Norway‘s North Cape is one of the most northerly points in Europe. When the time was right, Classic Driver Frank Strothe checked the battery and alternator of his 1966 Porsche 911 (shod with studded winter tyres), stuffed a sleeping bag and other essentials under the ‘bonnet’ and set off.

The Idea

I’ve always wanted to go to the ‘Nordkapp’, writes Frank Strothe. I’ve been before, in the summer, but there was no challenge in it. So for years I’ve pondered a winter expedition; driving in the snow is more fun, especially in a classic car that relies on your driving skill to keep it on the road, rather than a host of electronic safety measures.

In Finnmark – Norway’s northernmost county – mothers use run-of-the-mill hatchbacks to take their children to school in -40deg temperatures.

Village of Skarsvåg, municipality of Nordkapp, Finnmark, Norway Español: Skarsvåg, municipio de la comuna de Nordkapp, en Finnmark, Noruega Deutsch: Das Dorf Skarsvåg in der Gemeinde Nordkapp, Finnmark, Norwegen (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So to make the trip worthwhile I needed a slightly more adventurous ride: what better choice than an original, unrestored Porsche 911?

I was given various tips on how to make sure the first leg of my journey wasn’t to be my last. Recommended equipment included a portable heater, a satellite phone, auxiliary fuel tank, additional lights and a crash course in basic mechanics.

Perhaps a little naively, I ignored them all. I wanted a ‘pure’ experience, so I checked the battery and alternator, fitted spiked winter tyres and packed a sleeping bag and tent into the front luggage compartment. No more messing around, it was time to get going.

The Trip

I trailered the 911 from Germany with – what else? – a modern Land Rover Discovery. From Kramfors onwards I left my fate to the old Porsche, which I drove to Rovaniemi for the first night. Next day, the goal was to reach Ivalo where my reward would be a session at the Porsche Driving Experience, to drive some of my car’s descendents on a frozen lake. It was very impressive, but, when dusk settled, I was glad to return to the wheel of my classic 911.

The next morning, I attempted to make the short trip from the old fishing village of Gjesvær to the North Cape. However, progress was halted by an oversight in my journey planning. Due to crossing a time zone, and the ban on covering the last few kilometres to the Cape alone, I had to wait an hour to join a twice-daily convoy.

Our cavalcade was a rather small one as it turned out. Led by a listless snowplough, it was just a BMW X6 with Russian plates and my 911 bringing up the rear – probably one of the most diverse trio of vehicles I’ll ever belong to. Since it was so deserted that day, I had ample time to photograph the car next to The Globe, the North Cape’s landmark monument.

During one refuelling stop, I noticed the tyre pressures were a little low. I corrected them and went on my way, only to spin the car while pulling out of the petrol station (much to the amusement of a bus full of German tourists). I made my getaway, ego somewhat damaged, and again began to enjoy the sprawling, empty road ahead. By this point I had covered over 2,000km in snowy and icy conditions and had become accustomed to them, happily wagging the 911’s tail through corners.

Unfortunately, another dramatic spin soon left us both in deep snow, the 911 truly beached. It turned out that the air pressure gauge at the petrol station was wrongly calibrated: each tyre had been overinflated, so the spikes were no longer effective on the ballooning tyres. A friendly group of Norwegians came to my rescue – but not before the return of the holidaying Germans who had another chuckle at my expense.

Apart from that, and a spell where the alternator threw a wobbly for a few hours, the 911 was very well behaved. It even played saviour when I returned to the Land Rover at the end of the trip, as the Discovery’s battery had drained away. In total, I travelled 6,000km in six days, and pretty well loved every minute.

Car & Equipment

1966 Porsche 911 SWB, with the carburettor trumpets partially taped-over to prevent them icing up. The only other modifications were the studded winter tyres. The car is unrestored and totally original.

Be careful. You should always carry enough in the car to survive a night outside at -40deg: an Arctic sleeping bag, a tent (or, at a push, you could sleep in the car), a down jacket, thermal trousers, thick gloves, a hat and plenty of food.

