Modified Porsche 911 Conquers New Heights

This customized Porsche 911 reached an incredible height of 6,734 meters (22,093 feet) above sea level, climbing to heights never previously reached. Originally a Carrera 4S, it underwent substantial changes, including the addition of portal axles to raise ground clearance to an impressive 350 millimeters (13.7 inches).

Robust underbody protection made from Aramid fiber was incorporated to ensure durability during challenging rocky climbs.

Romain Dumas, a three-time Le Mans champion, guided the adventurous 911, equipped with carbon fiber seats and five-point harnesses. Engineering improvements encompassed modifications to the PDK, introducing shorter gear ratios for controlled acceleration at low speeds, and the implementation of steer-by-wire to enhance handling precision on rugged terrain.

Operating without relying on fossil fuel, the car utilized a tank filled with synthetic fuel produced from water and carbon dioxide using renewable energy. Conquering the summit of Ojos del Salado in Chile's west ridge required support from a second car, enduring freezing temperatures and thin air at an altitude where air density is approximately half that at sea level.

Despite the factory-rated 443 horsepower of its six-cylinder engine, the 3.0-liter boxer likely delivered less power due to the extreme altitude. Following two weeks of acclimatization to high altitudes, the record-breaking attempt occurred on December 2. Beginning at 3:30 AM, both cars reached the summit by 3:58 PM. Surpassing the previous 2020 record set by Unimog trucks at the same Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, these elevated 911s achieved an exceptional feat.