Rally - WRC R2/5 beater?

Taking inspiration from the first overall victory by Porsche in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, Porsche is building a limited run of 2,500 rather special Porsche 911 Dakar cars - and there is an optional Rallye Design Package!

The Porsche 911 Dakar will sit 50mm higher than a 911 Carrera S and can be raised by a further 30 mm using its lift system and sits on specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres, 245/45 R 19 at the front and 295/40 R 20 at the rear.

The 3 litre biturbo six-cylinder engine produces some 473 bhp with a maximum torque of 570 Nm. Performance is said to deliver a nought to 62 mph time of 3.5 seconds with a top speed, limited due to the all-terrain tyres, of 149 mph.

The engine comes with an eight-speed PDK (dual clutch auto 'box) and Porsche all-wheel drive. Standard equipment also includes rear-axle steering. There are two new driving modes selectable via the rotary switch on the steering wheel - Rallye mode is ideal for loose, uneven surfaces and features rear-focused all-wheel drive, while Off-road mode is for high-clearance driving. Both of the new driving modes also feature Rallye Launch Control, which can handle loose surfaces and wheel slippage of 20 per cent.

There is a newly developed, lightweight fixed rear spoiler made of CFRP while the CFRP front lid is taken from the 911 GT3. Off-road details include aluminium towing lugs at the front and back, widened wheel wells and sills, and stainless steel plates on the front, rear, and sills. The side air intakes on the redesigned front are also protected against flying rocks with stainless steel grilles.

The roof has a 12 volt power outlet for the headlights on the optional roof rack. A roof tent is also available!

There are no rear seats, just two front full bucket seats while lightweight glass and a lightweight battery reduce its mass yet further. The car weighs in at 1,605 kgs – only 10 kgs heavier than a 911 Carrera 4 GTS with PDK.

The optional Rallye Sport Package includes a roll-over bar, six-point seat belts and fire extinguisher. The Rallye Design Package features a two-tone paint finish in White and Gentian Blue Metallic with decorative red and gold stripes and a ‘Roughroads’ logo on the doors. White rims and a red taillight strip round off the distinctive appearance.

Porsche has also stated: "It will deliver strong performance with a compelling boxer sound!" Yee-Haaa to that!!

All this can be yours for a mere £173,000 incl. VAT. Prospective customers can also order an exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph to match the vehicle - but there's no price for that as yet.

Now. Here's the thing. Does a run of 2500 cars constitute a 'Production Car' for Hill Rallies and could Santa Claus get one down the chimney?