Forget the Toyota LC300 and Ford Ranger Raptor, the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar could be the ultimate off-road beast

Porsche has finally lifted the lid on its off-road-focused 911 sportscar, dubbed Dakar, ahead of its public debut during the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Limited to just 2500 units worldwide, the 911 Dakar was built to “demonstrate the all-but-limitless possibilities” of Porsche’s iconic and enduring model, as well as a being a tribute to the brand’s win at the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally.

To that end, the 911 Dakar will be offered with a Rallye Design Package to emulate the historic car that marked the birth of the all-wheel-drive 911.

The most obviously modification to the 911 Dakar is the boost in ground clearance, approximately 50mm higher than a standard 911 Carrera with sports suspension.

Drivers will also be able to lift the front or rear by an addition 30mm for added clearance.

According to Porsche, the “ground clearance and ramp angle rival those of conventional SUVs”, but stops short of detailing exactly what the figures are.

Catering to the truly adventurous, Porsche has also fitted all-terrain tyres that feature a chunky tread pattern that are 9mm deep, along with reinforced sidewalls, to the Dakar.

To accommodate the new tyres, Porsche has had to widen the wheel wells and sills, while also applying stainless steel protective elements throughout.

Other noticeable features include red towing lugs on the outside, stainless-steel grilles over the air intakes to protect from rocks and a roof-mounted 12-volt power outlet.

Inside, Porsche has not skimped on luxury either, with standard front bucket seats (the rear seats are removed), faux-leather Race-Tex trim and contrasting blue highlights that Porsche has dubbed Shade Green.

Other standard gear on the 911 Dakar includes rear-axle steering, anti-roll stabilisation and a drive-mode selector that include Rallye and Off-road settings.

The unique model also has an off-road launch control function that is expected to make even Ford Ranger Raptor driver’s think twice.

And boost practicality of coupe, options include a roof basket and roof tent, as well as a carbon-finbre-reinforced plastic rear spoiler and front luggage compartment.

Powering all this is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, pushing out 353kW/570Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed PDK transmission.

Despite its off-road intentions, the 911 Dakar will still accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

Australian pricing for the 911 Dakar comes in at $491,400 before on-road costs, with the Rallye Design Package adding another $54,730 to the asking price.

This makes it the third-most-expensive variant in the 911 coupe range, behind the Turbo S ($506,200) and GT3 Auto with Touring Package ($500,200).

Porsche expects the first local deliveries of the 911 Dakar to comment from the second half of 2023.