Watch a Porsche 911 Dakar Dance in the Snow

After years of watching other companies take a crack at the off-road 911 formula, Porsche is finally ready to throw its hat back in the ring. The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar brings a three-inch lift, flared fenders, and unique all-terrain tires to the sports car, all in the name of making it quicker when the pavement ends. Thanks to Planet Car News on YouTube, we have a chance to see how those adjustments fare in some wintery mix.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar employs the powertrain as the Carrera 4 GTS model. That means a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six providing 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, all of which runs through an all-wheel drive system. An eight-speed PDK gearbox is the sole transmission option with Dakar, a bummer for all of the manual purists among us. In normal driving conditions, the Dakar rides a substantial 1.96 inches higher than a typical Carrera. An onboard lift system can raise the vehicle another 1.18 inches, for a total of 3.15 inches of additional height at speeds up to 105 mph. Underneath the bodywork sits a revised suspension with longer links, while adjustable shocks eat up the car’s rear seat room. Pirelli developed a bespoke Scorpion All Terrain Plus tire for this car, though snow and summer tires from Pirelli are also available. The former appear to be on display in this clip, which highlights the 911 Dakar’s prowess as a winter daily.