There were two modified Porsche cars involved in the record attempt on the steep flanks of the world’s highest volcano. “Edith,” as the car that made the successful attempt is fondly known, is an off-road modification of the current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. It was also the vehicle fitted with Schaeffler Space Drive. Developed and built by Schaeffler ByWire, the steer-by-wire system does away with the steering column altogether. There is no physical link between steering wheel and steering gear because the system uses electrical and mechatronic components instead of the usual mechanical and hydraulic elements. Space Drive technology was originally developed for vehicles specially adapted for drivers with physical disabilities. For 20 years, the system has been assisting people with physical impairments in safely participating in road traffic. Worldwide, more than 10,000 systems are in use that in two decades have gathered a wealth of experience from more than a billion kilometers (0.62 billion miles) driven.

By now, Space Drive provides the basis for various levels of autonomous driving, and since 2019 has been installed in race taxis used at the DTM, among other things. The system offers many advantages. For example, it allows the steering setup to be electronically adapted to the driver’s needs and preferences. Steer-by-wire technology can also be used in conjunction with other assistance systems to perform certain steering correction and supporting functions. All these factors made Space Drive the perfect choice for the record attempt, and the system constantly handled the uniquely extreme mountainous terrain brilliantly. Thanks to its precision and detailed feedback, Romain Dumas was always able to put the world record setting Porsche exactly where he wanted it – an essential aspect, especially on steep slopes that are very difficult to drive on.

„It was an amazing feeling to be driving where no car had ever been before. […] It was a proud moment for the whole team, and we’re very thankful for the support and trust of all our partners, including Schaeffler, in making this possible.“

Record setting driver Romain Dumas

“We are proud to have played a part in this world record with our Space Drive,” says Clément Feltz, Head of Chassis Systems at Schaeffler. “6,734 meters (22,093 feet) above sea level – no car has ever made it to such a high elevation before. To put that in perspective: our steer-by-wire system was operating at an altitude 1,934 meters (6,345 feet) higher than the summit of Mont Blanc, and a whole 40 meters (131 feet) higher than the previous world record, set in 2020.” The other project partners alongside Schaeffler were HIF Global, Mobil 1, BFGoodrich, and TAG Heuer.

Porsche led the expedition with support of an international team of engineers, drivers, and mountain climbers from Chile, France, Germany, the USA, Canada, and Switzerland. “It’s an experience I’ll never forget. It was an amazing feeling to be driving where no car had ever been before,” Dumas commented shortly after his descent from the volcano. “The 911 has gone higher than any other earth-bound vehicle in history. We made it to the actual summit of the western ridge – the absolute highest point, the highest possible elevation. It was a proud moment for the whole team, and we’re very thankful for the support and trust of all our partners, including Schaeffler, in making this possible.”