Transylvania, the region that inspired popular novels and movies, is the setting for our Porsche adventure. We embarked on a journey through this captivating land, where haunted castles and ancient fortresses stand guard, and breathtaking landscapes await at every turn.
On a peaceful Saturday morning, our convoy of Porsche cars glides through Transylvania, its picturesque scenery begging to be captured on Instagram. The blue skies battle against the winter clouds, while towering cliffs threaten to crumble onto the road ahead. Heads turn and eyes widen as our fleet of sports cars passes by. This is no dream, it’s a reality.
Behind the wheel of my Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, equipped with two electric motors, I feel the hunger for the open road. With 670 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque at my disposal, this machine can go from zero to hero in a mere 2.8 seconds. However, we respect the tranquility of this land and stick to legal speeds.
Thanks to the “Cross Turismo” designation, my vehicle boasts extra ground clearance, allowing me to park on the side of the road or navigate gravel trails without worry. As we wind our way through the countryside, we stumble upon the enchanting Rimetea Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its whitewashed houses with green shutters resemble a fairy tale, much like my Taycan gliding effortlessly over the road’s imperfections with its adaptive air suspension.
Range anxiety is not a concern for me. With a fully charged 93.4-kWh battery, I have more than enough power to complete our road trip. Yet, as we park our cars in front of a manor adorned with ivy, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I have to leave my Taycan behind. It fits so perfectly in this idyllic setting, overlooking the cliffs and a serene lake.
The host informs us that this field blossoms with vibrant flowers during the summer months, painting the landscape with shades of red, pink, and white. It sparks a desire within us to return and experience the beauty of Transylvania in a different season.
I am not a big eater. However, the dessert here… The locally renowned “gomboti” is a plum delicacy wrapped in dough with such a strong aroma that you can be drawn to it like characters in cartoons. I have a Taycan trunk that I can fill with them and take home.
But an hour later, I get my hands on the Panamera Turbo S and my excitement returns. This time, I am dealing with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 621 horsepower (630 metric horsepower) and 605 pound-feet (820 Newton meters) of torque.
We leave the Rimetea village behind, but the Rimetea River runs alongside the road, keeping us company on the right side while a cliff protects us from the left side.
The Panamera returns to the hotel, navigating through the busy mid-day traffic of Cluj-Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania and a thriving hub for culture and technology.
The 2024 Porsche Panamera is on display next to the tennis court. This is where we have to leave the Taycans and Panameras before entering the BT Arena for the first semifinal of the Transylvania Open. We are going to watch Countess Draculina herself, as Romanian tennis player Jaqueline Cristian likes to call herself. She is playing against Ana Bogdan, the crowd’s favorite. Ana had a challenging quarter-final the previous evening and had to overcome exhaustion to return to the court.
After two hours and three sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-4), she reaches the final where she will face the number 1 favorite of the tournament and former number 1 in the WTA ranking in 2017, Karolina Pliskova. The Russian player would go on to win the Transylvania Open final on Sunday.
What attracted just as much attention as the final matches of the tennis tournament was the brand-new Porsche Panamera, proudly standing in a corner next to the court, adorned in Volcano Gray Metallic as if it could possibly go unnoticed.
Introduced in November 2023, with its familiar silhouette, the third-generation Panamera is making its European debut. It stands tall on a platform, measuring 198.9 inches in length, 76.3 inches in width, and 56 inches in height.
The placement of the car in the corner of the court highlights its sloping hood, the slimmer taillights that give off a 911 vibe, and the sleek lines of the four-door Panamera. Unfortunately, we are unable to appreciate the rear-end active spoiler of the car facing the stands and the court. So, for now, we can only rely on the official photos.
Back at the hotel, the stunning Porsche 911 Dakar awaits on its platform, exuding confidence and a commanding presence. It has more experience both on and off the road than any of the brand-new models lined up in front of the luxurious hotel, which we spent half the day with.
During the Dakar Ice Challenge, Mihai and Carmen Zaman from Porsche Club Romania took charge of a remarkable journey. They covered a distance of 8,615 kilometers (5,354 miles) over the course of 15 days and 127 driving hours. Their adventure led them through various countries including Slovakia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, where they experienced the breathtaking landscapes of ice and snow. Their expedition truly embodied the sentiment of “The world spins around me”, offering a unique perspective on their surroundings.
According to the Source autoevolution.com