Only in a JEEP: new height world record in a JEEP Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

[BlueGerbil]

Matthias Jeschke from Germany will try to break the existing high altitude world record for cars, which has been set by himself in 2005. Once again he will tackle the Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano of the earth, which is situated in the Chilean Andes.

The current record mark is 6.358 m, that is about 20.860 ft above sea level.

The record car is the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, which will be launched in the European market after this event. Other partners of this project are Warn (winches), Goodyear (Wrangler MT/R tires) and Argo ATV (amphibian and all terrain vehicles)

I´m very pleased to announce this project and to keep you updated on any news concerning this record attempt. I will receive brand new information, directly out of the Atacama dessert, one of the most arid regions of the world. So be part of this adventure and do not miss any news from Matthias Jeschke and his team!

A further aim of the project is to show the capabilities of the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon which is the most rugged and capable offroad vehicle built by any major car manufacturer in his stock condition. There will be no modifications to the two Wranglers provided by Jeep beside two winches (for rescue purposes only) and the Wrangler MT/R tires in stock size.

All members of the team are experienced fourwheelers or high altitude climbers. Also a member is a well known off-road-proven doctor to take care of their health conditions and to cover any possible emergency which may occur due to the extreme height. All members are prepared through special training over a period of several months.

Progress:

The crew has flown to Chile on March 4. Today they arrived in Copiapó, the last major city before entering the Atacama dessert. From there, their climbing will begin, which will lead them to an old police station located at about 14760 ft above sea level.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/blog/jeschketeam.jpg
The whole team at Frankfurt airport (Germany)

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/hp1-polizei.jpg
The old police station

After some acclimatisation they will advance further over the next days to two shelters left behind by an rescue expedition some years ago. They are located at about 17.390 ft and 19.030 ft above sea level.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/hp5-schutzcontainer.jpg
The first container (5300m / 17.390 ft)

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/hp2-schutzcontainer.jpg
The second container (5800m / 19.030 ft)

That is the last rescue point, before the team - consisting of 2 women and 13 men - will tackle some extreme offroad challenges like crevasses, ledges about 30 ft tall, a frozen lake and of course razor sharp rocks of all sizes. The aim is to drive as high as possible and to set a new unbreakable high altitude world record with a height of more than 6.500 meters (21325 ft) above sea level. The final ascent should take place around March 10.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/hp4-einstieg.jpg
One of the biggest ledges, about 30 ft tall

The team consists of very different characters, but they all have one thing in common: they are keen in reaching this new record and to show the world that this is possible... ONLY IN A JEEP!

If you have any questions about this project, don´t hesitate to post them, I will try to answer as accurate as possible.

[imwally]

Okay I have a question. It says only 2 jeeps. But you have 15 people. So how will they all fit in 2 jeeps? also will they be doing any videos of the trip?

[BlueGerbil]

There will be 2 Jeeps (4 door Rubicons) which will be doing the record.

But there will be other people around, taking photos and videos and a medic will be there with an Argo ATV (in the case that there will be an emergency the Argo will serve as a rescue vehicle),

Yes, there will be lots of photos and videos and there should also be a DVD available after the event.

[DaJudge]

That is awesome. Keep us updated!

Glen

[Weasel]

Razor sharp lava rock and they choose MTR's? Hope they have spenty of spares.

Will be interesting to see how high they get though.

[Ghost]

What kind of modifications do the jeeps have to keep them running in the think air up there? Are they gas or diesel? The MT/r's are 32"s? Any pictures of the rigs?

[RTicUL8]

Brings a whole new meaning to on-board air...



http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/escape/images/timefireearlymask.jpeg

[BlueGerbil]

The engines are stock 3.8 V6.
They´ll get their vehicles today or tomorrow so I hope I can post pics of the vehicles soon.

[BlueGerbil]

Brings a whole new meaning to on-board air...



http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/escape/images/timefireearlymask.jpeg

Right :looser:

FYI: They´ve got some medical oxygen with them, but only for emergencies, not for the regular ascent.

