On December 2, a notable event took place at the top of the western ridge of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile. Race car driver Romain Dumas, driving a specially modified Porsche 911 powered by eFuels, reached an altitude of 6,734 meters above sea level, setting a new world record for a car.
Dumas was supported by an international team of experts from Chile, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. The extreme conditions included air with half the density of sea level and temperatures close to -20°C. The team's endurance and experience, combined with the vehicle's robustness, were crucial to the success of this record.
The two Porsche 911s, nicknamed 'Doris' and 'Edith', were significantly modified for this challenge. 'Edith,' the record-breaking car, is a lighter and more agile version based on the 911 Carrera 4S. With a 3.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine and 443 hp, this car proved ideal for the extreme conditions. Modifications included carbon fiber seats, five-point harnesses, portal axles to increase ground clearance, and special aramid fiber protection on the bottom.
A distinctive feature of this feat was the use of eFuels produced by HIF Global. These synthetic fuels, created from water and carbon dioxide with renewable energy, offer a promising approach to more sustainable use of combustion engines. Porsche has shown its commitment to this technology as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions.
The expedition took extensive precautions in terms of safety and acclimatization. Over two weeks, the team gradually adapted to the altitude while monitoring their health with advanced tracking devices. The cars, equipped with systems that automatically adjust the fuel supply to the altitude, performed exemplarily in these rigorous conditions.
The final ascent to the summit was a meticulous and challenging process. The team faced difficult terrain, including rock fields and volcanic ash. The 911's all-wheel drive and its ability to maintain grip in these conditions were crucial to the success of the mission.
