According to AUTOCAR, the Porsche 911 Dakar could return with hybrid power, bringing even greater capability on both road and trail. Sources say an updated version is currently in development at Porsche’s Weissach development center and is expected to arrive as part of the 992-generation 911 facelift.

A Porsche spokesperson said the company does not comment on product speculation, but the new model is rumored to be announced in late 2025. As before, production is expected to be limited. The original 911 Dakar was built in a limited run of just 2,500 cars, with production ending in November 2024.

What Powertrain Will the 911 Dakar Use?

Like its predecessor, the new 911 Dakar is expected to feature a rugged, raised ride height and Porsche’s innovative T-Hybrid powertrain, already used in the facelifted 911 GTS.

The system pairs a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six producing 485 PS with an electric motor integrated into the gearbox, adding 40 kW and up to 150 Nm of torque. It also uses heat-transfer technology developed for Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 919 race car to charge a 1.9 kWh battery.

In the 911 GTS, the T-Hybrid system produces a combined 541 PS. For comparison, the previous 911 Dakar used the same turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six as the previous-generation GTS, producing 480 PS. With the boost from electrification, the new Dakar should deliver a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor.

Electrification could also improve fuel economy. The 911 GTS, for example, has a combined average fuel consumption of around 10.9–11.4 km/L.

What Else Do We Know?

More details have yet to emerge, but, like the original 911 Dakar, the new model is expected to be offered exclusively with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche is also said to be developing new paint schemes and other options for the car through its Sonderwunsch (“special wishes”) program.

As for the price, the new model is expected to cost more than the previous car’s £173,000 (approximately ¥33 million) starting price. For Porsche fans, that’s a hefty figure to consider.

About the Porsche 911 Dakar

The Porsche 911 Dakar was unveiled in 2022 to celebrate Porsche’s victory in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally. Based on the 911 Carrera 4S, it received a range of features to improve its off-road ability, including increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. Its rarity—it was limited to 2,500 examples worldwide—made it a source of excitement for Porsche fans around the globe from the moment it was announced.

My younger brother bought one, and he still takes great care of it. In my view, it’s one of the most impressive 992s.

If these reports prove accurate, the 911 Dakar will return with an even more advanced hybrid powertrain.

But if Porsche does announce a new 911 Dakar, the price will be a major talking point. The previous model already cost more than ¥30 million, and with hybrid technology now in the mix, the next one could be even more expensive.

Either way, the Porsche 911 Dakar is one to watch. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news.