Porsche 911 Dakar review - Glorious or Pointless?

911 Dakar review - driving Rallycross in the NEW safari spec Porsche
Jonny Smith drives Porsche's off-road 911 not on sand at the Dakar, nor on safari rally, but at the home of World Rallycross in Britain. The £173,000 limited edition, high-riding off-road supercar is a road legal 4WD rally version of the Carrera 4 GTS, and pays homage to both Dakar winning rally 911s, but also the first car to win the first rallycross event in 1967 - an early RHD 911.
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Filmed by: Albus studios www.albusstudios.co.uk
Edited by: Michael Douglass
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:10 The first Rallycross winner
0:50 History of Dakar Porsche
2:30 History of 4WD 911s
2:53 953 Safari rally
3:38 959 Dakar
3:52 Carrera 4 964
4:20 Front end details
5:18 PRICE
5:55 Driving on track
10:18 Will owners use them?
11:05 JUMP
12:41 Engine spec
13:20 Special adjustable suspension
13:44 Bespoke wheels and tyres
14:35 Brakes
14:50 Weight
15:07 TRACK driving again
15:50 Traction control modes
17:27 Rear design
17:58 LAUNCH CONTROL!
19:12 Slowest top speed?
20:24 INTERIOR design
21:37 No manual gearbox
22:55 VERDICT
#911dakar #porsche911dakar #4k #thelatebrakeshow #porscheoffroad

[@jwvandegronden]

Absolutely smashing episode! You really are the Homo Universalis of the auto review world! And there are not too many of those walking around anyway, let alone specificaly in this corner of KZbin! I don't know what to say other than, as per usual, thank you so much for making brilliant content! The visual story telling is breathtaking, and underscores so well what you try to share with us. Up to now it always is bang on! Thanks mate!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Jan, thank you so much. Automotive variety is the absolute key to our channel, and although Jonny rarely does track based reviews, we wanted to seize this opportunity to get mucky in the Dakar. Question is, should we do more circuit stuff?

[@cgmsg1]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Absolutley if the car calls for it.

[@jwvandegronden]

@@TheLateBrakeShow yes please! But let it be functional first, supportive to a key element of a capability of either the car or the driver, the latter being more playful than the first in its premise, the first though maybe more true to the channel although I would happily watch both!

[@allothernamesbutthis]

@@TheLateBrakeShow does that mean you are going to employ some GITS (red backwards) to test them?

[@stevenkelby2169]

Did you just call Johnny a homo? I don't think he is, but either way I love him 🍻

[@s1m0nc]

What a cracking episode. Has done nothing to quell my 911 cravings... Having been rough as a badger for the last week myself, I feel your pain Jonny. Sorry you didn't feel better for it, but glad you put in a shift anyway! Appreciated 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks. Yeah, without the painkillers I'd have never got in the car. Hope you feel better now. 💪🏽

[@greggScutum]

The pinnacle of combustion engine cars! Pure beauty! I'm glad Porsche made it. It's a fabulous last chapter for new gasoline cars (which will always and forever be around on rallycross races, race circuits etc.) And as always! Fantastic episode! Thank you.

[@40spinup]

Awww a poorly Jonny. Thanks for all the effort, we do appreciate it.

[@owain7629]

He was nursing an aggressive hangover 😂

[@dangerotterisrea]

@@owain7629 hitting it like a red headed stepchild! That Porsche looks like the ideal cure for everything.

[@paulhearn9632]

Great episode Jonny and the team. Love seeing a Porsche in those colours doing it dirty with Jonny in fully focused, full concentration mode on a Rally X circuit in a £173k version. Also great to see a manufacturer giving a nod to their motorsport heritage. Loved the days of race 'em on a Sunday, sell 'em on a Monday.

