Porsche Takes All-Wheel Drive to New Heights

In a thrilling demonstration, the 911 Turbo S takes the gold in conquering elevation with ease. 

All-wheel drive has been engineered into every generation of 911 over three decades, combining rewarding driving dynamics with reassurance and vital traction. First applied in experimental form on the ground-breaking 959 supercar, Porsche then applied the lessons learned to the 911 Carrera 4 (Type 964) in 1988, the first series production Porsche with all-wheel drive, and the drivetrain configuration has been fundamental to the company’s success since.

However, nowhere are the advantages of the latest Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system more apparent than the Turbo S. Its ability to cope with diverse climates and conditions makes it one of the most capable and exhilarating performance cars at any price, as was proved recently, when it embarked on a unique, challenging drive that best summed up these abilities; an attempt to span the greatest changes in elevation possible by a vehicle in the UK.

The 911 Turbo S started its journey in Lincolnshire, England, at 10 feet below sea level, it has the distinction of being the lowest point in the UK. The destination was Glenshee in the Scottish Highlands, taking in a mix of roads and weather conditions, and a dramatic change in elevation. Over its 400 mile journey, the 911 Turbo S climbed over 2,000 feet above sea level, with the treacherous road conditions. But it would be the final few hundred yards that would provide the most formidable challenge.

For the final stretch of the route, the 911 Turbo S lined up at the base of a steep slope at Glenshee Ski Center, Scotland. On this morning the car would be driving up the slope.