Norev 1:18 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar diecast model car review

At the end of 2022, Porsche launched the Porsche 911 Dakar. It was positioned as a 911 that would be just as comfortable off the road as it would be on the highway.

The new model was limited to just 2,500 units, and it was designed to evoke Porsche's first overall victory in the 1984 Paris Dakar Rally, an event that also saw the birth of the all-wheel drive 911.

Initially, the most striking detail of the 911 Dakar is its ground clearance, which is 50 millimetres higher than a sports suspension-equipped 911 Carrera. The car can then be raised a further 30 millimetres, both front and back. And the lift is not just for crawling over obstacles at low speed. The 'high level' setting is good for speeds in excess of 100 mph. To cope with such conditions, Pirelli developed a special tyre called the Scorpion All Terrain.

The car develops more than 450 bhp; enough to see the car sprint to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 150 mph.

As standard, the engine comes with an eight-speed PDK and all-wheel drive. And on the loose stuff, drivers can choose between Rallye and Off-Road modes; the latter being for the most demanding terrain and sand. Rear-axle steering also comes as standard.

The Dakar can be distinguished in a number of ways. The spoiler and front luggage compartment are made from CFRP. The wheel wells are widened, and you get, as standard, red aluminium towing lugs front and back. Stainless steel plates protect the front, rear and side sills. The roof also contains a 12 volt power outlet for the headlights for the optional roof rack.

The car was also orderable with the Rallye Design Package that echoes the 1984 Paris-Dakar-winning car. That involved a two-tone paint finish in blue and white. Customers could then choose an individual number between 0 and 999 to be painted on the vehicle. The Rallye Design package cost an extra £21,000, the roof rack added another £4,000. Boy, the guys at Stuttgart sure know how to ramp the cost up; especially given that the starting point is a reasonably salty £170k! Not that this put many people off. It sold out swiftly; and the cars now command a significant premium on the secondary market.

The truth is that the Dakar is not very practical, and not awfully comfortable. As a road car, there are many better Porsches, but all those who have driven a Dakar report that it is a fantastic, visceral experience.

Norev has produced the car in both a 'Roughroads' (i.e. Rothmans) livery, and in Oak Green metallic.

Click Norev 1:18 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar to order.