Porsche has launched its special off-road version 911 Dakar in Israel, presented as a homage to Porsche's historic victory in the grueling Dakar Rally in 1984. Porsche will limit production to 2,500 units, with two of them hitting the roads in Israel at a starting price of NIS 1.9 million ($530,000)
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The GTS4 version serves as the base, featuring a six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters (480 horsepower), coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
The suspension system is modified with a generous ground clearance of about 5 cm more than the regular 911, and an additional 3 cm of adjustable ride height.
As standard equipment, it includes active stabilizer bars that allow for longer suspension travel at low speeds, stiffening for high-speed driving, and active rear-wheel steering. The off-road capability is ensured by specially designed Pirelli Scorpio AT tires with robust sidewalls capable of handling off-road impacts.
The Dakar goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the GTS4), and its top speed is limited to 150 mph (about 40 mph less than the GTS4) due to the off-road tires.
Two additional driving modes have been added: "Rally," which transfers power to the rear for optimal performance, and "Off-Road," for smooth surface driving such as sand or gravel. Both modes feature a specialized traction control system that assists in efficient acceleration on low-grip surfaces.
The Dakar features a more aggressive appearance with different front and rear bumpers that include tow hooks, wheel arch protection strips, and a fixed rear spoiler. The front trunk lid is made of carbon fiber, similar to the GT3. The passenger compartment is also similar to the GT3, without rear seats, and equipped with a pair of bucket seats and a roll cage for safety.
As an option, a roof rack can be installed with integrated front-facing lighting units, and there is the possibility of carrying 90 lbs of specialized equipment, such as recovery tools, a jerry can for fuel, and a dedicated 12V power socket.
The first Dakar model to land in Israel features an exterior paint scheme identical to the 911 that finished first in the 1984 Dakar Rally - Rothmans Cigarettes' colors, which sponsored the company's rally team. The second car to arrive will be in a green-gray color.
The Dakar is the 26th version derived from the 911 series and makes it the sports car with the widest range of engine-transmission-drive variants marketed. This makes it suitable for a wide range of customer types.