I didn’t, but you should really take snow chains for emergencies. Fill up whenever the tank is half full. The 911′s heater will not work properly below -20deg. So, while driving, I wore ski pants, a Polar anorak, thick mittens, a hat, and hiking boots. And still froze.

All the windows were frozen solid, too, apart from the windscreen. But in such a deserted land, it’s only necessary to look ahead…

911 and the Aurora Borealis

Source: Classic Driver 

Related Links

We congratulate Frank Strothe of Pure Classics on the completion of his North Cape tour in his classic Porsche 911. For his current dealer stock, visit the Classic Driver Marketplace

Around 650 classic and modern Porsches can also be found for sale in the Marketplace

Photos and Text:  Frank Strothe

Stuttgart. Snow deserts, icy mountains, frozen lakes and lots of sporty cars: On the training area around the Pasasjärvi Lake near Ivalo and the Arctic Driving Center in Rovaniemi, the Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is once again offering the opportunity to drive an extensive range of Porsche cars in extreme conditions this winter.

The winter offers of the Porsche Driving Experience give beginners and advanced drivers the opportunity to develop their driving skills under the guidance of experienced instructors, and to build their driving style, step by step, thanks to coordinated theoretical and practical training. Skills such as driving safety are enhanced by appropriate braking, avoidance manoeuvres, or controlled drifting on specially prepared ice courses. In the far north of Finland, participants will learn to gain even more control over their vehicle in three progressive levels of training – Precision, Performance and Master – in icy, but controlled conditions.

More information on all winter offers is available online at
http://www.porsche.com/germany/sportandevents/driving-experience/winter/
.

 The day started early with registration and meet and greet in the breakfast lounge overlooking the track. The day was packed full of speed and knowledge on the Porsche brand. On the track, Jack Ingram Porsche guests experienced driving the 911, Boxster and Panamera. The Porsche Panamera was the favorite of the day and speed was on everyone’s mind for the track segment of the day.

The next event showcased the control of the Porsche vehicle. Guests were guided through rows of cones to test the turning capability and overall control and handling of the sports car. Porsche drivers were then moved to a slippery black top covered with water to test the brakes and have some fun.

Lastly, Porsche guests were taken off-road in the Cayenne. This exhibit allowed drivers to see the ability for the Porsche SUV to go from the highway to the woods. The Cayenne came back covered in mud, as expected.

The day ended with hot laps to test to sum up the “Ultimate Porsche Driving Experience” along with a tour of the Barber Museum. It was a packed fun-filled day that our customers will always remember.  We were happy to be there and enjoyed watching our Jack Ingram Porsche customers have fun on the race track. We built brand awareness for Porsche while creating customer loyalty with some of our best clients. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

“It’s Time to Love What You Drive”

Porsche Engineering Group has recently announced that it will be taking over responsibility of the Nardò Technical Center automotive proving ground in Apulia in southern Italy from Prototipo SpA. This is the same facility Porsche showed off a prototype variant of its upcoming 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid supercar.

With more than 80 years experience in engineering services, the hundred per cent subsidiary of Porsche AG will be further optimising the test facilities and making them available to its clients for testing and trials purposes.The facility itself is slightly larger than than 700 hectares in the province of Lecce, Italy, with the test ground consisting of a 6.2 kilometre long handling circuit, a 12.5 kilometre long high speed oval circuit (easily seen from the photo above) and additional facilities for simulating different road surfaces and changeable weather conditions.

“The Nardò proving ground with its high-speed and vehicle handling circuit ideally complements our facilities in Weissach. With the systematic development of the company in Nardò as part of Strategy 2018, Porsche is proving to be a reliable employer and business partner in Apulia as well,” said Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche AG.

“With its rich array of facilities, from dynamic surfaces to acoustic and off-road sections coupled with the numerous workshops, our clients can continue to make extensive use of Nardò for their vehicle trials in the future as well,” said Malte Radmann, CEO of Porsche Engineering. Thanks to the mild climate, the Nardò proving ground can be used throughout the year in three shifts around the clock, seven days a week.

Together with the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach near Stuttgart, Germany, the Porsche Engineering Group has been offering Porsche’s extensive development expertise as a service to its clients from the automotive industry and other sectors worldwide, from renting test rigs to developing complete vehicles.

When powertrain development of the 918 Spyder is completed, Porsche says that the 918′s 4.6-liter V8 (originally fitted to the three-time ALMS LMP2 Championship-winning RS Spyder) will produce an amazing 570 hp. Add the power of the front-mounted 80 kW motor and the rear-mounted 90 kW motor, and the 918 produces 770 hp. Seven hundred and seventy horsepower. From the factory.

Porsche has launched an app for all smartphone-using Porsche owners to tap into the social networking realm with the Drive + app for the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

With the Drive+ app, Porsche owners can upload media of taking Porsche out for a spin, while viewing a new model at an auto show, or even watching a Porsche race around a track. This brings the Porsche community together in ways that were previously unimaginable.

There are several functions to the app, including:

- Upload multiple photos and videos
- Live feed
- Beautiful Dashboard
- Recent Activity, Popular and Featured Views
- Full web version
- Integrated Facebook and Twitter

Picture quickly slicing through the mountain roads in an all-new 2013 Porsche Boxster S, stopping for a meal somewhere in between. Using the Drive + app, a photograph can be taken and uploaded, while sending out a message seeking out other Porsche drivers who would like to join in on the fun.

Perhaps it’s a track day with the new 911. A video of the high-velocity excitement can be taken and then uploaded in between hot-laps, along with a status update inviting friends to come on out. We’ve all thought it would be cool to integrate social media into such a hobby as driving. Now through Porsche, we can.

The new West Coast location will be conveniently planted near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, which are the 405 and 110 Freeways. The new facility will also be just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Southern California is also one of Porsche’s largest markets in the United States, and 15 million consumers reside within a 50-mile radius of the upcoming Experience Center. Another 59 million travelers pass through LAX annually, and there are even more consumers a few hours drive away residing in Orange and San Diego counties. Needless to say, the place will be in a prime location.

The mission of the Porsche Experience Centers is to provide Porsche enthusiasts, both young and old, with advanced driving skills, along with providing unforgettable moments. But it goes beyond the track, as there are special programs for children that are sure to spark the interest of the next generation enthusiast. There is even a Porsche Café and gift shop along with plenty of trackside viewing areas and even fine dining facilities will be available for business/group meetings and events, along with conference centers and track access.

What’s more, is the Porsche Human Performance Center. This unique fitness center facility will feature a sports science laboratory and training programs, incorporating the same techniques used in preparing Porsche race car drivers. This facility will offer customized experiences to guests, ranging from heat acclimation training and hydration strategies to individual wellness assessments. However, none of these features will take away from the centerpiece of it all: the track.

The Porsche Experience Center’s extensive lineup of facilities and programs are sure to impress. Porsche plans an upcoming world-class test track and handling course, including areas where surfaces will replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions. For these adverse road conditions, Porsche will offer special programs. These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface are sure to challenge even the most experienced driver, all while sharpening practical real-world skills. Lastly, a special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents  for Porsche Cayenne training.

One can speculate a number of reasons for this long-standing success but there is one primary solid reason and this being that the Boxster and the Cayman are continuously developed based on a meticulous mid-engine concept which has set the standard for sports cars in their class. In the important market of North America, this will mark the 10th year that they have been ranked among the 10 best vehicles by Car and Driver Magazine and occupy second and third place in Germany as the vehicles that hold their value best, hot on the heels of the 911.

The Boxster’s history and background are a testament to Porsche’s values of capability, courage, and farsightedness. In the economically challenging times of the early 1990s, the company decided to take it on the aggressive and unveiled the classic mid-engine roadster concept at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show. In its design language, the show are was reminiscent of the 356 No. 1 and the 550 Spyder. The overwhelming response from the public swayed the decision to proceed to series production of the Boxster, which began in the summer of 1996, and introduced as a 1997 model.

Dynamic lines, outstanding performance and an attractive price quickly catapulted the mid-engine sports car onto the bestseller list while attracting new customers to Porsche. To create great appeal of the successful concept on a broader scale, Porsche developed a coupe based on the open-topped, two-seater roadster that made its world debut at the 2005 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show as the Cayman. With resounding response from the audience, the demand resulted in the Boxster and the Cayman being built at Valmet Automotive in Finland, in addition to Zuffenhausen.

The current model range includes the four open-topped variants, the Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster S Black Edition, and Boxster Syder. There are complemented by the Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman S Black Edition, and Cayman R Coupes. The engine variants for the two model lines range bettwen 255 hp and 330 hp thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance fuel consumption which is rated as high as 29 mpg highway.

Contact us today to book a test drive of either one of these fine vehicles. Come in to experience the vehicle of your choice today.

The class from Mumbai was invited to take a behind-the-scenes look in the museum workshop, which is not normally accessible to visitors. The school children were able to take a seat in a 1954 Porsche 550 Spyder. At the end of their visit, the young guests received a very special surprise–the Porsche Museum offered to support their school project. The boys and girls are constructing a well in a village close to their school.

Since its opening on the 31st of January in 2009, the Porsche Museum has provided more than 5,100 tours through the 5,600 m2 (60,000 square feet) exhibition and hosted ten special exhibitions. Many celebrities from all over the world, including Jerry Seinfeld, Paris Hilton, Jamiroquai, Robby Naish, Udo Lindenberg, and Peter Maffray have also taken an interest in this historic vehicle collection on Porscheplatz. Tickets sold to date would stretch a total of 150 km (93 miles) from Stuttgart to Lake Constance. Furthermore, more than 300 classics from the museum’s collection have been travelling around the world as rolling brand ambassadors, attending historic racing and classic car events.

To find out more about the museum and its latest special exhibits, visit www.porsche.com/museum.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will be powered by the biggest 911 engine ever, a motorsport-inspired 4.0-litre engine that has the highest specific output of 125 hp/litre from a naturally-aspirated Porsche flat-six. The crankshaft is the exact one from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car and the forged piston connecting rods are fashioned from titanium which altogether help this powerhouse reach its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm.

Boasting impressive performance numbers, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is capable of lapping Nurburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, it sprints to 100 km/h from a standing start in 3.9 seconds, with its gearing designed for the racing circuit, taking it to the 200 km/h mark in under 12 seconds.

The outstanding driving dynamics of the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 are the result of a number of meticulously coordinated details and calculations. It is equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system (an electronic adjustment system for each of the four wheels that monitors and controls suspension damping independently in real time) that has been specifically calibrated while the rear axle has extra ball-joints for greater adjustability.

Just as with its racing counterpart, minimizing weight in the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 has been a key factor to performance. As standard, it comes equipped with lightweight components such as lightweight carbon-fibre sports buckets seats, front fenders, and luggage compartment lid, as well as plastic rear windows and weight-optimized carpets. Even with a full tank of gas, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 weighs merely 1,360 kg. At 2.72 kg/hp, its power-to-weight ratio dips below the magical threshold of 3 kg/hp.

Available in standard Carrera White, the limited edition 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will definitely stand out in a crowd; its distinctive lateral front air deflection vanes, called “flics” that appear for the first time on a production vehicle, and a big, steeply-inclined rear wing both work together to bring the vehicle into aerodynamic equilibrium. As a result, at top speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 190 kg, pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.

Market launch for the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 begins in Germany in July 2011. Follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook community to keep in the loop for the latest updates.

Building on the 4.8-litre V8 engine that is currently available in the Panamera Turbo, the Turbo S is infused with 50 more horsepower and an extra 37 lb.-ft. of torque. Improved twin turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbines and a modified engine control are what gives the Turbo S a total output of 550 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. In the Sport or Sport Plus modes that are standard in the Sport Chrono Package Turbo, the overboost function temporarily generates additional torque with a peak rating of 590 lb.-ft.

If you are looking for power and performance, look no further. Porsche says that with the help of Launch Control, the latest Panamera reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top track speed of 190 mph (306 km/h). If you are considering owning this impressive vehicle, your wallet will be relieved to know that even with such performance, fuel consumption is expected to remain comparable to the Panamera Turbo that has a U.S. EPA rating of 15 mpg city (15.7 L per 100km) and 23 mpg highway (10.2 L per 100km) (18 mpg (13.1 L per 100km) combined.) Official EPA-certified fuel economy figures will not be available until the car goes on sale in North America.

With an MSRP of $173,200, excluding $975 for delivery and destination, you might be please to know that a number of key driving-dynamic control systems come standard in the Panamera Turbo S. One example is the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) which is an active anti-roll system that significantly reduces lateral body movement during cornering. The system enhances stability, handling, and overall occupant comfort. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also standard and works to help ensure superior traction and higher-performance cornering by applying a variable torque split to the rear wheels in combination with an electronically controlled rear differential lock. Also standard is Porsche’s advanced speed-sensitive Servotronic steering system, a sport exhaust system, and the Sport Chrono Package Turbo that further tunes the engine and suspension at the touch of the “Sports Plus” button.

No major changes were made to the chassis. The rear track has been engorged with new 20-inch Turbo II wheels, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range have been added, and the adaptive four way extending rear spoiler express, according to Porsche, the car’s elite performance abilities. We invite you to come out for a test drive to see for yourself. Inside, bi-coloured leather finishes in black and cream is exclusive to the Turbo S as well as agate grey and cream which will be added as an exclusive option later this year. Agate Grey Metallic will also be an exclusive exterior colour.

The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S will go on sale in North America later this spring. Contact us if you would like to be notified when it arrives in our showrooms.

Limited to only 500 units. Each sold within a matter of hours. Porsche unveils the most powerful street-legal vehicle it has ever built.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS embodies what Porsche Intelligent Performance stands for. The new GT2 RS is the most powerful production car in Porsche’s history. This latest variant packs 613 horsepower from a flat-six driving the rear wheels and accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 9.8 seconds, and runs up to 205 mph.

The video below was filmed during a special delivery event where the lucky first 20 customer got the chance to put their new vehicles to the test on the open runway. The event was hosted by Porsche at the El Toro Air Station in Irvine, California. Porsche also gave some technical development insights into the car and discussed some of the GT2 RS background during the event. The company says that the RS is also capable of lapping the famous Nurburgring in just 7 minutes, 18 seconds. Take a look below for details.

If you really want to learn how to drive your Porsche at 10/10ths living in Canada is actually an advantage. While we all think about pushing hard when we go to tracks like Mosport, Shannonville or Calabogie pushing your Porsche to the limit can be quite difficult, however, as automotive journalist John McElroy points out, you can push your car to 10/10ths on the snow and ice at 50kph!

Learning to drive on slippery conditions also gives you the advantage of learning what your car feels like as it breaks away, but at such low speeds you are much less likely to hurt yourself, your car or anyone else. If you think we are crazy for saying such things, what if we told you that Porsche has driving schools set up specifically in the Winter to teach car control in the Austrian Alps.

Don’t think that it is just people taking they Cayenne’s out in this weather, there are Panamera’s, Cayman’s, and various 911′s including at GT3!

Have a look at this video that Porsche has put out for the Winter Car Control School, let us know if you’d like to see something like this in Canada.

Come the Spring we really need head over to the U.K. The series of videos that are put out for the Porsche Driving Experience at the Silverstone track has us salivating. The latest example is a new program that they have where you can drive three different generations of 911′s to see how the car has evolved.