[@user-jd7md1mx2u]

Great post Johnny. I have a 1968 Porsche 912 RHD which I purchased when I was 25. I'm now 58 and still can't get over how amazing Porsche cars are. The Dakar is a dream car especially as I remember following the Circuit of Ireland back in 1985 when the original Rothmans 911 SCRS weighing just 2200lbs were being hammed through the old wet narrow tarmac country roads. The look, sound, smell and sheer speed at full chat was unbelievable and only rear wheel drive. Nuts and a lasting impression that the Dakar sideways brings rushing back!!!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

You still have your 912? That's glorious.

[@andersekstrand2028]

Classic presentation of a future classic

[@davidf2281]

I look at this and I see a Porsche version of the Tamiya model of a Porsche. It's so goofy-lookin' it seems like a bad 80s model of itself!

[@JasonWD]

Bring back the 1/12 959!

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

It looks mint

[@papa_pt]

I think there's something about the rims/wheels that looks off but the rest is good

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Love this. I would have this over the standard GTS in a heartbeat. Much better suited to the state of our lanes these days!

[@Kolinu2]

Loved watching the rallying on TV at this circuit, as a kid, with the likes of Ford RS200's, Audi Sport Quattro's, Mini's and Ford Escorts to name a few, all mixing it up. It was so exciting.

[@dcallan812]

Nice job, great review 2x👍 For someone feeling crap it was a great drive.

[@AlfieGoodrich]

Awesome, Jonny. Hope you feel better soon. Grew up in Canterbury. Was at Lydden all the time as a kid, through the 70s and 80s. Great episode. Thankyou.

[@gregwooller600]

Another cracking video. My favourite channel by far. Plus absolutely love the podcast. Makes the Monday morning drive to work much more enjoyable.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Greg! That's most kind.

[@robertlloyd7493]

A great watch as usual....you are so much more than 5th gear 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Robert, that's v kind. Thank you. Did 18 series on Fifth Gear, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, friends it made and doors it opened. But with YT I can call the shots on how we film, what we do and how long we do it for.

[@andreiionescu205]

​@@TheLateBrakeShow You are very good at this,keep them coming

[@Starkweather133]

​@@TheLateBrakeShow Revs is still your greatest achievement lol

[@CraftyOldGit]

Crazy money, but surely the coolest looking Porsche ever. Brilliant episode. Hope you're feeling better soon.

[@SuperAmo87]

After seeing this am so happy that I took the Dakar allocation over the touring .. went for the shade green metallic as the rally pack slots were coming a bit later to my dealership

[@constructionbootgazer]

Lucky rich bastard

[@66Revolution]

Clearly one for the Porsche connoisseur (AKA the dealer principal's best mate) who will flip it on delivery

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Sadly, you might be correct.

[@matschwarz9261]

The "naughty swein" seems to be fun. I like how they put a number plate from Stuttgart onto their test cars...❤

[@pauldixon3677]

What a car! Loving the engine note, sounds very responsive. I guess you had a Stig for the drifting parts of the video? Great video Jonny....as always.

[@Sinnistral]

*Attenborough voice* "Lydden Hill. Here, we see the lesser spotted dirty tillerman in his natural surrounds" the Dakar looks like a proper hoot. So unfortunate then that most of them will be squirreled away in collections only to amass value rather than mileage. Wonderful vid as always Mr Smith, hope you're feeling better soon, OTSOT.

[@JB-xd9dr]

As ever, thanks for another fab episode! Thx too for showcasing Lydden Hill (local to me) is lovely east Kent :)

[@ericvermeulen9853]

Hey Jhony, thanks for the great content, i just got my Yaris GR rally last week and thanks to your great video you did on it🙏🏻🙏🏻 love the dakar Porsche 👌🏻👌🏻

[@johnshima01]

Great episode, love the 'roughroads' decals 😆 Great driving too Johnny, I suspect you've had some time in a Beetle Baja Bug

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Oh yeah, a bit...

[@grumpyrocker]

Bravo to Porsche for letting you chuck that around like that. Shows a lot of confidence in the car. I'd love one, but without livery for daily use here in the rural roads of Dorset.

