If you didn’t manage to get your hands on one of the 2,500 992 Dakars Porsche produced, then hope could be on the horizon. The German manufacturer is working on a new generation of its desert-going sports cars.
From the looks of the recent spy shots we’ve acquired, the next generation of Porsche’s sandblasted sports coupe is either based on the 911 Carrera GTS, a 992 to be specific, or the company is using a blacked-out version of the vehicle with bunged-up air intakes as a mule.
It’s more likely the latter, with the coverings added to prevent debris, dust, and sand from making their way into the vehicle’s intake. Despite the fact that the Porsche was being tested in conditions that could fairly be described as the exact opposite of an African desert. It was sighted in Scandinavia, during spring, with plenty of snow still on the ground. This does mean ditching the active aero flaps and losing some front-downforce. It could also just be a bit of extra masking to stop nosey car sites getting the scoop on the new 911 Dakar’s design features before Porsche is ready to unveil them.
The turn signals appear to be integrated into the headlights on this model. Another bold design choice, though one that’s far more aesthetically pleasing than some previous headlight designs. Sorry 996 fans.
At the back, the rear tow hook seems to be gone, though a screw-in option wouldn’t be a difficult addition. The center exhaust outlets seem closer together. The prominent rear wing of the previous Dakar seems to have given way to something much more subtle, likely an active aerodynamic wing. Again, that could mean less downforce than the previous model.
What do we know about the 2027 Porsche Dakar’s Powertrain?
Non-Porsche fans may be wondering what’s under the hood of the 911 Dakar Prototype? Well, unless Porsche has decided to undo about 56 years of history, there’s absolutely nothing. As for what’s at the back, that’s still anyone’s guess.
There is some speculation that Porsche could equip the new Dakar with the company’s recently developed 3.6-liter flat-six engine, along with a T-Hybrid system. This combo could deliver an estimated 532 horsepower and 449 lb-ft of torque.
However, given Porsche’s recent pivot away from the electrical side of things, there’s a chance that the German icon could ditch the electrical side of its powertrain altogether. If you’re going to go all out and make a gas-only performance vehicle in 2026, doing it on something strictly limited makes a lot of sense. Plus, the 911 is supposed to be light and agile, so purists may be all for shedding the extra battery weight, even if it means losing a little acceleration and overall power in the process. Who cares about 0-60 times anyway? Plus, keeping an “off-roader light is generally a good idea, especially when you’re powering it across sand dunes.
As for actual numbers, expected sales prices, and a release date, we have a rough idea. The vehicle is expected to be on the road in 2027 with a starting MSRP of $250,000. Which means we can expect it to be unveiled in late 2026. But the release has already seen delays, and things seem a touch chaotic at Porsche right now. So that could change. Porsche hasn’t officially announced how many of the new Dakars it intends to make, but it’s speculated that the number will be strictly capped at 2,500. Just like its predecessor.
With existing Dakars routinely fetching over $300,000 when they do crop up for sale, one thing is for certain. The upcoming Dakar is going to be a great buy if you can get your hands on one.
