If there is something Porsche might be known for, it’s the ability of the company’s namesake cars to explore curves with aplomb. In this newest issue of Porsche’s video magazine 9:11, various company associates explore curves and corners all around the world. Everything from original Porsche racing prototypes to the newest Taycan electric sedan are employed in the video to examine Porsche’s commitment to the curve. For the most part, it’s the abilities of the cars involved in this video that have drawn fans to the brand for seventy years. You can easily explore a remote mountain pass, race up a remote mountain in Colorado, run laps at Porsche’s test track, or even take certain Porsches up some vertical curves off roading.
The first segment explores the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner. One intrepid photographer has been exploring the mountain passes for years, building a book of automotive-related intense imagery. Some pictures feature just the mountain alone, but others focus on a series of cars from Porsche’s history. He says he got people involved in the project by saying “Wouldn’t you like to drive a 962 over the Grossglockner?” and often they would say yes. I know I would.
Porsche knew that in order to get serious about testing their cars in-house, they would have to build a serious test circuit. For the task, they hired Herman Tilke, who outfitted their facility with replicas of some of the best corners in the world of motorsport. Where else can you find Laguna Seca’s famed Corkscrew leading into the Nurburgring’s Karussell? The circuit also includes Spa’s bus stop and Monza’s Curva di Lesmo. That’s a serious roster already, and there are a dozen more on top of that!
Porsche’s history with Pikes Peak is long and storied. No one man embodies that history more than Jeff Zwart. His tale has been told numerous times, but this year a new chapter was added as he acted the role of mentor to a set of drivers in the Cayman GT4 Clubsport one-make class up the mountain. Travis Pastrana would go on to win that class, and it was well worth watching.
The fourth segment covers Porsche’s war-time efforts. Following the Kubelwagen and the Schwimwagen, Porsche developed the Jagdwagen for the, ahem, “German Army”. It was an interesting piece that was ultimately not chosen for production. Nevertheless, Porsche built 75 of these off road wonders with 356 power. It could even float!