I do not see how this variation of the classic 911 could damage the brand image, given the 953 and 959 off-road heritage ... and even earlier the 911 SC-RS rally heritage and 914 GT rally ... but maybe it is just me wanting a 911 that could be used irrespective of weather and road conditions ...

 

You can see, even in promos, the front clips of both cars are getting destroyed in actual off-road driving. If Porsche was really serious about this, they should have addressed the approach angle in a more aggressive way instead of just reusing the Carrera bumper.

I'd love it if they actually used meaty tires, but I suspect the production car will end up with all-weather instead of all-terrain tires. A/Ts are absolute murder on fuel economy.

 

"A/Ts are absolute murder on fuel economy"
yes car will most likely be deliver with normal tyres since it will have exactly the same consumtion as GTS:
911 Dakar: Fuel consumption combined: 11.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 256 g/km (WLTP); fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 239 g/km (NEDC) I https://porsche.click/DAT-Leitfaden I Status: 11/2022

But it's great if 4x4 tyres can be fitted, im struggeling for 2 years to find a car on what i can mount Michelin X Ice Snow winter tyres.

 

I assume if a optional A/T wheel/tire package is offered as an option that it would not run afoul of corporate fuel economy metrics which would be based on standard tires?

 

Interesting. One thing I noticed when I've lifted trucks in the past - acceleration and fuel economy suffers. I'm surprised that this would have the same fuel economy as a GTS.

 

I wish they would give this thing the Turbo S engine. At least detune it to a regular Turbo.

 

These are early prototypes, I believe the latest version has a specific front bumper and the front trunk lid of the GT3. If you scroll back in the 3d you will notice it. I do not believe the approach/departure angle will be insufficient for any realistic use by an owner. These prototypes go trough extreme test conditions.

The tyre size will be specific, from what can be gathered from the pictures ... Consequently the fuel consumption I believe will differ from the GTS, irrespective if they will be road tyres or A/T.

 

The final product front end should look more like this ... to me it appears a dedicated front end ...

 

This is probably the best look at a pre-view of the final front end.

 

Opinions if there will be multiple trim/engine options? Dakar S, Dakar GTS, Dakar Turbo?

Obviously those prototypes evolved, but do think it's interesting some had a fixed wing, and others didn't.

Edit, also, is everyone sure those frunk nostrils are air ducts and not recessed LED's?

 

My wife wants one of these bad, so no I think there is demand.

 

I would be very surprised if there aren’t long waiting lists and the usual ADM/allocation discussions with people trying to obtain one.

 

This car is already a niche product, I suppose it will be made available in a single dedicated trim/engine variant.

I suspect the raised and variable ride hight calls for a reduction of lift to compensate and this is why it is equipped with the front ducts from the GT3 and a specific rear wing, this for the form follows function narrative ... also to mimic the 953 of the 1980s and for image purposes, but this is just marketing.

 

An earlier poster mentioned this may be a heritage product aka limited production and high price. This makes sense because there is still 1 (maybe 2?) outstanding heritage model. I do hope it comes into the regular lineup, even if it is super niche.

 

Those minivan tires are killing me