[@rotorhead5006]

Top work, as always Jonny, especially considering the lurgy! I find myself drawn to what would essentially be a pointless Porsche! 🙂

[@garymorton5195]

It's a super interesting video. Well done, team. I applaud you 👏 Imagine if other manufacturers follow Porsche's lead... Peugeot, Audi, Subaru, a Rothmans liveried Focus Rs.... what a line up that would be!

[@filipegil8752]

This with my bike racks on it and my two boys child seats in it. 😎 Awesome episode Johnny and thank you for coming up with the rallycross track idea 👌

[@gavinmillington1094]

Nice trackwork Jonny. You made that look easy.

[@GeeMilner]

One of the best films you've done, love it.

[@georgewade278]

Surely more manufacturers should follow Porsche, Lamborghini, Aerial and Morgan to create these higher rise sports cars so there can be Rally X RWYB events? That'd be awesome. Brilliant video Jonny as always. Thank science for ibuprofen eh.

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

Wow ! what an Episode , you had to drive past my door to film this as i live near by. Vic Elford and my father and his friends all raced together here, great memories of this track! many days here ! they all did the safari the monte and the london to mexico!

[@DZeus83]

Thanks for showing as is should be used. I drove a Carrera on the Porsche track & that was impressive but this looks a riot on the loose. Speedy recovery aswell

[@Robcomesana]

To be honest, I am not a fan of sports cars. Well made sedans or state cars are higher on my personal list. Porsche 911, however, has always been an exception to this rule and 993 generation has settled deep on my heart and head. But now, my friend John, you have just introduced to the kid inside me to the most amazing 911 since the early 90's IMHO. Such an amazing masterpiece. Thank you.

[@hotsedan]

Great work as always, thats definitely a car for the want list! thanks for pushing through the lurgi for us all, most appreciated

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

✊🏽

[@d33b33]

100% Agree! So, if you buy a regular GTS4 with a proper gearbox instead, you'd have half a ton left over to raise the suspension, install giant knobbly tires, have it wrapped with the proper Rothmans decals, and put a roofrack with two spare wheels and brace of rally lights on? Would it be faster around the track? No, but who cares. It would be unrestricted fun! Superb video, Mr Smith, it made me daydream a little. 👍

[@morgman43]

It's very rare for me to say this about a new car, but what a lovely looking thing that is. White 5-spoke wheels? I'm in love!

[@EpohDerf]

Lovely bit of track work there, Johnny.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

😉

[@davidp7414]

These will be picked up by collectors and become garage queens and subsequently increase in vale value at an astonishing rate.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Sadly we think this will be the case, but live in hope some folks buy them to get mucky.

[@alansorbie4038]

I spent ages wondering if I should lower my old 911 during its recent suspension overhaul. Turns out I should have raised it! In theory the Dakar is just all wrong but I love it.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Loved you got serious air. Proper Porsche Wish I could afford to buy one. Daily it in North Northumberland

[@chrisd924]

Another great video Jonny, I do love a 911 in Gulf or Rothmans colours.

[@yt_Ajay_]

The 911 is really the ultimate sports car, isn't it? It just seems to fit perfectly into any environment.

[@deanhempshall1335]

Brilliant video Jonny, at least you didn’t almost roll it like Richard when he was at Lydden Hill 😅

[@FForster2009]

Great video… was nice to meet you recently too

[@VigneshBalasubramaniam]

Tiff would be proud of your driving today Jonny!

[@daisy_dispatch_]

Great episode….again. I’ll never be in a position to own such a car so essentially the “review” is pointless but as others have said it’s the story telling and Jonny is interesting to listen to. Plus I really liked the watch he’s wearing. What is it?

[@mrcolmun]

Jonny driving a Porsche like its his old Jimny! No way JS was driving for any of those long shots! :-)

[@philbaldasera4742]

I think i need one as a fishing car 😂! Great review JS!

[@ChadwickJames]

Looks perfect for Colorado, would love snowpack roads, with this beauty.

[@mtnvalley9298]

Exactly. I live in Granby, and have tried to get one from Prestige, but they are doing a bidding war for it, and I just can't pay over for one while I'd be trading in cars that I bought from them. Super cool especially up here but it looks like no Dakar for me.

