FYI: Porsche concludes the production of its limited-edition 911 Dakar, paving the way for more off-road 911 variants in the future.
Porsche Concludes Production of Limited-Edition 911 Dakar
The Porsche 911 Dakar has completed its 2,500-car exclusive production run, with the final model receiving an intricate, hand-applied three-tone paint job from Porsche’s personalization arm, Sonderwunsch.
Designed for Diverse Terrains
Built for versatile performance, the 911 Dakar is crafted to excel on both paved roads and unforgiving terrains. Introduced for the 2023 model year, this remarkable vehicle stands as one of the more premium offerings in the 911 lineup, starting at a base price of $223,450, inclusive of shipping.
Sonderwunsch’s Artistic Touch
The final 911 Dakar, destined for an owner in Italy, showcases a bespoke livery echoing the victorious Rothmans 911 from the 1984 Dakar Rally. Unlike its predecessor, this special edition substitutes white with a vibrant yellow alongside dark blue, separated by a unique shade known as Lampedusablue. This Mediterranean-inspired hue decorates the vehicle’s wheel accents and enhances the headlights.
Distinctive Design Elements
- Handcrafted Livery: Personalized to perfection, the final edition’s paintwork deftly combines three colors in a design applied entirely by hand.
- Rugged Aesthetic: Complementing its striking exterior, the 911 Dakar includes a 2.0-inch lift over the standard 911 Carrera, further augmented by a hydraulic lift system for an additional 1.2 inches of clearance. A fixed rear spoiler and flared wheel arches underscore its robust profile.
Unrelenting Performance
Under the hood, the 911 Dakar houses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-6 engine, delivering a formidable 473 horsepower—a powerplant shared with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. This design ensures that no mechanical changes were necessary for its ultimate iteration.
Future Prospects for Off-Road 911s
Although Porsche has not officially confirmed a return for the 911 Dakar, the idea of incorporating off-road variants into future 911 lineups remains a tantalizing prospect. According to Porsche’s Chairman, Oliver Blume, in a 2022 discussion, the company is entertaining the possibility of expanding its offerings to resemble its successful track-focused GT collections.
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Conclusion
The completion of the 911 Dakar production may mark the end of an era for this particular model, but it inaugurates exciting possibilities for future off-road capable 911s. Porsche continues to blend heritage with innovation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of automotive excellence.
Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