The first of the three cars is the 911 from 1986, what you have come to think of as the modern version of the original 911. It has 3.2 liter air cooled flat six with 231 horsepower, a top speed of 152 miles an hour and can run 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. It also has the classic 911 handling quality of near lethal throttle off overstear. It is the classic 911 experience!

The second car is the 993, the last of the air cooled Porsches. A change in design of the rear suspension helped with the oversteer issues when you lifted off the throttle making the 993 a huge leap forward in driving dynamics. The 993 had a 3.6 liter flat six with 272 horsepower, a top speed of almost 170 miles an hour and could get to 60 in 5.6 seconds. It was also the first Porsche with a six speed manual.

The last car is the latest version of the 911, the 997 Series II. The modern water cooled flat six is 3.6 liters with 345 horsepower. The car has a top speed of 178 miles an hour and makes the run to 60 in 4.7 seconds. Many have described the current 911 and it’s variants the Carrera’s the GT2/3 as the last of the analog cars. While there are electronics, it still feels if you and not a computer are responsible for the quality of the driving experience and that you are fully connected to the road.

Driving Safely and Travelling in Style with 911 & Co.

Stuttgart. Entering the new year, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has put together a new range of Driver Safety Training and Exclusive Travel Opportunities. So starting immediately, the sports car enthusiast may book events organised by Porsche Sport Driving School and the Porsche Travel Club in 2010.

Most appropriately at this time of the year, the first event is Winter Training as part of the Porsche Driving Experience. The ideal events for the beginner are the Precision Training Camp Austria and Camp 4 in Finland. The experienced driver, on the other hand, can enjoy snowbound tracks and the ice lake prepared exclusively for Porsche at the Porsche Driving Experience Center in north Finland opened only recently in early 2009. Here several Winter Training Sessions are being offered on this 780-hectare lake from January until the end of April. The highlight is the Master Training Experience with cars running on spiked tires offering the ultimate in driving control and motoring fun.

The Porsche Sport Driving School offers numerous courses for beginners and advanced drivers the whole year round, including special programmes tailored to specific groups of drivers. Porsche Classic Training with historical sports cars, for example, is now being held the second time. Super Sport Training, in turn, addresses drivers of high-performance Porsche sports cars such as the Carrera GT, the 911 GT2, or the GT3. Women Only, finally, as the name indicates, is targeted specifically at women with a penchant for driving in truly sporting style.

The Porsche Sport Driving School forms the heart of Porsche events for customers and has been a firm offer from Porsche for more than 25 years. Some 250 instructors working for Porsche the world over guarantee optimum support and know-how for participants – on national and international race tracks, both offroad and on ice. Participants even have the opportunity to acquire a motorsport licence in order to join in customer races such as the Porsche Sports Cup.

The wide range of activities offered by the Porsche Travel Club subdivided in 2010 into four specific themes is both attractive and highly individual: Porsche Behind the Scenes, Porsche Weekends, Porsche Adventure Tours, and Porsche Camps. Apart from day and weekend excursions to popular destinations in Germany, Porsche Travel Club also offers exclusive tours to beautiful places both nearer by and far away. Driving a Porsche sports car, a Cayenne or the Panamera, for example, guests have the opportunity to discover both the Provence and the Côte d’Azur, the Alps or the Pyrenees.

The various courses and sessions offered by the Porsche Driving Experience may also be booked by companies wishing to give their employees a very special gift. For further information see the internet at www.porsche.com/travelclub and www.porsche.com/sportdrivingschool. Annual catalogues are available on 0049/711/911-78155 (Porsche Travel Club) and 0049/711/911-78683 (Porsche Sport Driving School).

Last week we held or third driving experience for the year.  We invite 10 clients to bring their cars out to the track and spend the day with PCA instructors at no cost to them.  We only put 5 cars on the track at a time for 20 minute sessions so they have plenty of room and do not get in each others way.  We alternate the groups from 9 am to 5 pm with a break for lunch.  The clients aways come away with a deeper appreciation for their car and its engineering.  They get to truly experience what the car was built for.  And they are in a safe and legal environment.