Porsche history · 2023–2024
Porsche 911 Dakar: History, Specs & What to Know
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Porsche 911 Dakar is a raised, off-road-capable 992 limited to 2,500 cars, revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2022. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six makes 480 PS (473 hp US, the same rating as the 992.1 Carrera GTS); it sits 50 mm higher than a Carrera with sport suspension and adds a 30 mm lift system.
The Dakar name recalls Porsche's first overall win in the Paris-Dakar rally, in 1984, with an all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 3.2 4x4 known internally as the 953. That win, and the 959's one-two in 1986, are also where the 911's all-wheel drive began.
Porsche built the modern car on the 992 with all-wheel drive, Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires and two special driving modes. An optional Rallye Design Package echoes the 1984 winner with two-tone paint, rally stripes and a race number of the buyer's choice.
911 Dakar history: what changed, year by year
- 1984 — René Metge wins the Paris-Dakar in a 911 Carrera 3.2 4x4 (953); Porsche also takes the team classification.[1]
- 1986 — The 959 finishes first and second in the Paris-Dakar.[1]
- 16 Nov. 2022 — The 911 Dakar premieres at the Los Angeles Auto Show, limited to 2,500 cars.[2],[3]
- MY2023–2024 — US model years for the 911 Dakar.[4]
How many 911 Dakars were made?
| Model / variant | Years | Units | What the figure counts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 992 | 2022 (reveal) | 2,500[2] | limited to 2,500 units |
More model-by-model totals: Porsche production numbers.
911 Dakar variants and engines
| Variant | Years | Engine | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Dakar | MY2023–2024 | 3.0 L twin-turbo flat-6 | 480 PS (473 hp US)[2],[4] | 570 Nm; 0–100 km/h 3.4 s; 240 km/h limited by tires. |
| Rallye Design Package | option | — | —[2] | White/Gentian Blue paint, red and gold stripes, race number 0–999. |
Full trim-by-trim figures (US hp, torque, 0–60, weight, launch MSRP): Porsche 911 Dakar specs.
911 Dakar engine and drivetrain facts
- Ground clearance 50 mm higher than a 911 Carrera with sport suspension; a lift system adds 30 mm front and rear, usable up to 170 km/h.[2]
- Standard Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires: 245/45 ZR 19 front, 295/40 ZR 20 rear, with 9 mm tread.[2]
- Rallye mode (rear-biased all-wheel drive for loose surfaces) and Offroad mode (maximum ground clearance and traction); both include Rallye Launch Control with about 20% wheel slip.[2]
- Top speed is limited to 240 km/h by the all-terrain tires.[2]
What to check before you buy a 911 Dakar
- Check open recalls by VIN; 2020–2024 992s were recalled for windshield and rear-window bonding (NHTSA 24V-155).[5]
- Look underneath. The Dakar is built to be used off-road, so inspect the underbody, skid plates and wheels for damage.
- Test the lift system and both rally modes during the drive.[2]
- Confirm the Rallye Design Package and other options from the factory record; it is a desirable, documented option.[2]
Documented problems, recalls and pre-purchase checks: 992 windshield bonding recall · Porsche 911 known issues by generation.
How to verify a 911 Dakar's factory options
A Dakar's options, including the Rallye Design Package, are recorded against its VIN. A build sheet lists the factory paint, interior and option codes for the specific car.
See exactly how this 911 Dakar left the factory.
The CarWhere build sheet decodes a US-market Porsche VIN into its factory record: paint, interior, option codes and equipment as built. $9.99, and the free availability check shows whether build data exists before you pay.
Porsche 911 Dakar FAQ
How many Porsche 911 Dakars were made?
Porsche limited the 911 Dakar to 2,500 cars worldwide.
How much horsepower does the 911 Dakar have?
480 PS (353 kW) and 570 Nm by Porsche's figures, rated 473 hp in the US, from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six.
How high is the 911 Dakar?
It sits 50 mm higher than a 911 Carrera with sport suspension, and the lift system raises it a further 30 mm front and rear.
Why is it called the 911 Dakar?
It honors Porsche's first overall Paris-Dakar rally victory in 1984, won by a 911 Carrera 3.2 4x4 (type 953).
What is the 911 Dakar top speed?
240 km/h (about 149 mph), limited by its all-terrain tires.
Related Porsche history
Specs, production and buying research
Sources
Production counts, power outputs and dates on this page come from the sources below. Where sources disagree, the page says so or uses Porsche's own figure.
- How the 911 became all-wheel drive (911 Dakar press kit: the history) — Porsche Newsroom
- The new Porsche 911 Dakar — Porsche Newsroom
- Porsche Historical Background: 1948-2025 — Porsche Cars North America (Porsche Newsroom)
- Porsche 911 specs by generation (US-market figures, each sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
- Porsche 911 known issues by generation (each issue sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
Independent reference published by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Porsche, 911, Carrera, Targa and Boxster are trademarks of their owner.