TThe 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar represents new ground for the historic 911 lineage, having debuted moments earlier at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show.
As the maker of some of the world’s best road cars, the 911 Dakar aims to keep going once the going gets tough, with rough and ready ground clearance, all-wheel drive, chunky all-terrain tires and 911-matched power output. Providing the pitch. GTS
As the name suggests, Porsche’s latest limited-production special honors the victory of the Porsche 953 in the sixth running of the grueling 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally event.
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2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Australian Pricing
International Production will be limited to 2500 examples.With the Australian order book now open. Local pricing starts from $491,400 (before on-road). With local deliveries expected to commence from H2 2023.
| variable | Price (MLP) |
|---|---|
| 911 Dakar | $491,400 |
The price does not include on-road costs.
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Features
Australian-spec Porsche 911 Dakar receives:
| Staggered 19/20 inch alloy wheels |
| Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires: 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 mount |
| PDCC anti-roll stabilization |
| Rally and off-road driving modes |
| Rally Launch Control |
| CFRP fixed rear spoiler |
| CFRP Bonnet W/ GT3 Intake |
| Front and rear aluminum toe points (red) |
| External 12v socket (ceiling mounted) |
| Full bucket seats (front) |
| Delete the back seat. |
| Light glass |
| Light battery |
| Unique shade green stitching with race tax interior |
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The most immediately noticeable Dakar development is its ground clearance, which sits 50mm higher than the default 992 Carrera equipped with sports suspension. A lift system is able to raise the car by a further 30mm to navigate difficult terrain, with ramp approach angles rivaling many conventional SUVs.
Complementing the increased ride height is a set of specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires, measuring 245/45 ZR 19 at the front and 295/40 ZR 20 at the rear. The tires themselves are made of two cross plies, which further strengthen the sidewall – with a deep 9mm to maximize tire cut resistance.
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In addition to the raised ground clearance, the 911 Dakar gets a new fixed CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) rear spoiler and a CFRP bonnet with GT3 air intakes, red aluminum toe-points front and rear, wider wheel arches and sills, To be distinguished from stainless steel. Redesigned with safety elements, a debris-protected front air intake with stainless steel mesh.
A roof-mounted 12-volt power outlet complements a range of Porsche ‘tool’ options and accessories, including an optional roof rack or even a roof tent.
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Inside, the 911 Dakar sports full-front bucket seats as standard, but no rear seats. Lightweight glass and battery support lead to a curb weight that tips the scales at a commendable 1605kg – just 10kg heavier than the current Carrera 4 GTS PDK.
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The high-riding sports car scored Porsche’s first victory in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, where a Porsche 953, piloted by three-time Dakar winners René Matge and Dominique Lemoine, finished first in the car class. Only three cars completed the dreaded rally in 1984, with 47 DNFs that year.
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An optional $54,730 Dakar Rally Design Package further honors the achievements of Matz and Lemoine, giving buyers a classic tobacco-inspired livery in two-tone white/gentine blue red and red sponsored by Porsche’s Rothmans. Reflects golden tones. Buyers will also be able to select their individual race number from 1 to 999.
Buyers specifying the Dakar Rally Design Package have the opportunity to order a 40mm titanium carbide-cased Porsche Design Chronograph 1 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition watch to match their car. The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 watch is powered by the in-house 25 Jewel Work 01 caliber with a 48-hour power reserve.
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A more optionally available Rallye Sport Package adds a roll cage, six-point control and a fire extinguisher.
Engine, drivetrain and fuel economy
Despite its off-road intentions, the 911 Dakar will still run like its road-going relatives, delivering 353kW/570Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six to match the Carrera GTS.
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 seconds faster than the 992 Carrera 4 GTS.
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Other development modifications include rear-axle steering, 911 GT3 engine mounts and PDCC active anti-roll stabilization, to maximize grip on different surfaces and terrains.
Two additional off-road driving modes, Rally and Off-Road, are now featured on a rotary switch mounted on the steering wheel. Rallye is a loose surface mode with rear-facing all-wheel-drive calibration, while Off-Road automatically matches the maximum ride height to the all-wheel-drive profile for maximum traction on rough terrain or sand. Designed for traction.
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Both new driving modes include a new Rally Launch Control, which delivers impressive take-off and acceleration on loose surfaces.
Porsche has made no fuel consumption claims for the 911 Dakar, however, the mechanically similar Carrera 4 GTS wears a claimed 9.7L/100km.
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Availability
Australian order books are open now, with local prices starting from $491,400 (before on-roads). With only 2,500 examples of Porsche’s 911 Dakar planned to be produced, potential buyers will no doubt want to get in quick.
Local deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2023.