2023 Porsche 911 Dakar: All-terrain capability meets sports car agility in the all-new 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar. The special variant, produced in a run of only 2,500, demonstrates how versatile the Porsche 911 platform can be. All-wheel drive in the Porsche 911 debuted at the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, which the 911 Dakar celebrates as its inspiration.
Porsche History and Notable Porsche Models
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Standing Tall and Sliding Sideways
The first notable feature of the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar that stands out is its ride height, which is 50 millimeters higher than that of a 911 Carrera model with Sport Suspension. Additionally, the car’s front and rear can be raised by an additional 30 mm using the standard lift system, giving it a ride height and ramp-over angle that is comparable to that of traditional SUVs. The lift system is not only intended to assist in overcoming obstructions at slow speeds; it is also a crucial element of the newly calibrated suspension. For spirited off-road driving, the “High Level” setting can be used up to approximately 105 mph. Above this speed, the vehicle returns to its normal ride height.
The new model’s particularly sporty off-road appearance is complemented by specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires, measuring 245/45 ZR 19 up front and 295/40 ZR 20 at the rear. Nine millimeters of off-road-specific tread depth, dual carcasses on the reinforced sidewalls, and reinforced sidewalls make these tires suitable for off-road travel and more sidewall damage resistant. The new all-terrain tires come standard, but the Pirelli P Zero tire family’s summer performance tires and snow tires are optionally available and also have dual carcass layers.
Real Review of the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo
All-Terrain, High-Powered Engine
The powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo Boxer engine, which produces 473 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque, offers commanding performance and the distinctive Boxer engine sound. The new 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, but the all-terrain tires’ higher cross-section limits the car’s top track speed to 150 mph. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed PDK and all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Additionally included as standard equipment are rear-axle steering, engine mounts adapted from the 911 GT3, and the body roll-reduction Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system.
The 911 Dakar performs particularly well in sand and loose gravel because of the interaction of all these parts. Utilizing the mode switch on the steering wheel, two new drive modes, Rallye Mode and Off-Road Mode, provide excellent off-road performance. Rallye Mode biases power to the rear axle and is programmed for loose, uneven terrain. The “High Level” ride height is automatically engaged when the vehicle is in Off-Road Mode, which is designed to maximize traction on sand and in difficult terrain. Both of the model-specific drive modes include a brand-new Rallye Launch Control mode that was created especially for this model. It allows for impressive acceleration on loose surfaces and up to 20% wheel spin.
Off-Road Testing
Weissach’s off-road testing facility was heavily utilized when testing the new 911 Dakar but didn’t stop there. In fact, the 911 Dakar was put through extensive testing, which totaled more than 300,000 miles, including more than 6,000 miles off-road. For example, the car’s handling on typical rally courses and the suspension were tested at the Château de Lastours test track in southern France. The Porsche 911 Dakar was put to the ultimate test on miles and miles of loose surfaces.
Snow and Ice Testing
Porsche couldn’t resist the opportunity to put the 911 Dakar through its paces at the large testing grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden. Porsche test drivers have an ideal base for a 90% closed, compacted snow surface thanks to the thick ice of the frozen lakes, which is a more realistic scenario than pure ice. The emphasis was on traction and steering accuracy due to the low friction coefficient of the snow. A Porsche 911 must give the driver accurate feedback even on this kind of surface.
Prolonged Testing in the Desert
Additionally, the new 911 Dakar had to prove itself on steep dunes and fast sand tracks. The off-road sports car was repeatedly driven up steep, 160-foot dunes in temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit by test drivers in Dubai and Morocco. The 911 Dakar performed extremely well even in the desert. The 911 Dakar can take full advantage of its conceptual advantages; its short wheelbase, powerful rear-mounted engine, low weight, and higher ground clearance all contribute to an exhilarating driving experience.
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Optional Tent and Roof Basket
A 12-volt socket for the headlights of the optional roof basket is installed on the 911 Dakar’s roof. It can hold up to 92 lbs. of gear, including folding shovels, recovery boards, extra gas, and water canisters. The 911 Dakar also has a roof tent available.
Exterior
Additionally, the 911 Dakar has a fixed rear spoiler and a hood made of CFRP, taken from the 911 GT3, with large air intake openings. The flared fender arches, rocker panels, red forged aluminum front, and rear tow hooks, and the front and rear fascia and side skirts made of stainless steel all add to the vehicle’s off-road appearance. In the newly designed front fascia, side air intakes have stainless steel mesh grilles to prevent rocks and other harmful objects from entering.
Interior
With standard Full Bucket Seats and no rear seats, the interior of the 911 Dakar emphasizes the car’s focus on performance. Glass that is lightweight also contributes to the 911 Dakar’s curb weight of 3,552 lbs., which is only 16 lbs. more than a 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK. The standard Shade Green Race-Tex upholstery with decorative stitching, which is unique to the 911 Dakar as an exterior paint color, is another Dakar-specific feature.
Rallye Design Package Pays Homage to the 1984 Dakar Winner
The White and Gentian Blue Metallic two-tone paint that is the foundation of the optional Rallye Design Package. Additionally, this is the first time Porsche has combined a two-tone paint job with decorative livery. Customers have the option of choosing a start number between “0” and “999” for the car’s side.
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Image Gallery (22 Pictures)
