You don't have to dream about a 911 Safari anymore, as Porsche has a brand-new model in its stable: it's called the 911 Dakar, and it can be had with a Rally Design Package inspired by the rally car that won the Paris-Dakar back in 1984.
Compared to the normal 911, the Dakar rides 2 inches (50 mm) higher, and with the off-road mode engaged, it adds another 1.2 inches (30 mm) under its belly. The special driving mode is suitable for loose surfaces, and you also get a Rally Launch Control that allows 20% wheel slip. Speaking of the wheels, it comes with a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear set wrapped in 245/45 and 295/40 all-terrain tires, respectively.
The engine is the brand's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six, which develops 473 hp (480 ps/353 kW) and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm) of torque. It sends the power to the all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed PDK transmission, dealing with the 0 to 60 miles an hour (0 to 97 kph) in 3.2 seconds. The top speed will not blow your mind, however, as it was capped at only 150 mph or 240 kph. This makes it the slowest 911 in the firm's lineup in decades.
Further setting it apart is the black exterior trim and the roof rack, as hauling gear off-road is important. Only 2,500 units of the new 911 Dakar will be made, and each one starts at $222,000 in our market, excluding destination. This makes it $8,400 more affordable than the 911 Turbo S, which is a true supercar, and $24,800 more expensive than the regular 911 Turbo.
Whether the eye-watering sum is worth it comes down to each individual, and while some would say it's worth every penny, others would simply stick to a normal 911 Carrera, which is half the money (and the coolness if you ask us). Those who want a bit more exclusivity and sharper looks could get a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, as the Italian brand's special model is the only direct rival to the 911 Dakar, though it kind of sits in a different league with more power.
Now, if you ever wanted to spend some time in the presence of the eye-catching Porsche 911 Dakar, then your prayers have been answered, as there are several videos online covering each and every cool aspect of the car. The one that you're about to watch came from AutoTopNL on YouTube, and besides the usual POV driving on the Autobahn, you'll also find out some things about the model that you probably did not know. Thus, get ready to learn if it's the dream ride you were expecting or not, and let us know what you think about it while you're at it.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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