Porsche has unveiled the spectacular looking 911 Dakar at the Los Angeles Motor Show, paying homage to their victory in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, which was also the first time all-wheel drive was used on the 911.

The first thing you notice about the 911 Dakar is its ground clearance – 50 millimetres higher than that of a standard 911 Carrera. And with the lift system, can be raised an additional 30 millimetres at the front and rear. Its ground clearance and ramp angle rival those of conventional SUVs. The lift system is not only used to slowly cross obstacles, but is an integral part of the retuned chassis. The ‘high level’ setting is available for ambitious off-road adventures at speeds of just over 100mph. Above that speed, the car automatically lowers back down to its normal level.

Complementing the car’s sporty off-road attributes are specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres. The chunky tread pattern is nine millimetres deep and the reinforced sidewalls and the threads consist of two carcass plies.

The three-litre biturbo engine with 480bhp lets the Dakar sprint to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds. Due to the all-terrain tyres the top speed is limited to 150mph.

Additional features include the newly developed, fixed lightweight rear spoiler and the front luggage compartment lid with striking air outlets taken from the 911 GT3. There are also standard off-road details such as the red aluminium towing lugs at the front and back, the widened wheel wells and sills and the stainless steel protective elements on the front, rear and side sills. The side air intakes on the redesigned front end are also protected against flying rocks by stainless steel grilles.

The roof features a visible 12-volt power outlet for the headlights of the optional roof rack. With a capacity of 42 kilograms, the rack can accommodate rallying equipment such as fuel and water canisters, folding shovels and traction boards without any problems.

In the interior, the 911 Dakar underscores its sporting ambitions with standard full bucket seats and the omission of the rear seats. Lightweight glass and a lightweight battery reduce its weight further, enabling it to weigh in at just 1,605 kg.

Porsche's homage to Dakar