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India | India’s incredible diversity isn’t just cultural, it’s topographical, meteorological, and infrastructural too.
From the high-speed expressways of Haryana to the desert roads of Rajasthan, and the winding ghats of Maharashtra to the bustling inner cities of Gujarat, every kilometre tells a different story.
Against this backdrop, two very different Porsche models one icon and one innovator set out to answer a single question: what does it mean to drive a Porsche in India today?
Over the course of six days, the 911 Carrera and the all-electric Macan Turbo covered more than 2,500km, starting at Porsche Centre Delhi-NCR and ending at Porsche Centre Pune.
The route skipped the predictable expressways in favour of the long way home, one that tested performance, practicality and Porsche engineering on some of the most demanding and beautiful roads in the country.
From Gurgaon to the Golden city
The drive began amidst the urban sprawl of Gurugram, where the sleek silhouette of the 911 and the futuristic stance of the electric Macan turned heads even before the road trip officially started.
It wasn’t long before the duo were on the Trans-Haryana Expressway, smooth, wide, and invitingly empty. As the sun set over the Aravalli foothills, both cars found their rhythm. The 911 sang through its sports exhaust, the Macan surged forward with silent electric might. Onward they went deep into Rajasthan.
By the next evening, they reached the outskirts of Jaisalmer. A stop for chai at a roadside dhaba highlighted how even in India’s remotest towns, the Porsche badge evokes awe.
The 911 and Macan drew crowds of curious onlookers and mobile phone cameras, standing out amid the utility vehicles and trucks that frequent India’s highways.
Bharatmala: A road made by gods
The detour into the Thar Desert led to a road unlike any other. The Bharatmala highway, just a few kilometres from the India-Pakistan border, is widely regarded by Indian driving enthusiasts as the best stretch of tarmac in the country. Here, both cars were let off the leash.
The 911 proved why it remains the world’s most iconic everyday sports car, precise, communicative and engaging, even on unfamiliar terrain.
Meanwhile, the Macan Electric redefined expectations. With 630 bhp and instant torque, it launched harder than the 911, and didn’t flinch on sandy inclines either. With air suspension, torque vectoring and off-road capability, it glided through conditions that would challenge many conventional SUVs.
Charging stops were times for reflection, refuelling (of the human kind), and sharing our experience with locals who were amazed at the sight of not just the cars, but at the very idea of such a challenging road trip in an EV.
Bridging old and new
The road turned rough near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border. Mud, diversions, and unpaved paths were reminders of the reality of Indian road trips. Yet, both Porsches adapted.
The 911’s nose-lift system was called into action, gliding over speed breakers and potholes with composure.
The Macan absorbed it all in stride, its ride comfort belying its sports-car performance.
At the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of India’s unification, the symbolism was impossible to ignore.
Two Porsches, two visions of performance: one the pinnacle of tradition, the other a glimpse into the future. Standing side by side, the 911 and Macan Electric were reminders that Porsche's core values; precision, emotion and innovation transcend propulsion types.
Final stretch to Pune
The final leg through Maharashtra took in the beautiful Saputara Ghat, a mountain pass that was challenging and rewarding in equal measure. As the roads twisted and climbed, both Porsches found their element again.
The 911’s chassis balance and rear-engine grip danced through corners. The Macan’s rear-wheel steering and low centre of gravity delivered agility that belied its size.
By the time the convoy rolled into Porsche Centre Pune, road-weary yet triumphant, the answer to the question posed at the beginning of the road trip was evident.
Both the 911 and the Macan Electric had not only endured but thrived across the varied and unpredictable terrain of India.
Porsche in India: Evolving with the landscape
As India continues to emerge as a key market for Porsche, stories like these underline the brand’s adaptability and appeal.
The 911 Carrera proves that a sports car can be both exhilarating and practical even here. The Macan Electric shows that electrification isn’t a compromise; it’s an evolution.
This road trip by evo India was not just a drive. It was a celebration of possibility. And in that spirit, it was pure Porsche.
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