Freedom without limits

Freedom is "considered, in a broad sense, as the ability to make one’s own decisions and choose between different options without coercion," explains the most well-known web encyclopedia. Or, to put it more casually: freedom means being able to do and not do what we want, where we want, and when we want. Few objects in our daily lives embody the concept of freedom as much as the automobile. After all, it takes us wherever we want to go. At any given moment.

In the case of the new Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, it can be summarised in the following figures: up to 610 kilometres on a single charge. A further 285 kilometres with just 10 minutes of charging. But true freedom also includes the ability to reach destinations that lie off the beaten path. With all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension, the Cross Turismo can certainly deliver on that.

Freedom begins in the mind

In numerical terms, the electric off-road sports car offers all the possibilities to satisfy the hunger for freedom.

But every journey ultimately begins where dreams are born and limits dissolve: in the mind. All that’s needed is the bridge from dream to reality. And that’s precisely what Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur dedicates itself to. Here, a Porsche becomes a unique masterpiece. There are virtually no limits to the personal design options, as the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo ‘show car’ demonstrates.

It was designed as a tribute to the freedom of the vast, open mountain landscape of Valais. This is the canton where 10 of the highest peaks in Switzerland stand, including Dufourspitze, Dom, Liskamm and Weisshorn, which majestically tower over the landscape. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has incorporated these four landmarks into the illuminated door sills in matte-finish carbon fibre. Reason enough to make a special trip to Valais.

A sense of freedom in every fibre

From the decorative stitching to the keys and the dials: the show car has been customised to the finest detail and embodies a sense of freedom and adventure in every fibre. This is immediately recognisable by the roof rack equipped with water canisters, a folding shovel and a kiteboard. In short, it's ready for adventure – you just have to decide where to go first. We opt to take on gravel and head off onto unpaved tracks. After all, we want to find out if this is all just for show or if the Cross Turismo truly lives up to its name and rugged appearance.

The fog clears

This morning, however, the weather isn't quite cooperating. Dawn breaks slowly, and a thick, fluffy blanket of fog hangs between us and the sun. In this case, freedom means finding a way out of the sea of fog. In Grengiols, in the District de Rarogne oriental, a path leads upward. Or rather, a gravel track – the perfect testing ground. The Taycan raises its air suspension, signaling that it is ready for our endeavor. Large stones lie along the way, and water running down the hillside has visibly washed out the path over the years. Of course, that wouldn’t stop a true adventurer from continuing on their journey.

But first, the fog thickens even further. The Taycan, finished in Shade Green Metallic, confidently works its way through the cool grey before the fog finally clears at more than 2,000 metres above sea level.

Soaking up the sun

The Cross Turismo feels right at home on the narrow path at the foot of the Breithorns. Not only when on the move but also during a well-deserved break. The picnic kit travels safely in the foldable luggage box, the cool box keeps the food fresh, and the flask, which matches the car's paint colour, keeps the coffee warm despite the fresh mountain breeze. It's the perfect setting to soak up some sun. The only downside: the four highest Swiss peaks are not visible from our rest spot. So, the exploration continues.

Enchanting view

The climb on the gravel track has cost energy, but the way down into the valley gives a good portion of it back through recuperation. And with it, freedom in the form of range. About an hour later, we reach Täschalp, a remote alpine area free from hustle and bustle. The view of the Weisshorn is enchanting, as soon as the clouds and fog have cleared.

The Weisshorn is considered by some to be the most beautiful mountain in the Alps. Its peak resembles an almost perfect pyramid, with three ridges jutting outward in a star-like fashion. It was first summitted in 1861 by Irishman John Tyndall, along with two experienced mountain guides. Today, the ascent of over 3,000 m via the southwestern Schaligrat can be accomplished in five to six hours. To go via the west face takes 10 to 15 hours.

The routes are well-developed, with several huts and bivouacs along the way. But, since all the routes are long and challenging, the Weisshorn is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains in the Alpine region to climb. The view from the summit is said to be all the more breathtaking for it – and to evoke a special sense of boundless freedom.

Ready for anything

Today, we are enjoying the luxury of choice. Dinner in Täschalp? Kiteboarding on Lake Thun? Or perhaps a spontaneous trip to the Black Forest? The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo is ready for anything. And even if we do none of that and simply drive home in glorious comfort, this show car from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur illustrates one thing: that freedom begins in the mind. When the ideas conceived there are meticulously brought to life with pure craftsmanship, true to the original in every detail, it only enriches everyday life. Even if we have no intention of climbing a 4,000 m peak.

Info

Text first published in the Porsche magazine Christophorus 414.

Author: Philipp Aeberli

Photos: tefan Schlumpf

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