Porsche has revealed a tough new off-road version of the 911 - the ‘Dakar’.
And while it’s limited to just 2,500 units, Porsche fans would no doubt crawl over hot sand to get their hands on one.
All-wheel drive is nothing new for Porsche. The existing line-up of 911s can already be had with either rear-wheel drive or 4x4, depending on which model you choose.
Porsche is also no stranger to rallying success, having first scored an overall victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally back in 1984.
And it’s that achievement which this 911 Dakar pays tribute to.
The 911 Dakar gets better ground clearance and sits 50mm higher than the 911 Carrera. You can also raise the suspension by a further 30mm using the standard-fit lift system.
You can use that highest suspension setting at speeds of up to 105 mph - if you accelerate past that point, the suspension automatically lowers.
There’s a ramp angle to rival ‘conventional SUVs’, according to Porsche, for when the going really gets tough.
Rally-style flared wheel arches are also bang on the money, as are stainless steel protective elements on the front, rear and side sills.
When it comes to the rubber, you can expect specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres - 19 inch at the front, 20 inch at the back - to come as standard.
And powering the Porsche 911 Dakar is a three-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine with power of 480 PS. That gives the 911 Dakar the same oomph as the Carrera 4 GTS and the Targa 4 GTS.
The 911 Dakar will accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph - a limit imposed because of the all-terrain tyres.
As standard, the engine comes with a Porsche’s eight-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch automatic gearbox and, of course, Porsche all-wheel drive.
A Porsche spokesperson adds:
“The standard equipment also includes rear-axle steering, the engine mounts from the 911 GT3, and PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) anti-roll stabilisation.
“The interplay of all the components results in the 911 Dakar being just as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Maximum off-road performance is also ensured by two new driving modes, which can be selected using the rotary switch on the steering wheel.
“Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive.
“In Offroad mode the high clearance is activated automatically. This mode is designed for maximum traction on difficult terrain and on sand. Both of the new driving modes also feature the new Rallye Launch Control, which enables impressive acceleration on loose surfaces and allows wheel slippage of around 20 per cent.”
There are other tantalising goodies up for grabs, too.
One option is the eye-catching roof basket, or you can tick the full-on ‘roof tent’ box.
The robust cabin features full bucket seats - and no rear seats at all - as well as Race-Tex surfaces.
There’s also a ‘Rallye Sport Package’ which unlocks a roll-over bar, six-point seat belts and fire extinguisher.
Meanwhile the option you really want is the ‘Rallye Design Package’, which brings you exterior styling that echoes the infamous 1984 Paris-Dakar-winning rally car, complete with a white and blue livery and rally stripes in red and gold.
Our Porsche spokesperson tells us:
“This is the first time that Porsche has implemented the combination of bi-colour paint and decorative foiling in series production. On the side of the vehicle, the customer can choose an individual race number between 0 and 999.”
The Porsche 911 Dakar costs from £173,000.
Meanwhile you can lease a Porsche 911 through our Specialist division from around £1,186 per month.
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