Is Porsche fragile? Yet this iconic model has proven its robustness on the worst roads by traveling 19,900 miles

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When we talk about the Porsche 911 Dakar, we often picture a supercar reserved for a select few, safely tucked away in luxurious heated garages.

However, a Vietnamese owner has shattered this stereotype by taking the car where it truly shines: extreme terrains for which it was designed. His incredible road trip across Asia proves that this special edition is not just a collector’s piece but a true adventure vehicle.

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An adventure off the beaten path

Nguyen Hoang Anh, the first owner of a Porsche 911 992 Dakar in Vietnam, wasted no time testing the limits of his car. As soon as he got the keys to his silver Dakar, he embarked on an extraordinary journey. In September 2023, accompanied by two friends, he set off from Ho Chi Minh City to traverse Laos, China, and even the heights of Tibet. His goal? To take his Porsche on roads where no other 911 had ever ventured. Over a journey spanning more than 19,900 miles, Nguyen explored landscapes ranging from the Gobi Desert to the snow-capped mountains of Pakistan, reaching altitudes of up to 4,500 meters (approximately 14,765 feet). While snow and rocky trails posed significant challenges, the 911 Dakar 992 proved it was far more than just a luxury toy. Even when sharp stones in Mongolia shredded its tires, the driver was well-prepared with spare solutions. The result was an epic road trip that showcased the full versatility of this one-of-a-kind supercar.

Nguyen Hoang Anh, the first owner of a Porsche 911 992 Dakar in Vietnam
Nguyen Hoang Anh, the first owner of a Porsche 911 992 Dakar in Vietnam

A Porsche built for extreme terrain

Unlike other 911 Dakars that spend more time posing for photos than covering miles, Nguyen’s was used exactly as Porsche intended. This limited edition model, capped at 2,500 units, was designed to tackle rugged terrain while maintaining the iconic performance of the 911. With a starting price exceeding $250,000, the car features raised suspension, off-road tires, and a design inspired by legendary rally cars of the 1980s. For Nguyen, this was more than a trip—it was a statement. Every kilometer driven and every photo captured in remote locations demonstrated that the 911 Dakar is far more than an expensive indulgence. It can compete with SUVs and pickups while retaining the DNA of a pure sports car. Its performance under extreme conditions, from -13°F to +95°F, proved that this Porsche is as tough as it is refined.

Extreme conditions, from -13°F to +95°F, proved that this Porsche is as tough as it is refined.
Extreme conditions, from -13°F to +95°F, proved that this Porsche is as tough as it is refined.

A one-of-a-kind road trip

While many 911 Dakar owners limit their cars to smooth roads to protect their investment, Nguyen took a different path. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City in December 2023 after three months of adventures, his Porsche had covered more miles than most other models in this limited series will in a decade. Reaching destinations as varied as the Tibetan Plateau and Russia’s frozen borders, Nguyen proved that the spirit of adventure is alive and well in this Porsche.

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This article explores how a passionate owner unlocked the full potential of the Porsche 911 Dakar on a 19,900-miles journey, conquering extreme terrains and harsh climates. This journey stands as a testament to Porsche’s engineering and the spirit of adventure this supercar embodies.

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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