One of the highlights of the 2022 Los Angeles auto show was Porsche’s new 911 Dakar, a rugged sports car with a limited production run of 2,500 units worldwide, so availability will be scarce.
Oliver Blume, the brand’s chief, does speculate that Porsche may introduce more rugged 911s and possibly even include them as a permanent part of the 911 lineup.
According to Blume, rugged 911s could create a new model range within the 911 lineup, akin to the GT line of track-focused vehicles and the more recent retro line that includes vehicles like the newest Targa 4S Heritage Design and Sport Classic. The interview with CAR was published on Monday.
Why not add a third pillar in addition to the heritage and fast GT models? “Why not go off-road as well?” Blume asked.
He said Porsche will first assess the Dakar’s performance on the market rather than confirming such a range.
Blume claims that a 911 with more capability satisfies the needs of both younger and customers in some of Porsche’s more recent markets. Due to this demand, Lamborghini and Ferrari recently unveiled the Huracán Sterrato and the new Purosangue SUV, respectively, as a response to the GTC4 Lusso.
For the Porsche 911 Dakar, Porsche implemented several modifications, such as a 2.0-inch suspension lift compared to the base 911 Carrera. Additionally, a hydraulic lift system is integrated, allowing the ride height to be raised by an extra 1.2 inches.
To enhance the rally-car aesthetics, the vehicle features a fixed rear spoiler, flared wheel arches, and all-terrain tires. The powertrain boasts a peak output of 473 hp, thanks to the inclusion of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-6 engine sourced from the 911 Carrera 4 GTS.
In an interview with CAR, Blume mentioned that Porsche is contemplating the production of more retro 911 models. These potential releases could pay homage to classic 911s from the 1970s and ’80s. Notably, there is already a modern GT3 RS paying tribute to the original Carrera RS 2.7 from 1973. Furthermore, Porsche is actively developing a modern 911 that is expected to honor the S/T track car from 1971.