[IXNAYXJ]

Wasn't the curent record set by a VW Toureg TDi V-10? Seems like at that altitude deisel, if not at least SOME kind of forced induction would be the way to go. :dunno:

EDIT: It was a V-6! Story here. (http://car-reviews.automobile.com/news/vw-sets-altitude-record-with-stock-touareg-v6/1282/)

The do say the current record holder is somone different than your guy, though: ...piloted by German off-road expert Rainer Zietlow.-----Matt-----

[BlueGerbil]

The current record is hold by Matthias Jeschke, he reclaimed it some weeks after the Touareg-team has set it. But now he´s going to push it even further...

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 5, 2007
After saying goodbye to family and friends, the team took off, highly motivated and well prepared from Frankfurt to Chile. We also handled the stopovers in Madrid and Santiago de Chile.
Approximately 24 hours later we arrived at a little airport, nearly 60 km away from Copiapó, somewhere in the desert. We tried to divide our baggage into two mini vans. There was actually not enough space to get our whole team into the busses, but we finally made it, of course!
Well, not everything fits in the first place. A good mood and improvisation skills of the team led to a quick solution. We reached the mining village Copiapò, without any help of springs and shock absorbers.
There, they already prepared our two Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons, two escorting cars and two Argo special vehicles. Hans Siebenhaar and the rest of the team were waiting for us as well.
Everything was perfectly organized. Especially Hans did a good job. Due to the fact that we were running out of time, we started briefing our team and checking our cars as well as the material.
From now on, the whole team has to give 100%. Everybody has to provide all his or her skills and abilities due to their equal aim for the record. The tourism governor will welcome us tomorrow. We are excited how Chile will support our team.

[BlueGerbil]

I just got the first photo of the jeeps, now with 2 WARN winches and Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires (265/70R17, that´s about 32x10.5)
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/matthiasmitjeeps.jpg

[Handlebars]

This is cool! There are so many people going touring in the Andes on motorcycles, I have always wondered why not do it in a Jeep?

[98XJSport]

I kinda expected them to be RHD.

[IXNAYXJ]

I kinda expected them to be RHD.Why...? Both Chile and Germany are LHD countries, as are about 2/3 of the world.

-----Matt-----

[91Woody]

I love the color of those Rubicons...is that the new color offered?

[98XJSport]

Why...? Both Chile and Germany are LHD countries, as are about 2/3 of the world.

-----Matt-----

Simply they were aiming for the European market, that just brings RHD to mind. No other reason.

Also curious why they didn't equip them with the same bumper/winch combo. Benefits from having 2 different ones?

[IXNAYXJ]

Simply they were aiming for the European market, that just brings RHD to mind. No other reason.Well, England is the only country in "Europe" that's RHD....

Do you mean "English Market?"

-----Matt-----

[98XJSport]

Well, England is the only country in "Europe" that's RHD....

Do you mean "English Market?"

-----Matt-----

You mean theres more to Europe than England?

Nah just usually when they say they are going after the European market, it means primarily England. Its like saying going after the N. American market, usually primarily means U.S. or Canada, not Mexico.

[IXNAYXJ]

Nah just usually when they say they are going after the European market, it means primarily England. Its like saying going after the N. American market, usually primarily means U.S. or Canada, not Mexico.Ah. Interesting logic, considering it's a German team doing the event. And that there are more people in Germany than England, not to mention the rest of Europe.... ;)

No big deal, just giving you a hard time. :)

-----Matt-----

[98XJSport]

Ah. Interesting logic, considering it's a German team doing the event. And that there are more people in Germany than England, not to mention the rest of Europe.... ;)

No big deal, just giving you a hard time. :)

-----Matt-----

Kinda funny how that works, ask most to name European countries and England will probably be before Germany in most cases.

Either was seems to be a cool project, wouldn't mind trying to set a record like that with an XJ. I wonder what the highest anyone has brought an XJ up to... but that's another thread.

[Handlebars]

I thought this was pretty high for California!
http://www.fototime.com/EACFA993A2441C3/orig.jpg

[XJEEPER]

You HIGH, alex.......

