Worldwide endurance testing under extreme conditions.
Porsche has released details of the gruelling test conditions faced by the eighth generation 911 ahead of its 2019 release. By the time testing is complete, the cars will have completed three million kilometres in total, under some of the most stressful situations around the globe.
“In addition to its outstanding performance, it’s the 911’s suitability for daily use that has always put it in a class of its own,” comments Andreas Pröbstle, Project Manager for the Complete Vehicle of the 911. “That’s why we test the vehicle under all conditions, and in every type of weather and region. The vehicles’ drivetrain must function as flawlessly as its fluids, systems, operating processes and displays – it’s the only way we can be certain that the vehicle is able to travel through all regions of the world without faults,” he adds.
The testing first focuses on Porsche’s traditional core areas of expertise, such as the chassis and engine, which have been enhanced even further to heighten both performance and everyday use. Additionally, there are function tests and stress tests for the entirely new operating concept in the cockpit, as well as instruments and displays.
The cars are then shuttled between climate zones with temperature differences of up to 85 degrees Celsius and elevations changes spanning more than four kilometres. In hot countries such as the Gulf States in the Middle East or Death Valley in the USA, the air conditioning, thermal management, and combustion behaviour need to pass functional tests in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius.
While in Finland, with temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius, the test agenda focuses on areas such as cold start, heating and air conditioning, traction, handling and braking behaviour, as well as the response speed of the control systems related to driving dynamics.
A less spectacular area of testing took place in real-world conditions throughout Germany on public roads in cities and cross-country to ensure that the latest generation of this sports car icon continues the tradition of being the best 911 of all time.