Niels van Roij finds Porsche trailing behind the troops
Porsche recently unveiled the 911 Dakar. The car is inspired by the model that won the Paris-Dakar in 1984 and is therefore also offered with an optional Rallye Design Package, linked to the iconic winner. Porsche delved into its archives exceptionally late. There are countless independent companies that have ably channeled the 911 retro rally design recipe. Car designer Niels van Roij on the question of whether this sports car for gravel roads is still champion as a latecomer.
Car designer Florian Flatau built his 911 Safari concept years ago. ZHE ZCRMBLR WTF is extremely successful for a private project. The last abbreviation does not stand for the English expression of extreme surprise, but for Werks Test Fahrzeug. Substantial row rise, unique bumpers and coarse tires are part of the tasty recipe. The WTF also has three lamps that are aesthetically refined and merged into the front hood design and their shape spectrum exactly matches the G-body 911. Furthermore, a beautiful white font has been applied to the tires and doors and artfully with orange details in the interior and sprinkled exterior. Very strong! In this video see him in action.
Porsche 911 Dakar according to designer Florian Flatau for Singer. The All-Terrain Competition Study.
Later design for Singer, the ACS
Florian later designed the Singer All-Terrain Competition Study, ACS, for Singer, which was eventually sued to pieces by Porsche. The Germans were probably already extensively involved with the 911 Dakar at the time and were not very pleased with the ACS. The Porsche lettering, which was incorporated into the ACS sheet metal on the side rather than as a sticker, and the fact that it was a truly perfectly executed off-road 911, with fantastic shape and color ideas, probably added to the anger.
The creation of Gemballa, the Marsien
To make matters worse, Marc Philipp devised the Gemballa Marsien, an all-terrain vehicle inspired by the 959 Group B and based on the equally professionally penned Porsche 911 992 Turbo S. Only 40 pieces of the full re-body will be made.
The Gemballa Marsien, clearly inspired by the 959.
Disappointingly bad copies
There are also sadly bad copies, such as the plastic-fantastic looking Russell Built Fabrication Baya 911 and the RUF Rodeo Concept with its wrong wheels and unsightly materials. Paint color difference on the side must suggest plastic widening: downright sad.
How good is Porsche’s attempt then?
How well does the Porsche effort come out of the mud compared to the many aftermarket parties? The question is first of all where Porsche has been all these years. And whether the so visible off-road 911 trend still appears to be unexplored or already grazed terrain.
We see a newly developed rear spoiler made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic at the back of the Porsche 911 Dakar. However, the luggage compartment lid with air outlets is taken directly from the 911 GT3.
In addition, modified bumpers with red aluminum towing eyes have been fitted at the front and rear. Very nuanced, black plastic wheel arches and sills have also been devised, containing even more subtle stainless steel protective elements.
The roof is equipped with a 12-volt connection for the lights of the optional roof rack for jerry cans, shovels, traction boards or roof tent. The collective of adjustments is by no means truly refreshing. The three lamps and perfection in details of the WTF, ACS and Marsien make it undeniably more beautiful cars.
Porsche lost with 911 Dakar
The Porsche 911 Dakar is based on a particularly strong 911 design, the 992 series. However, the interpretation of the whole is, even taking into account the fact that it is a mass production car, designed grossly confused. That this 911 is not in the shadow of aftermarket providers says enough. Porsche won the off-road race in the 1984, but unfortunately lost it now.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl