Alpine hoon pics
Discussion
Just returned from a jaunt around Stelvio and a few other choice Alpine/Dolomite passes. With all the hype regarding Stelvio, I was really expecting something beyond my wildest driving dreams but left this pass a little disappointed: The initial climb being the problem, for all its beauty the pleasure of driving was nonexistent partly due to all the cyclists but mainly as it is all First gear, 50meter then switchback, repeat 400 times then you reach the summit (this relates to the Spondigna to Stelvio peak section). The way down the other side (summit to Bormio) was mesmerising and shear heaven to meander down at Mach Notverycarabinieriaccepted speeds. If Topgear had had a little more time on their hands, when in search of the ultimate road, then surely the Passo del Tonale should have entered the equation. For anyone going to this region, this road is a must! From Passo del Tonale to the lake at Cles; in that direction, is unmissable. Anyway, enough of my rambling the pictures below will provide a far better picture than I'm able to:
Before heading out onto Stelvio you must fill up your car in Samnaun, Switzerland (a tax free zone). It is less than £1 a litre for Shell 100 Octane and only a 10minute detour:
Lago di Resia on Italian/Austrian border:
First sight of Stelvio:
The Famous peak view:
The carpark:
The start of descend:
Halfway down:
And back down again:
A bit too much of the twisty stuff for Amira to keep her dinner in. Yes I got a severe wrist slap and sideways G-force limitation ASBO following this:
A few other scenic shots:
Driver’s eye view:
Trento main Piazza:
Cembra valley, Segonzano where we stayed:
Obligatory visit to the Carabinieri:
After handing over the wedge and signing the paperwork they finally released me:
Segonzano Piramidi strange rock formation found within walking distance of the hotel:
Here is a little video footage, can't really add any more as I don't want to incriminate myself:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10151...
Volume setting quite high being the gentlemen's preferred choice :thumb:
2365km in a week and the car never skipped a beat, even with >200kph autobahn speeds for 90% of the German section (600km x2). Well done Porsche.
Before heading out onto Stelvio you must fill up your car in Samnaun, Switzerland (a tax free zone). It is less than £1 a litre for Shell 100 Octane and only a 10minute detour:
Lago di Resia on Italian/Austrian border:
First sight of Stelvio:
The Famous peak view:
The carpark:
The start of descend:
Halfway down:
And back down again:
A bit too much of the twisty stuff for Amira to keep her dinner in. Yes I got a severe wrist slap and sideways G-force limitation ASBO following this:
A few other scenic shots:
Driver’s eye view:
Trento main Piazza:
Cembra valley, Segonzano where we stayed:
Obligatory visit to the Carabinieri:
After handing over the wedge and signing the paperwork they finally released me:
Segonzano Piramidi strange rock formation found within walking distance of the hotel:
Here is a little video footage, can't really add any more as I don't want to incriminate myself:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10151...
Volume setting quite high being the gentlemen's preferred choice :thumb:
2365km in a week and the car never skipped a beat, even with >200kph autobahn speeds for 90% of the German section (600km x2). Well done Porsche.
jon.b said:
Great pics, thanks for sharing. On my list of trips to do.....
That pic of the car park makes it look like the red Ferrari was doing doughnuts in very tight spaces!
No such antics took place whilst I was up there Jon, he was only calming reversing his hired 360 out from parking; the tyre marks line up just right though;-)That pic of the car park makes it look like the red Ferrari was doing doughnuts in very tight spaces!
FrankCayman said:
Is it just me or does that 996 look simply gorgeous on those pictures?!
Ps. Glad your little girl looked better later on, bless her!
Looks are very subjective where the 996 is concerned but I get the feeling that the Gen.1 is starting a revolution against it's reputation of being cinderella's sister; numerous comments have been made recently where people are seeing these cars in a different light now. Of course I am slightly biased in this respect owning one, but I have never minded the aesthectics and bought the car moreso because of it's dynamic ability, steeering feedback & relative lightweight rather than looksPs. Glad your little girl looked better later on, bless her!
Great pics and write up. Enjoyed reading that. 
Agree with the comments about your car too. I've never been the 996s biggest fan but yours just looks "right".
I'm off to France, Switzerland and Italy on Saturday, so I'm very excited now.
Unfortunately not in my 964T (someone is coming to buy it tomorrow anyway, boohoo!) but in my VW campervan (with Subaru engine in to help on the hills
).
Agree with the comments about your car too. I've never been the 996s biggest fan but yours just looks "right".
I'm off to France, Switzerland and Italy on Saturday, so I'm very excited now.
Unfortunately not in my 964T (someone is coming to buy it tomorrow anyway, boohoo!) but in my VW campervan (with Subaru engine in to help on the hills
). Still surprised you're not going down the modifying route as yours is relatively underpowered compared to modern Pork. Ever thought about a Turbo? I know the GT3 is out due to lack of rear seats, but when it comes to upgrading, may I suggest a 997.2 GTS they're meant to be a cross between the S and the GT3.
I think they're great value and many people on here agree (as do the journos that tested them).
Just applied for my licence, then the search begins - may do what you've done and start at the shallow end albeit with a Cayman S as I don't need the seats...
I think they're great value and many people on here agree (as do the journos that tested them).
Just applied for my licence, then the search begins - may do what you've done and start at the shallow end albeit with a Cayman S as I don't need the seats...
Fantastic trip - can't wait for me and my mate to go on our trip in the GT3. Love the threadmarks of the Ferrari in the parking lot!
We go in August for three days at Therme Vals with planned tours of Flüela and Stelvio. Switching east then for 3 days in Trento and plenty more driving in the Alps.
Any hints and pointers on restaurants, Shell stations, views, photo opportunities, Carabinieri favorite hide-outs and everything else much appreciated - PM me also
What sort of pace is realistic up there? and which parts of the day are the best/worst for other tourists, cyclists, campervans?
Then we are heading south for Maranello staying at the Maranello Palace
Sadly we were advised that the Lamborghini factory is shut during our visit - even the museum is closed for renovations
Then we head back up north for a quick trackday on the Nürburgring - Gratuitous pic from our last trip
After which we head back to Denmark
CK
We go in August for three days at Therme Vals with planned tours of Flüela and Stelvio. Switching east then for 3 days in Trento and plenty more driving in the Alps.
Any hints and pointers on restaurants, Shell stations, views, photo opportunities, Carabinieri favorite hide-outs and everything else much appreciated - PM me also
What sort of pace is realistic up there? and which parts of the day are the best/worst for other tourists, cyclists, campervans?
Then we are heading south for Maranello staying at the Maranello Palace
Sadly we were advised that the Lamborghini factory is shut during our visit - even the museum is closed for renovations
Then we head back up north for a quick trackday on the Nürburgring - Gratuitous pic from our last trip
After which we head back to Denmark
CK
Jim1556 said:
Still surprised you're not going down the modifying route as yours is relatively underpowered compared to modern Pork. Ever thought about a Turbo? I know the GT3 is out due to lack of rear seats, but when it comes to upgrading, may I suggest a 997.2 GTS they're meant to be a cross between the S and the GT3.
I think they're great value and many people on here agree (as do the journos that tested them).
Just applied for my licence, then the search begins - may do what you've done and start at the shallow end albeit with a Cayman S as I don't need the seats...
By most Porsche owner standards mine is heavily modified Jim:I think they're great value and many people on here agree (as do the journos that tested them).
Just applied for my licence, then the search begins - may do what you've done and start at the shallow end albeit with a Cayman S as I don't need the seats...
Full Hartech bullet proof engine
PSE Exhaust
Exhaust relay Mod
MO30 suspension
CAI
BMC Filter
200cell cats
SSK
Amberectomy
Front bumber grills and a few other cosmetic tweaks
The difference in power is neglible even before you factor in these mods, due to the extra weight et cetera. I really didn't want the turbo after years owning turbo's, the NA power delivery was what I craved. GTS is aound 30K more than my car and I don't think that that I would get 30k's worth of extra enjoyment. I considered a Gallardo for around the same price but the practicality of a Rwd Carrera won the day by a long shot. I don't think there is anything close in terms of value on the market right now than the right 996!
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