[Speed_racer]

Seems awesome!

Packing extra spares?

That lava rock SUCKS!!

We have a whole play area down here filled with it... HUGE tire eater...

Just looking out!

If you only have 1 spare for each, QUICK! Go get some! They'll need 'em!

Edited to laugh at myself for saying "whole play area" like a 3 acre "rock "pit"" is any comparison to ACTUAL, non imported, lava rock, haha

[BlueGerbil]

I kinda expected them to be RHD.

Nope - that are euro-spec models and beside the guys from Great Britain everybody over here in Europe is driving on the right side off the road (pun intended) so it´s LHD

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 6, 2007

A very busy day for us and an exciting day for Copiapó is over.

Our team was divided into several groups. Since 8 o’clock in the morning, each of them was busy at different places: Two camera teams captured moods in and around Copiapó. The “purchasing team” bought the last requirements. With attention to detail, the “branding team” covered the cars with stickers of our sponsors. The “engineering team” was responsible for the special electronic installation. The “navigation team” set up several notebooks, GPS equipment, satellite-phones and so on. Everything has worked out quite well so far.

Yesterday evening, our two “Argo Avenger 8x8” have been loaded with painstaking care. Already this morning, the transport and rescue vehicles started their trip to the base camp, a distance of 400km. They were transported with 350l of fuel to the Refugio Murray. In the afternoon, there was a big show for the Jeep® Wrangler record vehicles and the entire team.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/2jeeps.jpg

Both, the governor of the Atacama region and the tourism director welcomed us. The local press was there as well. However, we were surprised by the national TV because in the evening we already were in the Chilean TV news program. After the warm welcome, they organized a photo shooting under the national flag at the main square of the city – Plaza de Armas. All of us had to answer quite a lot of questions. In addition, they gave us presents to express the relation between Chile and the record team. They showered us with good wishes and especially emphasized their hope of our safe return.

The stars of the afternoon were our Jeep® Wrangler vehicles. Copiapó is known as the 4x4 main city of Chile. That leads to a huge interest in our two Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons. Beside all kinds of questions regarding the engineering we got concrete offers to sell the cars. :-) Finishing the car branding at about 10 o’clock in the evening, we had a team meeting and a following dinner together.

Tomorrow we start for the base camp.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/teammitjeeps.jpg

[iluv83vettes]

they need some more stickers to get that last little hhmmmpphh of power. judging by how many stickers they have i would guess they have over 800 hp

[91Woody]

always remember, multi color stickers give 1/3 more HP than black and white stickers though- a lot of newbies forget to factor this into ther HP ratings:doh:

[Ghost]

Those stickers help pay for the attemp. Bash them all you want the give-away xj will have pleanty. I hope!

[RedHeep]

they need some more stickers to get that last little hhmmmpphh of power. judging by how many stickers they have i would guess they have over 800 hp

It's not somebody's honda, it's a sponsored attempt at a world record. Who do you think pays the bills?

[Fergie]

Sensitive bitches today, arent you.

[dsgray16]

I know its probably restricted by marketing etc etc blah blah blah, but deff not the tire i would depend on for a world record attempt of this sort...

[RedHeep]

Sensitive bitches today, arent you.

Not really. Just tired of the guy bashing everything he sees. I looked at his history before I posted, I didn't think I was overstepping considering some of the posts he's made.

[Ghost]

Sensitive bitches today, arent you.
(Lisp on) I'm a sensative kinda guy! (Lisp off)

[iluv83vettes]

Not really. Just tired of the guy bashing everything he sees. I looked at his history before I posted, I didn't think I was overstepping considering some of the posts he's made.

sorry you can't take a joke

I am aware that they are for sponsors and that is how they are able to do this.

[85xjwoody]

Interesting to see two different Warn winches used. Testing possibly?

