These Hyper-Realistic Renderings Of A Dakar-Style Porsche Are Impossible To Ignore

If you've ever wondered what an extreme off-roader from Stuttgart could potentially look like, here's your answer

by Khris Bharath on September 27, 2024, 13:00

When you think Porsche, off-roaders are perhaps the last thing that comes to mind. But the German brand does have a rally-bred pedigree if we look back to the 911 and 959 Dakars from the 1980s. While purists may still scoff at their SUVs, models like the Cayenne and Macan which are household names today, were vital to Porsche’s survival. In fact, it is these very cash cows that have made cars like the iconic Carrera GT and 918 Spyder possible.

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Now, hear me out, what if Porsche were to expand into new territories? Think dune-buggies or a more hardcore variant of a 911 Dakar. I know Porsche hasn’t built any, but sister brand Audi has with its RS Q e-Tron. If you’ve ever wondered what a potential Porsche-based dune buggy could look like, I stumbled upon these A.I. generated images that, certainly don’t fail to disappoint. Personally, I think few Porsches in real life have probably even come close to these renders. Two I can think of are the world record-breaking 911: Edith,and the Singer ACS.

Besides the massive ground clearance, the heavy-duty suspension, and knobby tires, the hallmarks of what makes a Porsche, are there. That signature, 911-inspired front-end with the four-point LED headlights, side air intakes, an aggressive diffuser just like on a 911 GT3 RS,, and exhaust setup with some renders even featuring a full-width LED light bar and a roof-scoop reminiscent of the 911 GT1.

Ad Feature: How Audi Won The Iconic Dakar Rally by Top Gear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV4MviSE_RE&t=348s

Now, as for what could power Baja-style buggy is up for debate. If we’re talking ICE, the base Boxster’s 2.0-liter flat-four with 300 horsepower, should be more than up to the task. As for an electrified setup, Porsche could potentially just adopt Audi’s powertrain from the RS Q e-tron and tweak it to their liking. Keeping things light will also be vital for such a vehicle. The electrified Audi that won the Dakar Rally earlier this year driven by none other than Carlos Sainz senior (yes the F1 driver’s dad), packs 671 horsepower, but weighs 4,850 pounds. Porsche would need to shave some serious fat to make this dune buggy a true desert runner.

Look, a Porsche Dune Buggy might seem like a pipe dream. But in a world obsessed with off-road adventure (and maybe a dash of post-apocalyptic fantasy), it could be a game-changer. Perhaps it is even a way for Porsche motorsport to return to the deserts of North Africa and dominate Dakar like it once did back in the 1980s. So, Porsche, are you listening? The wasteland awaits its silent, sand-slinging king. Make this a reality, and we might just have a contender for one of the coolest rides on the planet.

Khris Bharath

Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio