PORSCHE

911 Dakar: Exclusive and limited model recalls Porsche's first overall victory in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally

Porsche celebrates an extraordinary world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show: The new Porsche 911 Dakar is as comfortable off-road as it is on the road. The exclusive model, limited to 2,500 units, recalls Porsche's first overall victory in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, which took place at the same time as the birth of all-wheel drive in the Porsche 911. That's why the new 911 Dakar is also available with the optional Rallye Design Package, inspired by the iconic winning car.

The first striking detail of the Porsche 911 Dakar is its ground clearance, 50 millimeters higher than that of a 911 Carrera with sports suspension. And the lift system, a standard item, can raise the front and rear by an additional 30 millimeters. Its ground clearance and ramp angle rival those of conventional SUVs. The lift system is not only used for crossing obstacles at low speeds, but is also an essential component of the refined chassis. The 'high level' setting enables off-road adventures at speeds of up to 170 km/h. Above this speed, the car automatically lowers to the normal level.

To complement the car's sporty off-road attributes, we have specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires (size 245/45 ZR19 at the front and 295/40 ZR20 at the rear). The robust design pattern of the treads is nine millimeters deep, has reinforced sidewalls and the treads consist of two layers of carcass. All this makes the tires of the Porsche 911 Dakar highly resistant and ideal for driving on challenging terrain. However, these tires are also capable of delivering the dynamics typical of sports cars on the road.

Power and control on every surface...The 3.0-litre biturbo 6-cylinder engine with 480 hp and a maximum torque of 570 Nm delivers superior performance with a convincing boxer sound. The new sports car hits 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds; Due to the use of all terrain tires, the maximum speed is limited to 240 km/h.

The model is equipped with an eight-speed PDK transmission and Porsche all-wheel drive. Standard items also include a steered rear axle, mounts from the 911 GT3 and PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) anti-roll stabilization system. The interaction of all components makes the 911 Dakar just as dynamic on the sand as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Maximum off-road performance is also ensured by the two new driving modes, which can be operated via a selector on the steering wheel. Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive. In off-road mode, high ground clearance is automatically activated. This mode is designed for maximum traction on rough terrain and in the sand. Both new driving modes also feature the new Rallye Launch Control, which allows for impressive acceleration on smooth surfaces and wheel slip of around 20%.

Inside, the 911 Dakar reinforces its sporting ambitions with standard full bucket seats and the removal of the rear seats. Light glass and lightweight battery further reduce its weight, allowing the Porsche 911 Dakar to weigh just 1,605 kg, just 10 kg heavier than the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.

Optionally available with roof rack or roof tent, as well as Porsche Design chronograph...Other features of the 911 Dakar include the new lightweight, fixed rear spoiler, which is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, as well as the trunk. There are also off-road details such as the red aluminum towing handles at the front and rear, the flared wheel housings and skirts, and the stainless steel protective elements on the front, rear and side skirts. The side air intakes on the restyled front are also protected with stainless steel grilles against rocks that could hit them.

The roof of the Porsche 911 Dakar has a 12-volt socket for the optional roof rack lights. With a capacity of 42 kilos, the rack can easily accommodate rally equipment such as gallons of fuel and water, folding paddles and traction boards. A roof tent for the 911 Dakar is also available.

A defining aspect of the Dakar's interior is the standard Race-Tex surfaces with green decorative stitching, which is also exclusively available as a metallic exterior finish for the 911 Dakar. The Rallye Sport Package is optional and includes rollover bars, six-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher.

Rallye Design Pack with styling that conveys the look of the 1984 Paris-Dakar-winning Rally car...At the heart of the optional Rallye Design Pack from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is the two-tone paint finish in Enzian White/Blue Metallic. This is the first time that Porsche has implemented the combination of two-tone paint and decorative film in its series production. On the side of the vehicle, the customer can choose a race number between 0 and 999. The 911 Dakar with the Rallye Design Package, whose appearance is based on the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally winning vehicle, features red and gold stripes and it also displays 'Roughroads' on the doors. The term is a trademark and reflects the concept of the 911 Dakar and its aptitude for driving in off-road conditions. In contrast to the standard configuration, white painted wheel rims and red taillight strip complement its unmistakable appearance. Other highlights can be found inside: More elements covered in Race-Tex and leather, as well as seat belts and Sharkblue accents.

Autonews