Modified Porsche 911 with Portal Axles Achieves High-Altitude Feat in Chile

In a breathtaking feat of automotive audacity, an extensively modified Porsche 911 with portal axles recently conquered the challenging heights of Ojos del Salado in Chile, setting a high-altitude record. This impressive transformation of a Carrera 4S involved multiple modifications, including portal axles for exceptional ground clearance and innovative technology enhancements. Led by the skilled driver Romain Dumas, this 911 achieved an astounding elevation of 6,734 meters (22,093 feet) above sea level.

Key Takeaways:

• The heavily modified Porsche 911, equipped with portal axles, scaled the heights of Ojos del Salado in Chile, reaching a record-breaking elevation of 6,734 meters.
• Modifications included portal axles for enhanced ground clearance, Aramid fiber underbody protection, shorter gear ratios, and steer-by-wire technology.
• The vehicle utilized synthetic fuel created from water and carbon dioxide through renewable energy, operating without any fossil fuel.

What is cooler and more savage than a heavily modded off-road Porsche 911 with portal axles, climbing a volcanic mountain in Chile to set a high altitude record? Nothing comes to my mind, at least.

Venturing into uncharted territory, this extensively customized Porsche 911 conquered an elevation of 6,734 meters (22,093 feet) above sea level. Originally a Carrera 4S, it underwent modifications, including the addition of portal axles to elevate the ground clearance to an impressive 350 millimeters (13.7 inches).

To protect the go-anywhere sports car’s underbody from potential damage when traversing rocky terrain, robust underbody protection crafted from Aramid fiber was installed. The brave 911, helmed by three-time Le Mans champion Romain Dumas, featured two carbon fiber seats and five-point harnesses.

Engineers adjusted the PDK with shorter gear ratios to enhance control during low-speed acceleration. A significant alteration involved the implementation of steer-by-wire technology, a change Porsche claims enhances precision in handling on rough terrain.

Operating without the use of any fossil fuel, the vehicle utilized a tank filled with synthetic fuel created from water and carbon dioxide through the use of renewable energy.

With High Altitude Comes Low Temperature And Thinner Air The ascent to the summit of the west ridge of Ojos del Salado in Chile required assistance from a support car. Both teams faced the challenges of frigid temperatures and thin air during this endeavor. Certainly, that elevation’s air density was roughly half that at sea level.

While the factory rating for the six-cylinder engine is 443 horsepower, the 3.0-liter boxer engine likely produced significantly less power due to the challenging high-altitude conditions during its ascent to the summit.

After undergoing a two-week acclimatization process to adapt to high altitudes, the record-breaking attempt occurred last Saturday, December 2. The two vehicles commenced their journey at 3:30 AM and successfully reached the summit at 3:58 PM.

Given the challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures, thin air, and the remote location, Porsche had two doctors on stand-by on-site. The elevated 911s surpassed the previous record established in 2020 by a duo of Unimog trucks, which reached 6,694 meters (21,962 feet) at the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile.

In Brief: A modified Porsche 911 with portal axles conquered Chile’s Ojos del Salado, reaching a staggering elevation of 6,734 meters. Impressive modifications, including steer-by-wire technology and synthetic fuel usage, contributed to this remarkable achievement.