ATLANTA (January 20, 2025) – The 24 Hours of Daytona, a prestigious season opener for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will celebrate its 63rd season January 25-26 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The GTP class will feature four Porsche 963s: two from Porsche Penske Motorsport, one from Proton Competition, and another from JDC-Miller MotorSports. Formula E World Champion Pascal Wehrlein from Germany will make his Daytona debut in the latter. Continue reading
BUDAPEST (January 16, 2025) – KAMManufaktur is officially launching its 912c Targa, a car with all the lightweight purity expected from KAMM, but with the much sought-after soft-window Targa body.
The KAMM 912c has become renowned around the world for its light weight, high-quality build, classic looks and exhilarating performance. In a world of ever-increasing electronic driver management, the KAMM 912c allows owners to take back control and enjoy a truly analogue driving experience. Continue reading
ATLANTA (January 15, 2025) – Porsche today announced U.S. availability of Manthey Kits intended to further enhance two of the most track-focused 911 variants in recent times – the Type 992 911 GT3 RS currently in production, and the Type 991 911 GT2 RS, which was produced from model years 2018 to 2020. Continue reading
(January 14, 2025) – From negative 20 to positive 38 degrees Celsius, from the coast to an elevation of nearly 4,700 meters, and from highways to gravel roads, Nguyen Hoang Anh, owner of a logistics company, drove his 911 Dakar from Vietnam to the Mongolian part of the Gobi Desert and back again, passing through China along the way. That’s 33,000 kilometers in 75 days. Here he talks about his unbelievable journey, which has turned him and his off-road sports car into local celebrities.
The first time you start up a Porsche engine is always a unique experience. Especially if that Porsche is a 911 Dakar. The world begins to vibrate, along with me in the center of it. It’s September 2023. I take a deep breath – and then finally exit my garage at home in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. I’m seated behind the wheel of the first 911 of its kind sold in Vietnam. It’s only been with me for six weeks. But for much longer than that, I’ve been dreaming of driving an off-road sports car through the closest desert to Vietnam, the Gobi. Although “close” may be the wrong word. The dry zone extends across China and Mongolia. And the journey will cover more than 33,000 kilometers. And I don’t have much time either, as winter is fast approaching up there in the north.
Impatience has been my constant companion for some time now, as I’ve long followed development of the off-road 911. I ordered my car in GT Silver Metallic, one of 2,500 worldwide, a year ago. I didn’t modify the vehicle at all before the journey – it’s already designed for extreme situations. However, my 54-year-old body is not. In preparation, I did a two-day test-drive through Vietnam, covering 2,000 kilometers. And now I’m embarking on a journey into the unknown in my 911 Dakar. The dream is alive and well and appears to be coming true, which means I’ve already achieved my first goal.
September 19 – 23, stage destination: border between Laos and China I’m accompanied by two friends in a pickup and an SUV. We trust each other completely and work well together, which is important because it’s a long journey with major challenges. We’re using walkie-talkies to communicate and, for longer distances, smartphones. The first few days take us up along the coast of the South China Sea, then to the west through Laos – with breathtaking views. But we’re only getting warmed up. My destination is the landscapes that no other 911 has ever navigated. There won’t always be roads, and the direct route won’t always be the fastest. We haven’t defined any specific routes. Just stops for the night, towns we definitely want to visit, and border crossings that require registration. Like the one now between Laos and China.
September 24 – October 3, stage destination: Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai, China We enter without any issues and enjoy the Chinese roads just behind the border. This is my first opportunity to really test the potential of the 911 Dakar. And what a powerhouse it is! Kilometer after kilometer, we glide along on our journey up north. Located on the Tibetan Plateau, the crystal-clear Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai is an absolute highlight. The surface reflects the blue sky, which feels so close here at an elevation of around 3,100 meters.
October 4 – 13, stage destination: Tian Shan, China We encounter the Gobi Desert’s first patches of sand and rolling hills in Xinjiang in northwestern China. It’s time to take some serious off-road excursions with the 911 Dakar. The opportunity to navigate this sports car through demanding terrain is a revelation. The 911 is just as good at climbing as it is at sprinting.
Because it simply feels right, we tie a small batch of fireworks to the back of the car with a rope and then drive through the steppe, which is permitted and often done in China. Here it represents a way to expel evil spirits and pave the way for happiness. And that’s exactly how it should be! The fireworks are spectacular! Cheers of excitement!
The Chinese leg of the famous Karakoram Highway between Pakistan and China passes between the Khunjerab Pass and Kashgar, once an important city along the Silk Road at the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Because it reaches an elevation of 4,714 meters, it’s occasionally referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. We almost make it up to 4,700 meters. Our route takes up past the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and on to Kuqa beyond the Tian Shan mountains. The pass is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in China, and we enjoy the spectacular landscape with its precipitous slopes in dark-grey stone.
The road will soon go into hibernation – so we’ve made it just in time. There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. I didn’t come up with that, but it fits perfectly with our journey, which has a single destination: the road we’re following. Or even the terrain off the road.
October 14 – 20, stage destination: border between China and Mongolia We’ve been on the road for nearly a month now. Behind the wheel, I’ve been trying to sort the many impressions into thoughts. Is this the adventure of my life? There’s plenty of evidence that it is. And there’s a lot that’s still unclear to me.
We arrive in Hemu high up in the north, for many the most beautiful village in China. What a jewel in an already magnificent region surrounding Kanas Lake. Picturesque autumnal landscapes form an awe-inspiring natural wonder. By the time we arrive, peak season is already over, allowing us to drive the attractive, usually overcrowded forest route to the village. Lush grasslands ahead of us, snow-capped mountaintops off in the distance, and between them the perfectly smooth surface of Kanas Lake. If you were to ask me why I’m on this journey, first of all it’s the urge to experience my 911 more intensively. But it’s also for moments like these. Magical locations that stay with you for all time.
October 21 – 27, stage destination: Arkhangai Province, Mongolia The beauty of the past few days has been intoxicating. But these emotions are only intensified when we reach our destination, the Mongolian Gobi Desert, and see the challenges of our trip with our own eyes. I’ve underestimated the terrain, which has large, sharp stones that sliced two of our tires open. Fortunately, we have two spares with us. Despite all that, we manage to reach our intermediate destination, the home of the Kazakh Beken family, which practices the Mongolian tradition of eagle breeding deep in the mountains. I feel humbled when they show us the majestic animals. What an extraordinary sight. Eagles are revered in Mongolia – for their strength, their agility, and their loyalty. My 911 is my eagle, I think to myself with a slight grin. That evening, we bask in the tranquility of nature with the Bekens, enjoy a meal together, listen to them sing for us, and delve deep into the fascinating world in the westernmost part of Mongolia.
But our difficulties with the desert’s harsh terrain continue the next day. While gliding on the desert sand feels like flying, large stones along sections of the route slow down our progress significantly. With only the tracks of past vehicles to show us the way, some of the terrain is demanding – and quite a daunting task for the 911. But the car pulls through and gets us to where we need to go.
We get lost on our way to the Tsenkher Hot Springs in the Arkhangai Province – and once again the 911 Dakar comes to our rescue. We have to navigate the last 20 kilometers off-road through the mountains. There’s no road, and occasionally only a nomadic path to guide us. We cross riverbeds and wind our way through forests. Eventually we reach the healing waters of the hot springs and marvel at the natural wonder. Now I know: The Dakar will be able to handle any terrain on this journey.
October 27 – November 5, stage destination: border between Mongolia and China The rear bumper hit some rocks when I accelerated too quickly in a riverbed two days ago. Now we have to go to a repair shop in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Once we arrive, I’m more than surprised to discover that the mechanic is Vietnamese, apparently like many others here. It’s wonderful to be able to talk to people from my home country who don’t belong to our travel group, which makes the repair shop a welcome stop for more than just the 911.
The car is ready to go again in no time, and we take this opportunity to flee what is arguably the coldest and most populous capital in the world. After all, we didn’t come for a city trip, but rather for experiences like the impressive natural spectacle we encounter a short time later. With the sun setting behind the rolling autumnal woodlands just past the frozen Lake Khövsgöl, the second-largest lake in Mongolia, I try to etch this moment into my memory forever. Snow awaits us further to the east – this much we know.
November 6 – 16, stage destination: Snow Town, Harbin, China The forecast is correct, and we’re greeted by thick snowflakes as we reach the terrain in northern China again. We finally have the opportunity to drift with the 911 – but not for long. The roads are extremely icy, and it’s dangerous. When we find ourselves standing in traffic three days later, the situation is no longer dangerous, but risky. The long wait interferes with our plans to such a degree that we decide to take the risk and go off-road, which allows us to pass all of the vehicles stuck on the road. A short time later, the video of this daring maneuver generates more than two million views on social media. This is yet another moment that reveals that my relationship with my 911 has only just begun – and will continue for years to come.
Mohe is the northernmost city in China – and with temperatures below negative 30 degrees Celsius in the winter, it’s also the coldest. Here, the only thing between us and Russia is a frozen river. But our route will take us in a southernly direction to China Snow Town. Officially named Zhongguo Xuexiang, the village certainly lives up to its unofficial name. On what just might be the most beautiful day of our journey, we test the 911 Dakar in China’s most famous snow – and what a dream it is! Until today, a 911 had never been seen here in Snow Town. What an honor.
November 17 – December 4, stage destination: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The next leg is not as stunning as the first part through western China and, in terms of driving, not as spectacular as in Mongolia. And yet, it’s one of the most exciting, as it leaves us with an overwhelming sense of euphoria. We made it! We went to the Gobi Desert and are now on our way home – and want to keep driving. May the road never come to an end. We visit the city of Dandong at the border to North Korea with the collapsed bridge that once connected the country to China. We drive through Beijing and head for Shanhai Pass, where the Great Wall of China begins in the ocean. We continue in a southernly direction and head for home.
While I’m still trying to process the many impressions, I keep noticing people following us with their smartphones. At some point, a friend from China sends me some videos of our journey that his son had found on social media. And suddenly we are even accompanied by a film crew; the hashtags “Vietnam911” and “VietnameseUncle” have been causing quite a sensation on Chinese social media for some time. My Porsche and I – we’re famous. We enjoy the attention, the many acquaintances, and inspiring encounters.
It’s the first day back in Vietnam, and one thing is clear: It was, indeed, the adventure of my life. A total of 33,000 kilometers in the 911 Dakar – I just might be the first person to complete a mission like that. This calls for a lap of honor. The people who followed our trip online drive alongside us, with more and more gradually getting in on the fun. I come to realize that this journey was not only inspirational for me. Once home, I’m overjoyed and elated by all the impressions and the 911 Dakar, which loves sand dunes just as much as it does frozen mountain lakes, snowy roads, demanding slopes, and empty highways. This vehicle has become incredibly close to my heart over those 75 days, and I want to travel the world with it. And I know it will never fail.
One year later, destination: Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany Now that it’s late summer 2024, I’ve had time to process the impressions from last winter. I was already working on my next plans when I received a fascinating message: The developers of the 911 Dakar in Stuttgart have heard of me and my journey. They want to meet me. I can hardly believe it – and I’m amazed. My dream not only came true, but also exceeded all expectations.
With an exhausting flight behind me, I find myself a short time later in front of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where, in a way, my journey began. Achim Lamparter, the General Project Manager for the 911 Dakar, is there to welcome me. For me, he’s a hero because he and his team made my journey possible. He arrives in the 911 Dakar, of course. He spends some time with me, provides insights into the exciting development of the 911, and is interested in learning how “his” 911 performed. I begin singing the car’s praises and promise to come for a visit sometime in the 911. After all, this wasn’t our last adventure. Someday we’ll travel around the whole world, all the way to Stuttgart. Me and my 911 Dakar. My eagle.
Text first published in Christophorus Magazine, issue 413. Author: Nguyen Hoang Anh Photos: Nguyen Hoang Anh and Jörg Eberl
Copyright: All images, videos and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Please contact newsroom@porsche.com for further information.
