Porsche Revisits the Paris-Dakar

Porsche’s landmark 1984 Paris–Dakar Rally victory looms large in Porsche’s new 911 Dakar g

TheParis–Dakar was, and remains, by far the most arduous rally in the world. In 1984, the course ran 10,000 kilometres. That year, René Metge overcame the torrid desert heat, bringing his 911 home victorious after 19 days of punishing competition.

This new 911 Dakar pays homage to that first overall victory, an event also marking the birth of all-wheel drive in the Porsche 911.

As with the original Paris–Dakar 911, this car was tested extensively for 10,000 kilometres of off-road torture. After the development team tested the 911 Dakar on snow and ice in the hands of World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, it was driven mercilessly across Dubai and Morocco over 50-metre sand dunes in temperatures of up to 45°C.

‘The 911 Dakar delivered a commanding performance, even in the desert,’ says Frank Moser, Vice President Model Line 911/718. ‘Especially here, the 911 Dakar can make the most of its conceptual advantages – the combination of low weight, higher ground clearance, a powerful rear-mounted engine, and the short wheelbase make for an exhilarating driving experience.’

The first striking detail of the Porsche 911 Dakar is its ground clearance – 50mm higher than that of a 911 Carrera with sports suspension, with the standard lift system capable of raising it an additional 30mm. In fact, the car's impressive clearance and ramp angle rival those of conventional SUVs.

The lift system is an integral part of a retuned chassis, with the ‘high level’ setting intended for ambitious off-road adventures at speeds of up to 170km/h. Above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.

Complementing the car’s off-road attributes are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres with a chunky 9mm-deep tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls. Highly cut-resistant, these exceptionally robust tyres are ideal for gruelling off-road adventures.

Powered by a 3-litre biturbo six-cylinder pushing out 353 kW and a maximum torque of 570 Nm, this 911 sprints to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds delivering the power to the ground via an 8-speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel-drive competency. Standard equipment includes rear-axle steering, 911 GT3 dakar-specific engine mounts, and PDCC anti-roll stabilisation.

Maximum off-road performance is delivered with two driving modes selected using a rotary steering wheel switch. Rallye Mode provides the traction needed for loose, uneven surfaces, while opting for Off-Road Mode provides high ground clearance for maximum traction on sandy or rocky terrain. Launch Control enables impressive acceleration on loose surfaces, allowing wheel slippage of around 20 percent.

Built for adventurers

Off-road details abound, such as red aluminium towing lugs at the front and rear, widened wheel wells and sills, and stainless-steel protective trays on the front, rear, and side. Side air intakes on the redesigned front are also protected against flying rocks by stainless steel grilles.

On the roof sits a 12V power outlet for the headlights of the optional roof rack, capable of holding 42kg of rally equipment such as extra fuel, water, shovels, and traction boards.

In place of the roof rack, a two-person fold-out tent can be fitted, with the Porsche-designed hardcase containing a ladder, mattress, anti-theft protection, and storm protection.

The tent can be set up within minutes, weighing 58kg and designed for a maximum load of 140kg.

Full Race-Tex covered bucket seats are fitted to the front interior, featuring contrasting stitching in Shade Green (also exclusively available as a metallic exterior colour for this vehicle). As a nod to its motorsport use, there are no rear seats.

The new Shade Green Metallic paint makes its debut in the 911 Dakar. The car can also be ordered in three familiar colours – GT Silver Metallic, Black, and White. The special colours of Ice Grey Metallic and Shark Blue are also available.

Rallye Design Package

An optional Rallye Design Package is available, establishing a direct visual link to 1984’s triumphant Porsche team. At its heart is a two-tone paint finish in White/Gentian Blue Metallic, the first time Porsche has combined bi-colour paint with decorative foiling in series production. Customers may choose an individual race number between 0 and 999 to grace the sides of the vehicle.

In addition to the rally stripes in red and gold, the 911 Dakar with Rallye Design Package comes with white-painted rims and red taillight strip to round off its distinctive appearance.

Inside, the Rallye package comes with a roll-over bar, six-point seatbelts, and fire extinguisher as options.

While the styling of the optional Rallye Design Package for the 911 Dakar draws heavily on the winning car of 1984, Porsche offers three exclusive wraps for the 911 Dakar reprising the look of the 1971, 1974, and 1978 entrants in the East African Safari Rally.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar is available to order now, ahead of the first Australian deliveries in the first half of 2023. Prices start from $491,400. •