We never forget our first. May it be meeting our idols, going out of the country, our first concert, and other *ahem* experiences, the first time is always memorable. Porsche may be feeling the same because they made the 911 Dakar in very limited amounts – 2,500 globally to be exact, and it’s now available in the Philippines.
The Dakar Rally is one of the most grueling off-road races in the world with lots of stages done in the desert. Competitors usually use SUVs in racing but in 1984, Porsche dipped their toes in the sand with a modified Porsche 911. This beast packed enhancements in all aspects including a prototype 4×4 drivetrain that gave birth to all-wheel drive in Porsches, improved suspension, and a 300 horsepower engine. They won that year over legendary SUVs like the Range Rover and the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Now, Porsche made a throwback model to 1984 with the 911 Dakar. It sits 50mm higher than the 911 Carrera and has a lift system underneath that can raise the car by 30mm and can be sustained up to 170 km/h. Wrapped around the wheels are Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus. They are picked for their chunky tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls that are highly cut-resistant and can tackle challenging terrain.
Powering this gnarly Porsche is a 3-liter BiTurbo with 6 cylinders that ekes out 480 PS and 570 Nm of torque, way more than the powerplant from 1984. Of course, it’s paired to an 8-speed PDK that sends power to all four wheels thanks to Porsche All-Wheel Drive. It can go 0-100 km/h in 3.4secs with top speed limited to 240 km/h due to the all-terrain rubber.
There are also two new driving modes for the 911 Dakar. Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces with focus on the rear wheels. Off-Road mode will automatically set the ground clearance higher and improve traction. There’s also a Rallye Launch Control that can improve your acceleration even on the sand.
Other touches of the 911 Dakar include a fixed lightweight rear spoiler, red aluminum towing lugs on both ends, and the stainless steel protective fairings on all sides of the car. The cabin features Race-Tex surfaces with Shade Green lining. There’s also a 12-volt power outlet on the roof itself for the optional roof rack that has headlights and can carry up to 42 kilos of load.
If you really want to pay homage to the 1984 Paris-Dakar winner, the Rallye Design Package is for you. It sports a two-tone finish with stripes that’s reminiscent of the original. It’s not a 1:1 copy from 1984 but it’s a properly modified look that pays tribute to the first, while complementing the modern curves of the current 911. The wheels are finished in white while the side decals feature ‘Roughroads’ which is the concept of the 911 Dakar. Customers can also choose the number to be put on the side, from 0 to 999. It also comes with a roll-over bar, six point seatbelts, and fire extinguisher.
Go to Porsche EDSA-Greenhills or Porsche Global City to get your own from the limited 2,500 units available globally.