ATLANTA (January 13, 2025) – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) today announced that 2024 retail deliveries in the United States totaled 76,167 vehicles – a new record – up one percent from the previous record set in 2023. Continue reading
ATLANTA (January 8, 2025) – Porsche is launching the 911 Carrera S for the 2025 model year. It closes the gap between the 911 Carrera and the even more performance-oriented 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid within the Carrera model line. Its powertrain has been significantly upgraded and now achieves performance levels that were previously reserved for the 911 Carrera GTS of the previous generation. In addition, an extended list of standard equipment and significantly increased customization options compared to the 911 Carrera make it an attractive new member of the Carrera model line. The sports car is available in Coupé and Cabriolet versions. Continue reading
(January 6, 2025) – Simon Kidston has unearthed and sold the rarest classic vehicles in the world, including the most expensive car ever traded. But there is one car he will never sell. Continue reading
STUTTGART (January, 1, 2025) – During his competitive career, he was not only considered a highly versatile racing driver, but also a master of wet-weather driving. Jacky Ickx was a major contribution to Porsche’s racing success in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, the Belgian-born former racing ace celebrates his 80th birthday. Continue reading
ATLANTA (December 17, 2024) – In the early 1970s, Porsche took the leap into turbo technology. First in motorsport, then in series production. Porsche took global victories with this revolutionary technology, and 17 of the 19 overall victories at Le Mans were achieved with turbo engines. Transferring concepts that have been successfully tested in motorsport to series production is a tradition at Porsche. On October 3, 1974, Porsche presented a series production version of the 911 Turbo at the Paris Motor Show. Fifty years and eight 911 Turbo generations later, the sports car manufacturer is publishing a four-part series of ‘Porsche Heritage Moments’ to Porsche YouTube channel in celebration of the anniversary. Continue reading
STUTTGART/OHLSDORF (December 12, 2024) – Porsche’s cooperation with Austrian-based Frauscher Shipyard goes into the next round: After the open day cruiser 850 Fantom Air, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom now comes as a classic runabout with a closed foredeck and cabin. The new sports boat also features the all-electric drive unit from the Porsche Macan Turbo.
Porsche is committed to being a leader in sustainable mobility, and an ambition that is not limited to racing and road cars alone. Together with the renowned Frauscher Shipyard in Austria, the sports car manufacturer has developed an electric boat that is also intended to impress on the water with its quintessential Porsche E-Performance – now in two different versions. While two-door Porsche sports cars are available as coupés and convertibles, among other variants, Frauscher offers a choice between the Runabout and the Air – in other words, between a closed foredeck, a classic look, a cabin under the bow and a center helm with seating and lounging options on the bow as well. After the open eFantom, which was named the best electric boat in November 2024 in the prestigious Best of Boats Award, the closed version Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom is now also available as part of the limited First Edition of 25 units.
“Like our sports cars, the eFantom offers an exclusive experience and extraordinary performance. As an elegant day cruiser with an innovative, powerful drive system, she sets new standards in the maritime world. We are continuing along this path together with Frauscher and the new 850 Fantom.”
– Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Board Member for Finance and IT at Porsche AG
All-electric drive unit from the Porsche Macan Turbo Both 8.67-meter long and 2.49-meter wide electric boats boast impressive acceleration, abundant thrust, confident performance, timeless design and luxurious equipment. All attributes that also apply in equal measure to the Porsche Macan, which was launched with the aim of being the sportiest model in its segment and which served as the source of the drive unit in the eFantom. For the technology transfer from the road to the water, Porsche has deployed the most powerful variant of the all-electric SUV – the rear-axle engine of the Macan Turbo.
In the boat, the permanently excited synchronous motor can deliver up to 400 kW. It sits in the hull of the boat and is directly controlled via a Z-drive. The control units are housed in a waterproof box emblazoned with the Porsche logo. The efficiency of the motor is optimized by state-of-the-art power electronics and the use of silicon carbide in the pulse inverter enables particularly high switching frequencies. The high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh also comes from the Macan. The wire-rope mount suspension absorbs the immense shocks that inevitably occur in waves and at high speeds.
Individual design options like in a Porsche sports car The new 850 Fantom has space for up to seven passengers. The swimming platform at the rear leads to a generous lounge area with comfortable sunbathing pads. Studio F. A. Porsche in Zell am See and Style Porsche in Weissach played a major role in the design of the cockpit. Here you will find the steering wheel and the seats in the characteristic sports car design – including the Porsche Crest on the headrests. In the cabin, spacious seating and lounging areas invite visitors to linger. As with sports cars from Porsche, customisation also plays a major role in boats from Frauscher. Both the upholstery in the cabin and the hull and deck can be selected according to personal preferences. The first Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom is painted in the Porsche color Oakgreen Metallic Neo and equipped with padding in Truffle Brown with stitching package 930 in Orange. It will celebrate its world premiere in January 2025 at “boot Düsseldorf”, the largest indoor water sports fair in the world.
