Porsche 911 Dakar - world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the sports car manufacturer is celebrating an outstanding global debut: the new Porsche 911 Dakar is just as comfortable off-road as it is on the highway.

This exclusive model, produced in just 2,500 units, not only demonstrates the almost limitless possibilities of the 911 concept, but also recalls Porsche's first overall victory at the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984. This landmark victory also marked the birth of the versatile Porsche 911. The 911 Dakar is offered with the optional Rallye Design package, nominating the iconic winning car.

New Porsche 911 Dakar 2022

From the very first moment, the new Porsche 911 Dakar impresses with its ground clearance, which is 50 millimeters higher than that of a 911 Carrera with sports suspension. And the standard lifting system allows you to increase it front and rear by another 30 mm. As a result, the ground clearance and ramp angle are in line with conventional SUVs. However, the lifting system is not only designed to overcome obstacles at low speeds, but is also an integral part of the reconfigured suspension. The "high" setting enables ambitious off-road adventures at speeds up to 170 km/h. If this speed is exceeded, the vehicle automatically lowers to the normal level.

The off-road performance of the 911 Dakar is complemented by specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires (245/45 ZR 19 front and 295/40 ZR 20 rear). The massive tread pattern has a depth of 9 mm, and the reinforced sidewalls and surface are made of two carcass layers. All this makes the tires of the Porsche 911 Dakar ideal even on rough terrain and very resistant to damage. As an option, summer and winter tires Pirelli P Zero are available, also with a two-layer carcass. However, off-road tires are standard and ensure the dynamism of a sports car, even on pavement.

Power on any surface

3.0-liter six-cylinder biturbo engine with 480 hp (353 kW) and a maximum torque of 570 Nm delivers superior performance with the convincing accompaniment of a boxer engine. The new sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds; because of the off-road tires, its top speed was limited to 240 km/h.

As standard, the engine is mated to an eight-speed PDK transmission and Porsche all-wheel drive. Rear wheel steering, engine mounts from the 911 GT3 and PDCC active stabilization are also standard. The interplay of all components makes the 911 Dakar as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its ultimate off-road performance is also due in part to two new ride modes that can be selected via a rotary switch on the steering wheel. Rally mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces, with all-wheel drive favoring the rear axle. In Offroad mode, the high ride height setting is automatically activated. It is designed for better grip on rough terrain and sand. In both of these modes, the driver has access to the new Rallye Launch Control feature, which delivers impressive acceleration on loose surfaces and allows for around 20 percent wheel slip.

Optionally available with roof basket or roof tarpaulin

The 911 Dakar also features a newly developed fixed lightweight CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) rear spoiler and a front lid in the same material with striking air intakes taken from the 911 GT3. Also of note are standard off-road options such as red aluminum towing eyelets front and rear, flared wheel arches and sill plates, and stainless steel bumper and sill guards. The stone-guard inserts for the side air intakes in the redesigned front fascia are also made of stainless steel.

A 12-volt socket is visible on the roof of the Porsche 911 Dakar to power the headlights of the optional roof rack. The 42kg payload means it will easily fit rally gear like fuel and water cans, folding shovels or traction pads. A rooftop tent is also available for the 911 Dakar.

Inside, the 911 Dakar underlines its sporting ambitions with standard bucket seats and no rear seats. Its weight is further reduced by the use of lightweight windows and a lightweight battery. As a result, the new Porsche 911 Dakar weighs just 1,605 kg – just 10 kg more than a 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.

The interior of the 911 Dakar features standard Race-Tex trim with decorative stitching in Shade Green, also available exclusively as 911 Dakar metallic.

Rally Design Pack with a design inspired by the 1984 Paris-Dakar winning rally car.

The appearance of the 911 Dakar with the optional Rallye Design package is inspired by the 1984 Paris Dakar winner. This is the first such combination of two-tone paintwork and films on a standard Porsche model. On the side there is an individual racing number (from 1 to 999) - at the choice of the buyer. The 911 Dakar with the Rallye Design package also features red and gold decorative stripes and "Roughroads" lettering on the doors.

The term is a registered trademark and reflects the concept and applicability of the new variant. Also on the options list is the Rallye Sport package with a rear roll cage, six-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher. In addition, 911 Dakar buyers can order the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 - 911 Dakar or Chronograph 1 - 911 Dakar Rallye Design Edition along with their new car. For the first time, their case is made from extremely scratch-resistant yet lightweight titanium carbide.

The new Porsche 911 Dakar can already be ordered for $1,189,000. (4 c.u. = 1 USD), including VAT.

The Rallye Design package costs $134,053. (4 c.u. = 1 USD).

Photo: Porsche