The off-road-friendly Porsche 911 is not restricted to historic race vehicles or aftermarket modifications. The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar is a high-riding Neunelfer straight from the manufacturing unit, though you will in all probability must name your dealership whilst you’re studying this if you wish to scoop one up.
Porsche on Thursday unveiled the 2023 911 Dakar. Restricted to only 2,500 models, the 911 Dakar pays homage to Porsche’s first-place end on the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally. As Porsche notes within the press launch, that race was additionally the primary time a 911 got here with an all-wheel-drive system, a transfer that made its strategy to street vehicles not lengthy thereafter.
At its most simple, the 911 Dakar is a taller, chunkier 911. It rides roughly 2 inches larger than an ordinary 911, with a floor clearance of about 6.3 inches. However the Dakar can elevate up one other 1.1 inches as wanted, due to a hydraulic elevate system just like the front-nose elevate of different 911s. Relying on the suspension’s present setting, the method angle is both 14.2 or 16.1 levels, with a breakover angle of roughly 19 levels in its highest mode.
Whereas Pirelli P Zero summer season tires can be found, they don’t seem to be precisely best off-roading rubber. For these sorts of antics, the 911 Dakar comes customary with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires. Snow tires can be found, as nicely, which once more makes a bit extra sense than P Zeros.
The 911 Dakar will get its driver from a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine producing 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque — the identical six-pot that is discovered within the Carrera GTS. That is sufficient ahead movement to succeed in 60 mph in simply 3.2 seconds, though high velocity is proscribed to 150 mph, for the reason that tires aren’t rated for greater than that. An eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is customary, as is rear-wheel steering.
These are some significantly chunky tires.
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Porsche additionally beefed up the automotive in different methods to organize it for the pains of correct off-roading. A revised consumption housing features a new air filter. The intercoolers have been modified, as nicely; the middle intercooler has been eliminated, whereas the outboard ones have been changed with improved models from the 911 Turbo and Turbo S. The spring charges have been adjusted, and the dampers are taller and extra sturdy.
Stylistically, some parts are distinctive to this mannequin. There is a mounted rear spoiler, cast aluminum tow hooks, fatter fenders and a brand new entrance fascia. To stop rocks from ruining your day, the facet air intakes have stainless-steel grilles. A roof basket is elective, and it may well maintain as much as 92 kilos of stuff. That basket gives further ahead lighting, and it connects by way of a 12-volt socket within the automotive’s roof. The rear seats have been deleted, too.
Because the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar is proscribed to only 2,500 models, you’d higher hustle if you wish to snag one. You may want your giant suitcase of money packed and prepared, too, because the Dakar will set you again a cool $222,000, together with $1,450 in vacation spot costs. They’re going to begin reaching sellers within the spring.
