The Dakar Rally has birthed some of the most spectacular prototypes and homologation specials of any race series. The Paris-Dakar set the stage for the Porsche 959’s first gruelling outing, while plenty of other automotive legends have emerged from the world’s most challenging endurance race  - take the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for example. However, it’s been a while since Stuttgart has fielded a Dakar competitor, and these renders from talented designer Kamil Kozik (@kamil.kozik.des) have us thinking it’s about time they returned. 

Clearly inspired by Audi’s current Dakar prototype, the hybrid RS Q e-tron, Kozik has dubbed his creation the Porsche Dakar D01. While the RS Q e-tron uses an electric drivetrain coupled with a petrol-powered range extender, Kozik envisions the D01 as a purely electric desert missile. Considering the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT already share a good chunk of their electric drivetrain, we think it wouldn’t be too far fetched for Porsche to use Audi’s current Dakar competitor as a launch platform for their theoretical future Dakar campaign. 

However, whether this becomes a reality or not, what we love most about the D01 is how masterfully Kozik has translated the design language of Porsche’s most recent concept cars and prototypes into a desert-destroying off-roader. The signature full-width rear light bar makes an appearance, while the front has definite shades of the Porsche Mission R concept. Who knows, maybe the 992-generation 911 Dakar and Romain Dumas’ recent ascent of a Chilean volcano in a prototype off-road 911 are hinting at things to come. We certainly hope so!

Images by Kamil Kozik