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Porsche has announced what is probably the most unique 911 variant released in recent times, the new Porsche 911 Dakar. Limited to just 2,500 units worldwide, the 911 Dakar is a throwback to the first overall victory by Porsche in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally.

The most noticeable detail of the 911 Dakar is its ground clearance, which is 50mm higher than that of a 911 Carrera with sports suspension. The standard lift system can raise the front and rear ends an additional 30mm. With the increased ride height, the ground clearance and ramp angle rival those of conventional SUVs.

The lift system is not only used to slowly cross obstacles, but serves as an integral part of the retuned chassis. The 'high level' setting is available for off-road adventures at speeds of up to 170km/h. Above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.

Complementing the car's sporty off-road attributes are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres. The tread pattern is 9mm deep and the reinforced sidewalls and the threads consist of two carcass plies. All these make the tyres of the 911 Dakar ideal even for challenging terrain, along with the fact that they are highly cut-resistant.

Power for the 911 Dakar comes from a 3.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder with 473bhp, and a torque figure of 570Nm. The car sprints from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 240km/h due to the all-terrain tyres.

The standard equipment also includes rear-axle steering, with the engine mounts from the 911 GT3, and PDCC anti-roll stabilisation. Porsche claims that the sum of the components results in the 911 Dakar being just as dynamic on sand and loose surfaces as it is on the Nurburgring 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 ground clearance is activated automatically. This mode is designed for maximum traction on difficult terrain and on sand.

The 911 Dakar's interior features the standard Race-Tex surfaces with decorative stitching in Shade Green, which is also exclusively available as a metallic exterior finish for the 911 Dakar. The Rallye Sport Package is also available with a roll-over bar, six-point seat belts and fire extinguisher.

At the heart of the optional Rallye Design Package from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is a two-tone paint finish in White/Gentian Blue Metallic. 

In addition to the rally stripes in red and gold, the 911 Dakar with Rallye Design Package, whose appearance is based on the winning vehicle of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, also bears the 'Roughroads' lettering on the doors.

The term is a registered trademark and reflects the concept of the 911 Dakar and its suitability for driving off-road. The white-painted rims and the red taillight strip, in contrast to the standard vehicle, round off the distinctive appearance.

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