gains
    VW brand CEO Thomas Schaefer with the ID2all concept
    VW, Skoda, Cupra will get small EVs made in Spain
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up and get the top news of the day in Europe every business weekday.
    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us