Will Custom Porsche Be the Fastest Car On Sand?
Record-setting Zef Eisenberg is attempting new win with his 911 Turbo S at Pendine Sands in New Wales in April.
Zef Eisenberg believes in the power of Porsche. Albeit a souped-up one.
The record-breaker’s newest goal is to become the first person to achieve a British land speed record on motorcycle and car within a year. His aim is to hit 200 miles per hour in a specially built Porsche 911 Turbo S. The attempt will take place at Pendine Sands in South Wales on the weekend of April 6 and 7, 2019.
“I’m well known for setting records on bikes,” says Eisenberg, “so people started asking me why not cars?”
Did we mention that the Porsche race takes place on sand?? “Weight is actually your friend on sand,” says Eisenberg. “It’s about stability – putting enough weight on the tires to increase traction.”
After thorough research into what would be needed to top 200 mph on sand, Eisenberg settled on a 2015 550hp Porsche 911 Turbo S. But because sand creates a lot of resistance and tire slip, he and his Mad Max Race Team concluded that the car would need at least 1,000 bhp at the rear wheels. Which meant then engine would need to hit 1200hp, compared to 550 hp when it rolls out of the factory.
‘Weight is actually your friend on sand. It’s about stability – putting enough weight on the tires to increase traction.’
The MADMAX race team therefore hand built a bespoke 4.2-litre Porsche motorsport engine with new stronger internals and upgraded turbos, plus a new E85 fuel system and advanced cooling set-up. Apart from a full FIA roll cage, competition seats, and safety harness, the Porsche’s interior is completely standard.
“The car is actually road legal,” Eisenberg says, “so we will drive it from the hotel onto the beach and to the restaurant after, hopefully to celebrate.” And hopefully all in one piece.
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