Kim

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 7, 2007

Ready to go

We started our trip to the base camp at 11 am, after a photo shooting with the local Daimler Chrysler/Jeep® partner. On the way, we had some breaks due to several meetings with film teams and photographers. Finally we were on the road. Finally, the long awaited start. Finally the final period of the long-lasting preparations has started.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/gruppemitjeeps.jpg

The trip to the base camp itself was fantastic. Even though I am familiar with the track, I am always anew excited of the beauty of the nature, the play of colours and changing structures. It was breathtakingly for those in my team, who have not been to the Atacama before. However, it was not just beautiful. The first symptoms of the altitude sickness showed up. Already after half of the trip, many team members felt the beginning shortness of breath. On top of this, they felt dizzy. At this point it should also be mentioned, that even our base camp is at an altitude of the highest mountain of the Alps – the Mont Blanc!!

After seven hours on the road, we were expected by happy rangers, a cook, fresh coffee, cake, but especially by our two transport and emergency vehicles Argo® Avenger 8x8.

Unfortunately, some team members are now aware of the altitude problems and already feel the symptoms of sickness. Some of them had not taken the altitude problems seriously enough before, but at last everyone stopped talking and laughing about it. Some have headache, others have troubles with sickness. However, these are all symptoms of the altitude sickness and the process of acclimatisation. Nevertheless, due to the good preparation of all participants in Germany, it was possible to climb from 500m(Copiapó) up to 4500m on one single day.

Our cars do a good job as well. Of course, there is less motor power due to less oxygen at that level. However, we have only powerful cars with high cubic capacity. The lack of performance out of exploding mixture turns out to be less than expected.

In total, we use 7 vehicles for the record:
- 2x Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 3.8 V6 manual transmission
- 2x Argo® Avenger 8x8
- 1x Dodge Ram SLT 1500 4.7 V8 automatic transmission (escort vehicle)
- Dodge Dakota 3,7 V6 automatic transmission (escort vehicle)
- Jeep Cherokee 2,4 R4 transmission (escort vehicle)

It looks quite materialistic, when all the emergency vehicles are standing neatly in a row in front of the base camp.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tjdesert1.jpg

I am convinced that none of the other teams, who are trying to break the high-altitude world record at the moment, is better equipped than we. Therefore, I thank all the partners, especially DaimlerChrysler/Jeep®, Goodyear, ODG and Warn.

Finally, I would like to mention the competitors. We know that the “KIA-team” will start their expedition on Saturday. Furthermore, a team sponsored by Mitsubishi, will probably be starting next week on another nearby mountain. Obviously, both teams have successfully finished their exploration. Anyway, we will fight for our victory in a fair but nevertheless very tough way.

The Jeep® Wrangler high-altitude world record will become reality.

[imwally]

Do you have any pic of the 8x8 or the other safety vehicles?

[BlueGerbil]

I hope to get some more pictures tomorrow.

