Since the dawn of time, sports cars have had only one playground: the asphalt. Preferably that of a circuit where they can make the most of their powerful engines. But recently, we have seen two models arrive that we have not necessarily been used to seeing in recent years, and even more generally since sports cars have existed.
These models are the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, sports coupes that are not afraid to go where the asphalt is no longer. Without becoming SUVs, these two models are not pure and hard off-roaders, but they benefit from surprising capacities for their segment. Porsche even announces that the 911 Dakar has nothing to envy to a Cayenne in certain situations.
More attractive?
Even without taking into account the few added aesthetic elements, the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato immediately bring out their adventurous side. While the lines are classic, many details echo the world of off-roading.
Porsche 911 Dakar
The 911 is fitted with red forged aluminum tow hooks, fenders with flared wheel arches, underbody protection, fixed rear spoiler, larger air intakes and steel grilles for protect ducts from debris. For the most nostalgic, Porsche also offers a “Rothmans” livery, but with the “Roughroads” lettering now, since the promotion of tobacco is now prohibited.
Don’t have enough? The list of options and accessories also includes luggage racks, a ramp with LED lights, petrol and water cans, plastic plates to facilitate the release if the car is stuck, a folding spade and a roof tent for two people.
The ground clearance of the 911 Dakar is 50 mm higher than a classic 911
It is possible to opt, in option, for a roof tent
The Porsche 911 Dakar has 50mm more ground clearance than a conventional 911, with an additional 30mm available thanks to a lift system specially developed for the 911 Dakar, available up to 170 km/h. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires, mounted on five-spoke rims, are also specific to this model.
Lamborghini Huracan off-road
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, meanwhile, boasts 44mm more ground clearance than a Huracan Evo, while the front and rear tracks are widened by 30 and 34mm respectively. The car is equipped with two additional LED headlights on the hood and a special aluminum protection in the front to prevent damage to the body. Note also the large air intake from the roof to the rear bonnet to allow the V10 to breathe better.
Like the 911, the Huracan is also fitted with specific tyres: these are 19-inch Bridgestone Dueler AT002 front and rear. Even in the event of a puncture, these tires can travel another 80 km (and up to 80 km/h) before they are completely flat.
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is 40mm taller compared to a Huracan Evo
The Huracan Sterrato benefits from numerous additional elements to protect its bodywork
To make it even more unique, you can turn to the Ad Personam department, choosing from the 350 colors and other customization elements available.
Inside there are also some changes, although overall they are much less marked than on the outside.
The Porsche 911 Dakar does without the two rear seats to save weight (1,605 kg in total) instead of which, as an option, a roll bar can be fitted. The seats are those of the GT3 with a carbon shell. Every square centimeter is covered in Alcantara, while the ergonomics are very close to a classic 911.
The interior of the Porsche 911 Dakar
The interior of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
The same goes for the Huracan Sterrato, with plenty of Alcantara, even if the adventurous spirit is a little more emphasized in the Italian. We find several elements specific to off-road use, such as the inclinometer, a compass, a GPS coordinate indicator and an integrated steering angle indicator.
Powerful, but slower
Our two raised sports cars have the same mechanics as the “classic” versions, even if there have been some small technical adjustments.
The Porsche 911 Dakar is powered by the GTS’s 480bhp, 570Nm 3.0-litre flat-six, paired with the eight-speed PDK automatic gearbox and rear-wheel steering. The rear axle comes from the GT3, as do the variable-stiffness engine mounts. The transmission is obviously integral, and thanks to the different driving modes (there are two new ones: Rally and Off-road), there is a variable distribution of torque to the rear depending on the driving situations.
The Porsche 911 Dakar has a 480 hp 3.0-litre flat-six
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato has a 610 hp 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10
The performance of the 911 Dakar is that of a real sports car, even if the top speed has been reduced to 240 km/h, while the 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds. The Lamborghini Huracan can go a little faster, although the top speed is still limited to 260 km/h.
The Huracan retains its fabulous naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 developing 610 hp and 565 Nm of torque, combined with all-wheel drive, with a mechanical rear differential, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
For a lucky few
The Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato are certainly not intended to be “mainstream” cars as the models they are based on can be. And it’s not just because of the price, as the Porsche 911 Dakar will be limited to just 2,500 units, while the last non-electrified Lamborghini in history will be produced at 1,499 units.
As for prices, the 911 Dakar is offered from 226,689 euros in France, while for the Sterrato, you will have to pay a minimum of 262,000 euros.
