Defying the Laws of Gravity

Turbo’s love of speed and controlled power has fuelled his passion for Porsche and fighter jets since he was a young boy. His fascination with aeroplanes started at an early age after seeing military jets with afterburners at an air show, where he instantly knew he wanted to be a fighter pilot. “I love speed and power, and more importantly, know how to control it.” So it is not surprising that Turbo caught the Porsche fascination bug around the same time, after sighting a turbocharged 911 Porsche type 930 in black, which he immediately fell in love with. “I knew right away it was my dream car and that one day I would own a Porsche.”

His goal to one day own a Porsche would take a few years to materialise, however his ambition was never deterred. As his nickname might suggest, Turbo is definitely not faint hearted. Despite scepticism from classmates and some of his family, his laser focused determination not only got him into the German Air Force flying jets but he also founded the Bavarian Tigers (two German fighter squadrons flying the Eurofighter “Typhoon” in Neuburg, Germany who became part of the jet tiger association) and launched his flying career around the world as an instructor, fighter pilot, leader and motivational speaker.

“I love speed and power, and more importantly, know how to control it.” Marc GRÜNE

Fulfilling his boyhood dream, in 2012 Turbo and his wife Sylvine bought their first Porsche. They now own a Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo, a Cayman S and a 911 C2. However Turbo’s dream doesn’t stop there. His goal is to one day own a collection of Porsche models, not just for the sake of having the cars, but to really experience the driving. “My ultimate goal is the 911 GT2 RS, which is probably the closest you get to feeling like a fighter pilot on four wheels.”

However Turbo’s choice to drive Porsche sports cars isn’t simply about aesthetics and power; it’s also about statistics. As an experienced fighter pilot he relies heavily on specific information fed to him from the cockpit, which needs to be easily accessible so he can assess the situation without thinking and move the jet with great precision instantly—“in combat you win or lose in seconds.” So he looks for something similar in a sports car where the feeling and information is also easily accessible. “Porsche cars are incredibly intuitive, and they can sustain extreme manoeuvres and speed, while keeping complete control.”

In 2013, Turbo beat the Guinness world record for the number of flat accelerated spins carried out in a single aerobatic aircraft with 85 complete spins. Such extreme physical demands require huge discipline of the mind and body, and a lot of preparation. “You need to get comfortable with the feeling of being in control with a violent out of control manoeuvre”. This may sound contradictory, but he goes on to explain that the key is to learn how to manage that specific situation and make no errors. Besides the huge amount of training and simulation involved, it is also imperative that one is absolutely clear about the risks involved and how to control them.

Going above and beyond

Despite having a world record to his name and a very successful career flying jets, Turbo never rests on his laurels. “One of my biggest rules in life is when you are at the top of your game it’s time to give back”. In his quest to beat the world record, there was a bigger purpose at play for him. In 2013, Turbo contributed to the non-profit foundation Elisa, which provides family aftercare for cancer-stricken children. Having noticed a gap in the health insurance system in Germany where certain cancer cases do not get support once the children return home, he decided to sustain and bridge that gap by providing funding for more nurses to help families in their home. Thanks to the donation of the world record team and its supporters, the foundation has succeeded in placing extra nurses and helping more families and children in their daily fight for life.

“My ultimate goal is the 911 GT2 RS: It is probably the closest you get to feeling like a fighter pilot on four wheels.” Marc GRÜNE

Turbo’s passion for Porsche goes above and beyond the normal role of a Porsche customer. His latest mission is already set in motion—to set up a Porsche Club in the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain area. “I wanted to build a community of likeminded fans here who could come together in a family atmosphere and share their passion for Porsche.” There’s no doubt that Turbo is already setting his eyes on the horizon for new projects.