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 8, 2007
As expected, most of us had a headache, a dizzy spell and a sick feeling today. After a more or less restless night, many of us were absolutely shattered although we spent the night at a place almost similar to a *****hotel (at least in comparison to my last expeditions).
Let’s describe the situation: Our base camp is an old police station in an altitude of 4500m. After the station was on fire years ago, it has been rebuilt in 2007. We are, so to say, the first visitors. The rebuilding has not been finished yet but at least, we are all sheltered from wind and weather. We live in narrow conditions (15 people together in 30m²) but it is much better than camping. Water is only distributed in rations.
Today, it was important to check the performance of all team members in order to get them in the right groups for the following days. That is why we went on a 4-hour-hike in the morning and a 1.5-hour-hike in the afternoon. The first chosen route led from 4500 up to 5000m in a distance of 10km. The second one had a distance of approximately 4km. The team consciously reached its performance limits. After returning to the station, Hubertus, Hans, Joachim und I analyzed the latest route findings and grouped the participants for tomorrow.
Despite best preparation of everyone, big performance differences are noticeable which force us to postpone our expedition plans by one day. Thus, we start our record ride on Saturday at 4 a.m.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/wanderung.jpg
However, not only the team had to stand a hard testing today but also the Jeep® Wrangler vehicles. Both cars had to prove their capability of driving over boulders, rocks and sand.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/testlauf.jpg
In addition, we tested the tipping limits (sloping rides until just before the drop) in an altitude of around 5000m, the differential locks, the shocks and steering stabilizers, the different reduction possibilities and so on. The results look quite impressive. I cannot remember to have driven an off-road vehicle before, that makes such extreme rides that easy. The effect of the stabilizers is incredible; also the power of the engine is very good (it is fantastic how the car copes with steep passages during the idle running). The wheel track is fabulous and thus the tipping limits and so on. I really have no complaints.
Today, we provided the 8x8 Argos® with equipment and will use them as our transport and rescue vehicles. We will test them tomorrow as well and then we will climb up to 5950m.
Close to the place where the record track begins, we will set up magazines and park the Argo® vehicles there, for their use on Saturday morning. At the same time, the film- and photo teams took beautiful shoots and extraordinary pictures.
While sitting and writing here, I am getting a message from Argentina:
Apparently, there is another competitor, a Mitsubishi sponsored team, which is also trying to break the record. At the moment, the team is supposed to have reached an altitude of 6025m. I am not sure yet what to think about it, but obviously we started a big wave with the Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 2007. I will try to check the truth of this information.
Along with Jeep®, my team and I should actually start to be pleased débuting all other brands, even though that is not my style. However, when so many people make the effort to break our record, we will give them an answer with our performance and with the performance of our cars.

[Wallyman]

that is freakin awesome...,I sooooo wish i could do this for a lifestyle....
the true pioneering spirit.going places just to say you got there.

[Ralph]

I'm not too sure about this pioneering lifestyle. This is a publicity stunt. Nothing more, nothing less.

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 9, 2007
A hard day for mind and body
In the morning, we tested the Argo® vehicles (we decided to put off the chains because of the weather conditions), have taken pictures of the Jeep® Wranglers in wonderful scenery, and interviewed the participants of the expedition. Afterwards, we planned to start for our record track to an altitude of 5950m at 1 p.m. On the one hand, we had to set up a storage room for our material there. On the other hand, it was important for me to see, what can be expected in the rocky lane. This track is the only way to the plateau of the Ojos, therefore extremely important to overcome. The lane is sloping on both sides, has a slope of about 50% and is really challenging to drive. We started this extremely hard tour at 1 p.m., and needed seven hours “on the road”. Too much time, considering the total length of 60 km.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/buessereis.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/transport.jpg
However, the Ojos does not make it easy for us. At an altitude of 5400m, two sand fields (above the Atacama hut) were covered by drifting sand to such an extent, that even there we had to do a hard work for almost two hours, in order to scrape our four cars along. To crown all, a big stone broke off during the further course of our trip, when I crossed it. The stone got stuck under the differential in the rear in such a way, that we had to lift the car with jacks in order to dig the stone up with blades: a hard graft at an altitude of 5700m. Additionally, a strong sandy wind, gave us a hard time. Although being sheltered by glacier goggles, storm masks and caps, the sand found his way through any little gap and thus it was difficult to see and breathe. Some of us were temporarily not able to see anything, until our doctor Hubertus helped them out.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/argokette.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/anfahrt.jpg
There were also bad circumstances, when we arrived at the starting point of the record track. The rocky lane was filled up with many boulders due to draining glacier water. The only possibility to get through, was a huge amount of extra effort (digging up big stones and moving them aside). For this reason, we decided to send a team, consisting of Dieter, Hans, two rangers and me, to the rocky lane tomorrow, in order to do the necessary preparations. In detail, we have to move stones at an altitude of around 6000m during the whole day. The other team members will go on further acclimatisation hikes at an altitude of 5300m.

[XJEEPER]

Interesting to see two different Warn winches used. Testing possibly?

Kim

The winch on the right looks like Warn's new unit with a built in compressor.

[imwally]

Do you have any pic of the obsticles you are talking about? Maybe some action pic of those big rocks that you had to dig out from under the rigs? Not meanning anything but so far it looks like it can be done in a 4x2.

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 10, 2007

A good day

Even though the day started with bad news, it turned out more than successfully.

