Porsche's Record-Breaking 911 Climbs To New Heights On Ojos Del Salado

For Porsche, it's not enough to simply reflect on the past; the brand is also dedicated to breaking records. An example of this is a heavily modified 911 Carrera 4S that reached an incredible 22,093 feet in the air and conquered Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world in Chile.

Driven by three-time Le Mans champion Romain Dumas, this extraordinary feat showcases Porsche's commitment to pushing boundaries.

Klaus Zellmer, president of Porsche North America, and Frank Walliser, vice president of vehicle dynamics, came up with the concept to build this record-breaking 911 in 2019 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 964 Carrera 4, the first 911 with all-wheel drive. The first-generation Doris and the world-record-holding Edith are the two tough 911s.

Both cars employ a patented suspension system from the 919 Hybrid Le Mans racer, offering impeccable off-road performance. Edith, however, stands out with Porsche's first steer-by-wire system and significant weight-saving measures, making it the one that secured the altitude record.

Under the hood, the 911s retain the Carrera 4S's 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six, producing 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the power distribution between the front and rear wheels is manually controlled, allowing the driver to switch between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. These rock-crawling 911s ride on massive 34-inch mud-terrain tires, boosting ground clearance to an impressive 13.7 inches.

Portal axles and a unique suspension system, the Warp Connector, tailor-made for climbing rocks, contribute to their stellar off-road capabilities. While driving these Porsches is a departure from the typical 911 experience, the rear-engine layout, characteristic steering, and rear-wheel-drive prowess affirm their 911 DNA.

Doris, the prototype, carries additional weight, making Edith's carbon fiber panels, doors, and other lightweight components stand out. As both cars head back to Porsche's headquarters, they leave a trail of dirt from their high-altitude adventure, securing their places in the company's museum.

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

 

These 911s not only conquered a mountain but also etched a new chapter in Porsche's legacy—a testament to the brand's ability to craft modern marvels that we'll fondly look back on for years to come.