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In a groundbreaking achievement, the Porsche 911 has etched its name in the record books by conquering new heights. On December 2, 2023, racing driver Romain Dumas piloted a specially modified Porsche 911 to an astounding altitude of 6.734 meters above sea level at the peak of the west ridge of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, setting a world record. 

Facing extreme conditions, the international team, comprising members from Chile, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, supported three-time Le Mans champion Romain Dumas in this remarkable endeavor. The thin air at high altitudes, with temperatures plummeting to 20 degrees below freezing, posed a formidable challenge that the team met head-on.

Romain Dumas expressed his exhilaration after descending from the volcano, stating, “I’ll never forget this experience. It was an extraordinary feeling to drive where no car has gone before.” The Porsche 911 not only reached unprecedented heights but also set a new standard for earthbound vehicles.

The expedition, sponsored by HIF Global, Schaeffler Group, Mobil 1, BFGoodrich, and TAG Heuer, showcased the collaborative effort of experts from various fields, including guides, engineers, drivers, and mountain climbers. Dr. Frank Walliser, Vice President Complete Vehicle Architecture and Characteristics at Porsche AG, commended the team's remarkable achievement, emphasizing the company's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers.

The two modified Porsche 911 models, “Doris" and “Edith," equipped with innovative technology and supported by synthetic eFuels from HIF Global, demonstrated exceptional performance in the most extreme conditions imaginable. The expedition marked a return to the Ojos del Salado volcano after a 2022 visit, where the team had previously exceeded 6,000 meters on an exploratory run.

As you might expect, these record-breaking Porsche 911 models showcased their prowess with features such as carbon fiber seats, five-point harnesses, portal axles for increased ground clearance, and Aramid fiber underbody protection for sliding over rocks. The lead car, “Edith," featured a unique steer-by-wire technology called Space Drive, developed by Schaeffler Group, providing precision and detailed feedback for navigating the challenging terrain.


Highlighting the environmental aspect, both cars ran entirely on HIF eFuels, emphasizing Porsche's commitment to sustainable mobility. The eFuels, created in Chile, offer a potential near net COâ‚‚ neutral use of combustion engines, aligning with Porsche's 'double e-path' strategy of E-mobility and eFuels.

This meticulous approach to safety during the expedition involved a two-week acclimatization period, monitoring altitude, heart rate, sleep patterns, and calorie burn. Connected smartwatches from TAG Heuer played a crucial role in overseeing the team's well-being.

The record-setting journey concluded on December 2, with the team reaching the summit and capturing a photograph to commemorate the historic moment. The Porsche 911, battle-tested and covered in volcanic dust, stands ready for future feats, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.


 
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