Safari Ownership: Tata Motors’ Influence on Porsche’s 911 Renaming”
Porsche, renowned for its high-performance sports cars, created quite a buzz with the introduction of the Porsche 911 Dakar. This unique vehicle blended the allure of a sports car with the practicality of an SUV, offering a winning combination. However, what’s interesting is that Porsche didn’t always intend to call it the Dakar. In fact, Tata Motors played a significant role in influencing the name change.
The Original Name: Safari
Porsche initially had plans to christen the rugged-looking version of the 911 as the “911 Safari.” The choice of the name Safari was deliberate, conjuring images of off-roading prowess, robust tires, and enhanced suspension—a global association with adventure. However, Tata Motors held firm on their ownership of the Safari nameplate, backed by a trademark for the ‘Safari’ name.
Tata Motors’ Trademark Claim
Tata Motors has a longstanding history with the name Safari, having used it for years, notably in the original Tata Safari and the current-generation model. The iconic nameplate was not something Tata was willing to relinquish. Armed with a solid trademark claim and a commitment to preserving the Safari brand, Tata objected to Porsche’s plan to use the name Safari for their 911 variant.
Porsche’s Response: The 911 Dakar
Facing Tata Motors’ refusal to grant permission to use the Safari suffix, Porsche had no choice but to search for an alternative name. After extensive research and contemplation, they settled on the moniker “911 Dakar.” This name pays homage to the grueling Dakar Rally, one of the most challenging races in the world.
Tata Motors’ Safari Legacy
While Tata Motors has continued to offer the Safari in the market, the current-generation model bears little resemblance to the original Safari. The latest iteration, introduced as a 7-seater version of the Harrier, features a monocoque chassis and front-wheel drive. Unlike its predecessor, it does not offer 4×4 capability. Tata has significantly upgraded the interior, giving it a more premium appearance, and added features like a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Under the hood, the Tata Safari houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 170 PS and 350 Nm of peak torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, catering to various driving preferences.
