When we first saw the vehicle that would be testing the Porsche 911 Dakar, we thought it would sport the Safari moniker. According to a new report from Edmundthe automaker had intended to use the name but clashed with Tata Motors.
In various markets around the world, Tata has trademarked the term “Safari” for use on automobiles crossover it sells. Porsche needs to reach an agreement with that company to use the moniker for this particular 911.
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“We spoke to them,” said Thomas Krickelberg, director of the Dakar’s 911 program Edmund. “But they didn’t give us permission for that. It was Option A. Then we moved on to the Dakar.”
However, the change is not that simple. Organizers of the Dakar Rally hold the trademark for the use of the name on the cars. Porsche paid an undisclosed amount for the rights to use the term on this 911 model.
The 911 Dakar debuts in November 2022 as the high-riding version of the venerable sports car. Tweaks include a 2.0-inch suspension lift and a lift system capable of raising the vehicle another 1.2 inches. It also got a model-specific Pirelli Scorpion. Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 473 horsepower (353 kilowatts), and the only transmission available is an eight-speed PDK. Porsche added new Off-Road and Rallye driving modes.
Porsche only builds 2,500 examples of the 911 Dakar worldwide. Prices in the United States start at $223,450 after destination, and shipping begins in the spring. For fans of the brand’s past success in motorsport, a retro livery is available, including the classic Martini paint scheme. The Rothmans-inspired exterior that’s part of the $28,470 Rallye Design Package takes about 34 hours to register.
If the 911 Dakar turns out to be a success, Porsche hasn’t ruled out making more models with this nickname.
For more discussion of the 911 Dakar, check out this episode of Rambling About Cars:
