New limited edition 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar 992 launched at Los Angeles Auto Show
Restricted to production volume of just 2,500 units, the new 992-based 911 Dakar evokes the first overall victory by Porsche in the Paris-Dakar Rally, which simultaneously gave birth to all-wheel drive in the 911. Boasting ground clearance fifty millimetres higher than the current 911 Carrera and absorbing shocks through sport-spec suspension, the Dakar includes a standard lift system, raising the chassis a further thirty millimetres, providing ground clearance and ramp angle rivalling conventional SUVs.
The lift system is not only used for slowly and safely moving the car across obstacles, but is an integral part of the 911’s retuned chassis. The ‘high level’ setting is available for ambitious offroad adventures when travelling up to 105mph. Above this speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal ride height.
Complementing the car’s sporty off-road attributes are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres (sized 245/45/19 at the front and 295/40/20 at the rear). The chunky tread pattern is nine millimetres deep, while the reinforced sidewalls and threads consist of two carcass plies. All this makes the tyres of the 911 Dakar perfectly suited to the most challenging terrain, not least because they’re highly cut-resistant. Pirelli P Zero summer and winter tyres are available as an option, also with two carcass plies, but the allterrain tyres come as standard and offer sports car dynamics on the road as well. Interestingly, this makes the 911 Dakar the only new Porsche available with off-road tyres, raising questions about the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ nature of standard Macan and Cayenne models.
The three-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six powering the 911 Dakar delivers 473bhp and maximum torque of 420lb-ft, sprinting to the benchmark 62mph from rest in a scant 3.4 seconds. Due to the use of all-terrain tyres, top speed is limited to 149mph.
ON THE SURFACE
As standard, the engine is mated to an eightspeed PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive. Stock equipment also includes rear axle steering, GT3 dynamic engine mounts and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDDC) anti-roll stabilisation. The interplay of all these components results in the 911 Dakar being just as powerful on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Maximum off-road performance is also ensured by two new driving modes, which can be selected using the rotary switch on the steering wheel. Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive. In Offroad mode, high ground clearance is activated automatically. This mode is designed for maximum traction on difficult terrain and on sand. Both of the new driving modes also feature the new Rallye Launch Control, which enables impressive acceleration on loose surfaces and allows wheel slippage of around twenty percent.
The roof of the 911 Dakar features a visible twelve-volt power outlet for the headlights of the optional roof rack. A roof tent is also available as an extra. Visit the 911 & Porsche World Facebook page, where we’ve uploaded a walkaround video of this exciting new 911.