How a Porsche 911 climbed to 6,734 meters above sea level and broke the previous record
On December 2, 2023, a modified Porsche 911 reached the summit of the west ridge of Ojos del Salado, the world’s tallest volcano, with a height of 22,093 feet (6,734 meters). The car was piloted by racing driver Romain Dumas, who set a new world record for the highest altitude achieved by a wheeled vehicle. An international team of experts and partners from various fields supported him.
The expedition was part of a project initiated by Porsche AG to explore the potential of eFuels, synthetic fuels that can be produced from renewable sources and can be used in conventional engines without modifications. The two modified Porsche 911 models that took part in the record attempt were nicknamed ‘Doris’ and ‘Edith’, and featured portal axles that allowed them to climb steep slopes.
The previous record for the highest altitude reached by a wheeled vehicle was set in 2020 by two Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5023 off-road trucks on Ojos del Salado. They climbed to 6,694 meters (21,961.94 feet) after driving for about four hours.
Challenges: The technical, environmental, and logistical difficulties of climbing Ojos del Salado
The challenge of climbing Ojos del Salado was not only technical but also environmental and logistical. The volcano is located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of Earth's driest places. The air at high altitude is very thin and cold, making it difficult for humans and machines to breathe and function. The temperature at the summit was around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), while the wind speed could reach up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour).
The team faced extreme conditions during their ascent, which lasted about six hours. They had to deal with:
- snowstorms
- landslides
- avalanches
- strong winds
These factors threatened to damage their vehicles or cause them to lose control. They also had to cope with fatigue, dehydration, hypoxia, and altitude sickness.
Achievement: How Romain Dumas and his car reached the peak and set a new record
Despite these difficulties, Dumas managed to drive ‘Doris’ up to the peak with precision and skill. He said he felt an extraordinary feeling when he reached the top: “It was an amazing experience. I felt like I had conquered something impossible. I’m very proud of myself and my team.”
He also praised his car for its performance: “The 911 showed its true potential as a versatile and reliable machine that can handle any terrain or situation. It has proven itself as one of the best cars in history.”
The project marked a return for Porsche AG and its partners to Ojos del Salado after visiting it in 2022 as part of an exploratory run. They had exceeded 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) on that occasion.
