Celebrating 50 years of the “Road that touches the clouds”
Winding across the Făgăraș Mountains, connecting Muntenia to Transylvania with 90 kilometers of sinuous, high-altitude asphalt, the Transfăgărășan is more than a road, it’s a pilgrimage for driving enthusiasts worldwide. In 2024, the iconic Romanian route celebrated its 50th anniversary, coinciding with another milestone: 50 years of the Porsche 911 Turbo. The convergence of these two legends inspired Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team in Zuffenhausen to craft a fitting tribute. The result is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS “Tribute to Transfăgărășan”, a strictly limited run of just 10 bespoke cars, each tailored in intimate collaboration with its future owner. The first of these has now been delivered to a Romanian customer, naturally beginning its life on the road it honors. As Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation & Classic at Porsche, explains, “We decided to not only create one but 10 individualised cars that pay tribute to one of the most legendary and inspiring parts of Romania.”
Exterior details: Subtle tributes and striking accents
The “hero car”, the first in the series, wears a Paint to Sample Graphite Grey finish, complemented by wheels whose contrasting Guards Red spokes inject visual energy into its stance. The same Guards Red circles the headlights, an arresting detail that instantly draws the eye. Along the doors, understated “Tribute to Transfăgărășan” decals announce its identity, while the B-pillars carry a special edition badge, marking it as one of just 10 ever made. At the rear, the engine grille discreetly carries the colors of the Romanian flag, blue, yellow, and red, a quiet yet poignant nod to the car’s muse. These touches are more than aesthetic; they weave the story of the Transfăgărășan into the car’s very design language. Each of the 10 cars shares these commemorative exterior details, yet every example is distinct, shaped by the creative choices of its owner through the Sonderwunsch program.
Inside the Sonderwunsch experience
Stepping into the cabin, the tribute continues. Illuminated door sills greet occupants with “Tribute to Transfăgărășan,” a motif echoed in embroidery on the headrests and embossing on the center armrest. The passenger-side dashboard also carries the logo, ensuring the theme is ever-present. While these ten cars share core tribute elements, personalisation lies at the heart of Sonderwunsch. Customers could specify unique paint finishes, alternative interior materials, and bespoke accessories. Earlier this year, all 10 owners visited the Sonderwunsch Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen to finalise their configurations, working directly with Porsche’s design and engineering specialists. The result: ten one-of-a-kind interpretations of the same homage, each reflecting the owner’s taste while united by a shared inspiration. Adrian Pascu of Porsche Inter Auto Romania summed it up best: “The Transfăgărășan is well-known by car enthusiasts all over the world for its magnificent landscapes and hairpin turns. I look forward to seeing these exceptional cars being driven on the very road they are honouring.”
Power and precision: The T-Hybrid heart
Beneath the tribute paint and embroidery lies the performance of the latest 911 Carrera 4 GTS, a model that incorporates Porsche’s racing-derived T-Hybrid technology. At its core is a newly developed 3.6-litre boxer engine, paired with an electric motor for an output of 398 kW (541 PS) and 610 Nm of torque, a 61 PS gain over its predecessor. This hybrid powertrain isn’t about heavy electrification; instead, it’s designed for super-lightweight performance. The weight penalty over the previous GTS is just 50 kg, far less than typical plug-in hybrids. As a result, the 0–100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 3.0 seconds, and the top speed stands at 312 km/h. The setup not only delivers sharper dynamics but also reduces CO₂ emissions, striking a balance between raw performance and modern efficiency. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS “Tribute to Transfăgărășan” is more than a special edition. It’s a meeting point between place and machine, a handcrafted celebration of one of the world’s most thrilling roads, expressed through one of the world’s most iconic sports cars. Limited to just 10 units, it’s an intimate project, yet its message is universal: some roads deserve more than to be driven, they deserve to be immortalised in metal.
