I said on another post that I'd returned from a non Abarth road trip to Stuttgart, Modena and the swiss passes- the group was made up of ex Z4 owners who in most cases have switched to Porsches with two of us also being Abarth drivers- sorry if the post seems porsche centric but the text was written for the Porsche owners club if anyone wishes to get some details regarding routes and hotels or museums visited pleas feel free to contact me- these roads would suit the Abarth perfectly. We were very lucky to have Tom Scott along with us who is a Pro photographer so can take a good photo and does quite a bit of Automotive Commissions, words by Jack Fordyce
car club and forum camaraderie was a strong catalyst in creating this touring group, as some transitioned into Porsche ownership from much loved BMW Z4s.
A potential 2,500 mile route through Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy was agreed. Cars consisted of a 991 50th Anniversary, a 997 Targa 4S, a 997 Carrera S, a 981 Boxster S and a Z4M roadster. Drivers include Scots, English based in Scotland, English surnamed Scott, and Scots and Dutch based in England, making for a bar room joke bereft of a good punch line, with plenty banter potential.
Baden Baden & Stuttgart Factory TourArriving via Eurostar or ferry to Amsterdam, meeting up for an autobahn blast to Baden Baden, coincided with a birthday so as you do we “took the waters”.
Porsche 911s Port of Tyne, Northshields, by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Petrol Stop, Netherlands by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
A Porsche Factory Tour required a 5-30am start for a dawn assault on “The Route 500” with a photo stop at Mumelsee where pro photographer Tom, put us amateurs to shame with some fabulously composed and exposed shots. The route climbs steeply over near deserted roads, round high speed, tightening bends in magical early morning light before an equally challenging descent.
Porsche 911 and Boxster, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 911s and BMW Z4M, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Navigational debate followed, assisted by four versions of OEM Porsche Sat Nav, a Tom Tom, a Garmin and a well-thumbed route map with detail only visible to the very young. We arrived in Stuttgart in good time though, scanning the underground car park for anything interesting.
Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
The factory tour (cameras and phones prohibited) provides almost hands-on insight, urged along by our very knowledgeable guide. Witnessing the marriage between chassis, bodywork and engine was fascinating, as was a privileged peek at a collection of GT3 RS models. Task timing within the production line was admirably precise, with workers seeming remarkably stress free.
Hopefully scoring brownie points, three of us sported Porsche GB Club tops and with Club Cards ready, secured free museum entry - a nice touch. The afternoon was spent at the Museum, gift shop and restaurant where we could each do our own thing, largely involving rubbing noses against expensive glass.
Porsche 911 Turbos, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
A 550km drive to Savognin, near St.Moritz next, detouring to allow an eastwards group drive of the Susten Pass. A Swiss tunnel cacophony of sports exhausts merited several repeat performances.
Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
BMW Z4M Tunnel, St.Moritz, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche Convoy, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche Boxster, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Whilst light rain affected the Susten, an amusing lay-bye liaison with a large pair of furry marmots ensued, before another spirited session, keeping a healthy pace despite conditions.
Braving the mountain’s drizzly elements, suitably attired in T-shirt, shorts and plimsolls, Tom captured some fabulous stills of the red Carrera S, some feeling guilty for rushing him.
Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 911 Convoy, Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 911 lineup, Susten Pass, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Ready for the green light, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 911 Targa, Scenic mountain pass road, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
A thrilling spar with the 991 50th on roads south from Tiefencastel to Savognin, highlighted the Boxster’s stunning composure and grip levels, assisted by LSD and PTV options, a fabulous end to a long day, ensuring the Cube Hotel’s cold beer tasted even sweeter. Cool digs these, with a petrol-head barman and the option to ride your mountain bike from a third floor room, down the ramped stairwell, straight out the lobby - sadly no MTBs on this trip.
Two father and son teams leave now for an all-day dash to Calais. The Z4M driving the entire route, roof down, including autobahns – respect.
[
Show Posts
