The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar represents new ground for the historic 911 lineage, having debuted moments ago at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show.
As makers of some of the world’s finest road cars, the 911 Dakar aims to keep on going once the going get’s tough, delivering rough and ready ground clearance, all-wheel drive, chunky all-terrain tyres and a power output to match a 911 GTS.
As the name suggests, Porsche’s latest limited-production special honours the Porsche 953’s victory at the sixth running of the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally event of 1984.
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Australian pricing
Global production will be limited to 2500 examples, with Australian order books now open. Local pricing begins at $491,400 (before on-roads) with local deliveries expected to commence from H2 2023.
| Variant | Price (MLP) |
|---|---|
| 911 Dakar | $491,400 |
Price excludes on-road costs.
Features
Australian-spec Porsche 911 Dakars receive:
| Staggered 19/20inch alloy wheels |
| Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres: 245/45/19 (f); 295/40/20 (r) |
| Raised suspension with lift kit (up to 80mm) |
| 3.0-litre biturbo flat-six (353kW/570Nm) |
| Eight-speed PDK transmission |
| All-wheel drive |
| Rear-axle steering |
| 911 GT3 engine mounts |
| PDCC anti-roll stabilisation |
| Rallye and Off-road driving modes |
| Rallye launch control |
| CFRP fixed rear spoiler |
| CFRP bonnet w/ GT3 intakes |
| Front and rear aluminium tow points (red) |
| External 12v socket (roof-mounted) |
| Full bucket seats (front) |
| Rear seat delete |
| Lightweight glass |
| Lightweight battery |
| Race-Tex interior w/ unique Shade Green stitching |
The most instantly noticeable Dakar development is its raised ground clearance that, by default, sits 50 millimetres higher than a 992 Carrera fitted with sports suspension. A lift system is able to raise the car by a further 30mm for navigating tricky terrain, with ramp approach angles rivalling many conventional SUVs.
Complementing the increased ride height is a set of specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres, measuring 245/45 ZR 19 up front, and 295/40 ZR 20 at the rear. The tyres themselves are made up of two carcass plies, further reinforcing the sidewall – with deep 9mm treads to maximise tyre cut resistance.
Beyond the lifted ground clearance, 911 Dakars will be distinguished by a new fixed CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) rear spoiler and a CFRP bonnet with GT3 air intakes, front and rear red aluminium tow points, widened wheel arches and sills, stainless steel protective elements, with redesigned front air intakes protected by debris with stainless steel mesh.
A roof-mounted 12-volt power outlet caters for a range of Porsche ‘Tequipment’ options and accessories, including an optional roof rack or even a roof tent.
Inside, the 911 Dakar sports full front bucket seats as standard, but no rear seats. Lightweight glass and battery help contain a kerb weight that tips the scales at an admirable 1605 kilograms – just 10kg heavier than an existing Carrera 4 GTS PDK.
Options
The high-riding sports car taps Porsche’s maiden victory at the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, where a Porsche 953, piloted by three-time Dakar winner René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne, finished first in the car class. Just three vehicles completed the gruelling rally in 1984, with 47 DNFs that year.
An optional $54,730 Dakar Rallye Design package further honours Metge and Lemoyne’s achievement, gaining buyers a classical tobacco-inspired livery reflecting a Porsche’s Rothmans-sponsored two-tone white/gentian blue motif with red and gold accents. Buyers will also be able to choose their own individual race number, from 1 to 999.
Buyers who specify the Dakar Rallye Design package gain the opportunity to order a 40mm titanium-carbide-cased Porsche Design Chronograph 1 911 Dakar Rallye Design Edition watch to match their car. Porsche Design’s Chronograph 1 watch is powered by an in-house 25-jewel Werk 01 calibre with 48 hours of power reserve.
A further optionally available Rallye Sport Package adds a roll cage, six-point harness and a fire extinguisher.
Engine, drivetrain and fuel economy
Despite its off-road intentions, the 911 Dakar will still sprint like its roadgoing relatives, delivering a Carrera GTS-matching 353kW/570Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six.
Further equipped with Porsche’s eight-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive, the 911 Dakar claims a 0-100km/h time of just 3.4-seconds, just 0.1 second greater than a tarmac-hugging 992 Carrera 4 GTS.
Other developmental revisions include rear-axle steering, 911 GT3 engine mounts and PDCC active anti-roll stabilisation, to maximise grip over varied surfaces and terrain.
Two extra off-road driving modes, Rallye and Off-road, now feature on the steering-wheel mounted rotary switch. Rallye is a loose surface mode with a rear-biased all-wheel drive calibration, while Off-road automatically engages maximum ride height with an all-wheel drive profile geared for maximum traction on difficult terrain or sand.
Both new driving modes include a new Rallye Launch Control, delivering impressive takeoff and acceleration on loose surfaces.
Porsche has made no fuel useage claims in regards to the 911 Dakar, however, the mechanically similar Carrera 4 GTS wears a claim of 9.7L/100km.
Availability
Australian order books are now open, with local pricing beginning at $491,400 (before on-roads). With just 2500 examples of Porsche’s 911 Dakar intended to be produced, prospective buyers will no doubt want to get in quick.
Local deliveries are expected to commence from the second half of 2023.
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