[@GeneralKato]

The “Jump”!! Haven’t heard that in a long while! I remember Tiff calling it that years ago when you both were at FG! Best show until , yeah never mind tv. Never watched it since…

[@scottpsychodub6385]

Nice pedalling there Jonny 👍 Rallycross is awesome.

[@scottpsychodub6385]

Edit - sadly most of the people who will buy this will keep it in air conditioned storage as an investment, not a car.

[@matthines5150]

JS, you are absolutely KILLING it these days!!! 🎉

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Matt, glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@leowalless9328]

Fantastic, excellent show as usual :-) My only complaint is the usual one about poorly levelled audio. I have your show on the telly going through the full sound system. It's REALLY disconcerting when the music bed or the Black Circles promo suddenly jumps out in bass and volume. Maybe your editor could apply a little more compression and limiting to the sound track? Anyway, love the channel, love the shows. Thanks :-)

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Leo, and apologies for the sound levels now and again. We are often against a tight deadline to get these YT episodes out, and things can be missed. That's the challenge with multiple videos per week/month and only a tiny team.

[@leowalless9328]

@@TheLateBrakeShow thanks so much for the personal reply, I feel bad for moaning about it now HaHaHa! But I do watch all your content. I'm not an expert but I feel that every other production value is very high, including the general audio quality and the excellent music tracks that you use. I wish you continued success :-)

[@martiniv8924]

What a Legend, Vic Elford 👌🏻😎 RIP

[@scottwilson2959]

Well that looked like a fantastic bucket of fun. Thanks Jonny!

[@MurrayC]

Not a car I expected to like but it looks great. P.S. I have fond memories of heading sideways towards the timing lights at Lydden whilst sprinting my road car in the 1980s

[@adammarshall2401]

Fantastic video Johnny as always. This would be top of my list if I had that sort of money! My only one question is regarding the handbrake. Is it an utterly useless electronic version? watching you on that track made me think it needs a manual at least and ideally hydraulic no?

[@TimFoster]

Smashing amount of solidering on there Jonny - hope you got well soon. Next time, it's really ok to cancel if you're not feeling up to it, I hope that Porsche/Lydden Hill/LBS viewers would be happy to reschedule.

[@JonathanEzor]

Thank you, Jonny!

[@user-tw3cz2dd8n]

Great review Jonny - although a relatively pointless car which will sell out. Nice one!

[@cogboy302]

Even with launch control the Dakar's 0-60mph time isn't quick by rallycross standards. John Welch's Gartrac G4 Escort was doing 0-60 in 2.2sec & 0-80 in 3.0 sec back in 1984. - Although Welch's car was optimised for Rallycross. 930kg, 560bhp on full boost and geared to max. out at 120mph. A period review from CCC (Cars and Car Conversions) in 1984 said it would have wiped the floor with the contemporary Group B Rally Cars.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Of course, but the 911 does have full weight and luxuries.

[@more.power.]

Thanks Jonny excellent episode. Cheers

[@jameskelly4323]

You are the man

[@conkerman01]

I saw a Dakar style 944 the other day. It was amazing.

[@kramnam4716]

Great job j. Don’t understand why not manual! Seems crazy

[@ImDavidJames]

Love the 'Rothmans' livery without the name obvs on it, looks great

[@cristianbrunelli5962]

Great episode!

[@simonfidler7906]

You really deserve your job Jonny

[@JamoSaye]

I now always try and see if Johnny as the air con on in any of his car reviews 😂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Stop it. It won't happen unless he can't find the controls!

[@ChrisFEJackson]

Just the best, cheers Johnny

[@206wrctribute]

Personal opinion - a 959 style rear spoiler would better suit it, lovely nevertheless. PS Also loving the Uboat Jonny, v cool.

[@briandonovan5434]

The Moroccan press launch was probably dope, but I think Johnny found the place I’d want to be ripping that thing up. Well done.

