That the Porsche 911 Safari was finally called Dakar has an explanation

At the end of 2022, Porsche presented its 911 Dakar, a current generation version of his iconic model 911 with raised body and all-wheel drive. This allows you to drive on more or less rough terrain (not extreme). However, initially the German brand wanted this car to be called Safari. Tata stopped him, a large vehicle manufacturer from India that was active in Spain a few years ago.

As recently stated Thomas Krickelberg, the project manager for this car, Porsche's original plan was to call the Safari off-road version of said sports car, whose development began a decade ago, but was delayed. The purpose of this name was commemorate the participation of the German firm in the East African Safari Rally during the 70s with a 911 SC modified for such a race.

Despite Porsche's usual commitment to its history, the Germans' plans were cut short when, when registering the commercial designation of the version in question, they saw that Tata already owned the rights to it. What's more, they verified that it was currently using them, and since 1998, in one of its most international products, the Nanny Safari, a large SUV with a marked off-road character, since its off-road capabilities are considerable.

Photo of the Tata Safari that was sold in Spain (2006). You can read about his current generation here

Despite reaching talks with the Asian company, the Indians did not give in to the interests of the Teutons. It was when these last they had to look at other options to title the new version of “nine-eleven”. They opted for Dakar Rally, in order to pay tribute to the famous competition that takes place annually in the Middle East. Even so, they had to request permission from the Amaury Sports Organization, owner of the label, although it is the word used to refer to the capital city of Senegal.

Finally, the Porsche 911 Dakar is a reality and is getting more demand than expected. With a starting price in our country of $256.050, has a boxer-type gasoline engine with 6 cylinders, 3 liters and 480 CV of maximum power. It is installed, as in the rest of the 911, behind the cabin and the rear axle. Its ground clearance is 19 cm thanks to a specific suspension.

Source – Edmunds