The Porsche 911 Dakar is often associated with rugged, sandy terrains and the heat of the desert, living up to its namesake—the legendary Dakar Rally. But what happens when you take this beast of a car into the icy landscapes of the north?
To find out, Carmen and Mihai Zaman, passionate Porsche enthusiasts, embarked on an epic journey from Romania to the icy expanse of Finland. Their mission: to push the 911 Dakar to its limits in snow, ice, and temperatures dropping well below freezing.
A Love Affair with Porsche: The Beginning
Carmen and Mihai’s journey with Porsche began with a quiet admiration. Nine years ago, they made their first Porsche purchase: a Macan. What started as a single purchase soon blossomed into a deep-seated passion for the brand. “First and foremost, it’s the quality of the cars,” Mihai shares. “The attention to detail, the perfection—it’s all there in a Porsche. That’s why we decided to share our adventures, both with members of Porsche Club Romania and with other enthusiasts.”
Their collection grew over the years, adding a Cayenne Coupe Hybrid and a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo to their stable. The latest addition? A Porsche 911 Dakar, a car embodying their spirit of adventure and love for performance.
As Mihai puts it, “The 911 Dakar is a perfect blend of sports car agility and off-road robustness.” For Carmen, the connection goes even deeper. Her passion for Porsche began at the age of three, sparked by a picture of a 911 on a chewing gum wrapper. “I’ve been dreaming of driving a Porsche ever since,” she recalls, “and I finally did at 33.”
From Romania to Finland: An Epic Road Trip
With their newfound passion for adventure, Carmen and Mihai decided to undertake what would become their most epic journey to date: a road trip from their home in Romania to the snowy landscapes of Finland. The goal was simple: to test their 911 Dakar in the harshest winter conditions during the Porsche Ice Experience.
Leaving their mountain home, situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters, they set off on a 20-day road trip taking them across eight countries. “It was incredible,” Mihai recalls. “We met so many people along the way who were surprised but also excited to see us taking on such an adventure in a Porsche.”
The trip wasn’t just about driving; it was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a car like the 911 Dakar. “Everybody thinks of the 911 Dakar as a car made for deserts,” says Carmen. “But we wanted to show the car is also made for ice. The Porsche Ice Experience was the perfect way to do .”
Porsche Ice Experience: Testing Limits on Ice and Snow
Arriving in Levi, Finland, the heart of the Porsche Ice Experience, Carmen and Mihai were ready to put their 911 Dakar to the test. The conditions were far from the car’s usual playground. Here, temperatures plummet to -30 degrees Celsius, and the ground is covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice.
“Any Porsche Experience is a challenge,” Mihai explains, “but it also creates precious memories for everyone involved.” Over the course of five days, they participated in driving exercises designed to push the car—and its drivers—to their limits.
The 911 Dakar, equipped with all-terrain tires and raised suspension, was more than up to the task. “Driving on snow and ice is a whole different ball game,” Carmen notes. “The car’s agility, power, and comfort really come into play. It’s a unique experience, and the 911 Dakar handled it beautifully.”
Why the 911 Dakar? A Blend of Performance and Adventure
The decision to buy the 911 Dakar wasn’t made lightly. Carmen and Mihai were drawn to the car’s unique blend of performance and adventure capabilities. “Our 911 Dakar is number 1963 out of the 2500 made,” Mihai points out. “1963 is a special year in Porsche history; it’s when the first 911 was introduced. It feels like we own a piece of legacy.”
But it’s not just about nostalgia. The 911 Dakar is built for performance, featuring a 480PS turbocharged engine and an 8-speed gearbox. With a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds, this is no ordinary off-road vehicle. “It’s a sports car at heart, but it can handle rough roads just as easily,” says Mihai. “Whether we’re driving on the track or navigating mountain trails, the 911 Dakar feels right at home.”
The Road to a Guinness World Record
As if their trip to Finland wasn’t ambitious enough, Carmen and Mihai are already planning their next adventure: a Guinness World Record attempt. This time, they’re staying closer to home, organizing a road trip through the Transfăgărășan Mountains, one of the world’s most iconic mountain passes.
“We’re expecting around 100 cars to take part,” Mihai reveals. “We’ve contacted the Guinness Book of Records, hoping to set a record for the most Porsche horsepower on a mountain road. That’s 30,000 horsepower between all the participants.”
For Carmen and Mihai, it’s not just about the record. It’s about sharing their passion for Porsche and inspiring others to embrace their love for adventure. “We want to show other Porsche owners any journey is possible,” Mihai says. “Even in winter, over long distances, and at extreme temperatures, the 911 Dakar can handle it.”
Life with Porsche: Over 300,000 Kilometers of Driving Joy
Over the years, Carmen and Mihai have driven 300,000 kilometers in their various Porsche cars. From the city streets to mountain roads and now icy plains, their love for driving shows no signs of slowing down.
“Each car in our collection offers something different,” says Carmen. “The Macan was our entry point, a versatile SUV could handle both city life and weekend adventures. The Cayenne Coupe Hybrid brought us power and sustainability, while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo showed us what electric performance feels like.”
But it’s the 911 Dakar capturing their spirit of adventure. “This car is different,” Mihai explains. “It’s built for the unexpected. Whether we’re tackling snow and ice in Finland or exploring the rugged trails around our mountain home, the 911 Dakar is always up for the challenge.”
Conclusion: The Spirit of Adventure Lives On
For Carmen and Mihai Zaman, Porsche isn’t just a brand—it’s a way of life. Their journey from Romania to Finland in the 911 Dakar is a testament to their love for adventure and their unwavering belief in the capabilities of their cars. “Porsche is about driving,” Carmen concludes. “It’s about experiencing the world, pushing boundaries, and creating memories lasting a lifetime.”
As they look forward to their next adventure, one thing is clear: for Carmen and Mihai, the road never ends. Whether it’s setting a Guinness World Record in the mountains of Romania or discovering new landscapes in their 911 Dakar, their journey with Porsche is only just beginning.
