Porsche is headed back to the desert. The CarBuzz spy photographers have just snapped the second coming of the Porsche 911 Dakar. The lifted safari-style 911 will return for the 992.2-generation 911. It will be based on the 911 GTS like before, but we have some questions about what will power the sand-running 911 this time around. Porsche Is Getting Ready For Another Dakar Sandstorm CarBuzz/Valnet We had already heard reports that Porsche would build a new 911 Dakar. The 911 with a 2.5-inch lift and the ability to do sports car things on sand and gravel was a smash hit. The car started at $225,000 in the US and Porsche only built 2,500 for the world. They sold out almost immediately.This is the first time we've seen the new car, though, and it looks the part. The last time around, the Dakar was based on the 911 GTS, and we believe that the same will be true this time. But it might not be, because while the last one shared much of its front bumper with the GTS, this one doesn't. Instead of the new GTS model's active aero flaps, this prototype has simple mesh-covered openings. Sand and active aero motors wouldn't be a good combination, though, so there's not really anything definitive there.Once again, this 911 is lifted higher than stock. The car isn't wearing all-terrain tires, but it is wearing winter tires. That's the better choice in Sweden, even if it is officially spring.This Dakar isn't wearing as much cladding as the original, but it's still there. There are rub strips along the side sills and the front bumper lip. Leaving the fender flares off for the prototype makes sense because it's easy to throw those parts on later and have something new to show. No More Big Wing? CarBuzz/Valnet There are more changes at the back, where the most obvious is the switch from wide-set to tightly spaced center exhaust outlets. The bumper around them has more paint and less bare plastic cladding-style area. It's also missing the tow hook.One more big change is the removal of the fixed rear wing from last time. This car has an active movable rear wing instead, but we'll admit we liked the fixed one better.CarBuzz/Valnet If Porsche sticks with the GTS-based formula, then the new Dakar should get a new engine. The old 3.0-liter flat-six was dropped for a new 3.6-liter unit when the new GTS launched in 2024. The old engine made 473 horsepower, while the new one makes 478. Add 53 hp from Porsche's new T-Hybrid system, and you get 532 hp with 449 pound-feet of torque, plenty of oomph for powering through rough terrain.We've heard rumors that the new car will have even more rough road performance capability than before, but it's not clear what that might mean. A taller suspension, possibly with active adjustable height settings, would deliver more clearance underneath, and that would deliver more capability. It could also have a more advanced AWD system for improved traction on loose surfaces. We'll have to wait and see, and we're sure we'll see more of this latest 911.Porsche 911 Dakar spy photo (18)