[@TwoWheelTirade]

Kudos to the driver 😉

[@mtnvalley9298]

Great episode, thanks for your efforts. My local dealer is doing a bidding war on the Dakar and spec'ed to my taste it's a 240k US car. I'm sure he wont sell me one, but I offered to buy a new Macan and the Dakar, and trade my '18 Macan and 991.2 Targa 4S to him now before the build. I know it'll go over list, but I just can't see it so probably no Dakar for me. I live on a dirt road in the Rockies and would drive the wheels off of it year round too, while some richer than snot guy will stare at in a garage then flip it.

[@marky9117]

Another great vid Jonny and team. 👍🏻 Looks like fun but the car itself isn’t for me. Bit of a gimmick. If you need a modern 911, save a chunk of cash over the 992 and buy the prettier 991, in particular GTS Targa form. Great cars. Mind you I only like the older stuff anyway so…. 🤪

[@MrMNRichardWright]

Sounds, and looks like a suitable daily for Minnesota winter.

[@stuartblack9258]

That should be the only paint job they come in! Awesome fun!!

[@jamessheehy4895]

I love the way it looks

[@mrharry8466]

I bet that track was so much fun. I do love the car because it's a Porsche designed to go anywhere, without worry of pot holes, speed bumps and every day life...shame its £200k.

[@michaelmeredith912]

Great video 🙌🏼

[@timnunn4218]

Looks amazing, maybe Porsche could consider a factory backed rally entry to promote it! - I can see now why they weren't keen on Singer's ACS!!!

[@philipc239]

Love your review as always but should invite Vicky or even Tiff as guest driver to give this thing a proper workout 😀

[@philipc239]

Think the Safari is more attractive btw

[@coachalexwagner]

Thing is : a std C4 would do just as well in a rallycross track... as big clearance is typically not required !

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Probably true, but you'd want some underbody armour. And tyres that grip.

[@bandyfball]

@14:30 holy volume shift Batman!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Sorry!

[@gsakroyd]

Gawd.! I love it..❤ Mega episode Jonny.👍🍺

[@spruce1509]

I will never afford one but I really want one. You did well as a helmsman for someone feeling rough as a badgers arse.

[@timwilks666]

Sat in front of Grandstand in the late 70's, betting 2p's with my brother on whether the Beetle would beat the Escort, whilst Murray got ever more excited. Ace.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

What memories!

[@motorconcierge]

Fantastic episode. I am a die hard Porsche fan, but I still can’t put the 911 Dakar piece together. I get who is buying GT3/ GT3RS or my beloved GT3 Touring, I know who buys sports classic, I know who buys Turbo S or basic 911 T, but who is the target audience for 911 Dakar? Collectors only who love the homage to original car? Someone who can afford beautiful dune buggy? I know it is considered rare and I indeed have not seen one yet, but I hope to see someone to use it for its intention and purpose rather than idling behind glass. Beautiful machinery, but if someone knows who is the ultimate customer of this - I would be very interested in opinions.

[@tz6414]

Far more sensible than speedbump grazing standard 992. Would love one if they could do an affordable version

[@rs5001988]

The way it looks sideways is simply fantastic

[@rikardottosson1272]

Looks genuinely fun.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

A lot of fun Rikard. More than J expected!

[@geoffdunstan8567]

Good fun Johnny, can I be bold and ask who they had driving for the power slides clips? regards Geoff D from AU

[@AlphaSierra101]

Perfect winter car for British back roads, suspension might need twin shocks to deal with some of the potholes

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

A good point. UK potholes are savage these days.

[@stoneyilks]

All I can think about is the hammering that £18,500 paint job is taking!😂

[@mroctarine]

Classic TLBS episode... "I'll put a link to that above my head". There is never a link 😂

[@bengo76]

Great story, wonderful car 🤘

[@chrisdeburger1860]

Great Video JS - your really getting the hang of this 😂

[@bigbail74]

Awesome bit of kit

[@timbonfield3589]

One of these with a Litchfield tune could potentially be a proper weapon

[@coachalexwagner]

Most desirable SUV out there

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Best looking too. Shame no rear seat available.