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It started with a question: ‘what if?’. 

That question lead J.F Musial and his team to collaborate with Porsche (US) to break the greatest altitude change by electric car record at 4,843.096m (15,889ft) at Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, USA on 29th September 2021.

The team consisting of Dai Yoshihara and J.F Musial are close friends and self-proclaimed 'travel addicts' who are usually found creating automotive films and TV shows.

This passion has now taken them to new heights.

Team continue their pursuit of pikes peak

Beginning at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the team and the Porsche Taycan Turismo were lowered at a depth of 540.844 meters.

Greatest altitude change begins at the mine

The descent below was made possible with the help of Eagle Mine in Michigan, a nickel and copper mine.

Due to the Taycan Cross Turismo being a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) it met Eagle Mine's criteria for being allowed to drive through the portal.

Porsche underground mine

Allowing for the vehicle to attempt the trip without any prior modifications.

“It was fitting to have the Porsche Taycan drive to the bottom of our nickel and copper mine, as both elements are essential to electric vehicles. After numerous risk assessments, safety discussions and detailed planning, our mine team was up to the challenge. We are proud to have worked with Porsche to safely execute and complete a new record” Darby Stacey, Managing Director for Eagle Mine

As the team emerged from the mine at dawn, the record attempt began, now they had to conquer the trip to Colorado.

the team begin their ascent to the highest peak
 
Over six states the team encountered mixed weather conditions - rain, sun, snow and ice as they travelled from the mine to the steep mountain roads.
 

Three groups of drivers took turns at driving duties and used GPS devices to monitor their route and altitude. 

Driver dashboard of gps system

Across 24 hours, Musial and his team racked up 1,400 miles between Big Bay, Michigan and Pikes Peak, only stopping for vehicle charges and human refuelling.

the team continue their journey in Porsche car

The team continued through the snowy mountain roads and swiftly made it to the summit and the finish line.

Fittingly, 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb champion Dai Yoshihara took on the last leg of the trip and crossed the finish line. 

Concluding the trip at 33 hours and 48 minutes after it set off, where the Guinness World Records certificate was awarded.

 the team is awarded the guinness world records certificate


Though one member of the team completed the whole trip - solo, J.F Musial.

“It was among the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I guess that’s why it’s a record! Thank you to the teams at Eagle Mine and Pikes Peak, and at Guinness World Records, for supporting what started out as a daydream and ended up being something none of us will ever forget. Now, I need to sleep for a week…” J.F.Muisal.

Congratulations to the entire team!

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