However, just one thing after another:
Our doc Hubertus forbid Hans Siebenhaar to join the planned team. It was not necessary to do so because Hans’ eyes were really swollen due to the sand. Eckhart stepped in for Hans.

As planned, the team started at approximately 9 am. We reached the starting point of the rocky lane at around 10.30 am and began to work immediately. At first we walked to an altitude of about 6000m in order to gain an overview of the whole situation. Contrary to my assumption yesterday, the boulders did not block the lane completely. It was enough to send some huge chunks down the valley.

Afterwards we started: I was the first person who drove to the lane by car. It was incredible. The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited climbed to one of the most difficult places, which go around 500m uphill, through loose sand and boulders, WITHOUT any help, without extreme spinning and without using the winches. I almost could not believe it.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag10-auffahrt.jpg

In 2005, we had to secure my record car by winches so that it did not slip off and that I could start again.

What about now? Both Jeep® Wranglers brilliantly overcome this place in 4 low, 1st gear, activated differential lock in front and behind and uncoupled stabilizers. It is fantastic.

Accordingly, of course, the amount of additional adrenalin in our bodies has risen by 50 times. We were so happy and continued our driving.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag10-durchfahrt.jpg

We went the precipices up towards the first field of snow penitents. We were surprised again: After driving through a sand field, which leads to a field of snow penitents, we discovered a little gap in the ice field. It was only 3m wide and a little sloping but it was enough to drive through with the Jeep® vehicles.

The fact that the tires – we are currently driving with 0.8 bar air pressure – were really strained by the snow penitents was not noticeable. Goodyear Wrangler MTR tires are just going through. With some preparations, the following rocks was hard to overcome but solvable.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag10-steinweg.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag10-ranger.jpg

In the end, we reached an altitude of 6120m today. The vehicles are standing there at the moment and are waiting for their next action tomorrow. At about 3 pm we started to climb down and arrived at our base camp at approximately 4.30 pm almost at the same time, when the rest of the team arrived there after going on a four-hour acclimatization trip. Everyone was in a good mood and happy about today’s success. We will try to reach the old record mark tomorrow and – who knows – we will probably already set up a new record.

Other good news: Tonight, the time is switching from summer time to winter time in Chile. This means that we gain one hour of sleep tonight.

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 11, 2007

The old high-altitude world record mark has been reached

A hard day/ a good day/ an exhausted team

Wake-up time was 5 am. At around minus 15 degrees Celsius, we started our drive to the track at 6.30am and started the rise to our record cars to an altitude of 6120m at 8 am we were on the way with our entire team and everyone was struggling to reach the altitude of our “parking place”.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag11-2.jpg


Afterwards we started. From 6120m, we went down a steep precipice, sometimes only centimetre by centimetre, which directly leads to a “sloping sea” that is out of glacier water. The key to success is – the same was with the rock lane – to overcome the sea. Those, who are not able to overcome the sea, cannot arrive at the plateau. This plateau is the only way to the glacier in an altitude of 6300m, which leads to the side of the crater. I had doubts before in 2005 but the sea had other big difficulties for us today. The ice was broken and soft. We actually could always break through to the bottom of the sea. We approximately reached the middle of the sea this way. The sea itself is only around 1.5m at its deepest point but enormously dangerous due to sloping. The problem that we were faced with today was the glassy, sloping, and frozen surface, more than 100m. It was impossible to cross the surface without ice spikes on the shoes, even more difficult with the cars. -Side story-: During a satellite conversation today, my wife asked me, whether the Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited is really that good as I am describing. My answer was definitely Yes. We have several journalists with us, camera teams and participants who are all fascinated – including myself – by the performance of the cars.http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag11-3.jpg

However, any kind of locks and even the best tires could not stand the surface. No hold and stability means no hold and stability. Thus, we sent a ranger team, wearing ice spikes, to the opposite side of the frozen surface in order to place the ice anchors into the bottom. To this anchor, I connected my car (F1) with the front winch and Dieter connected his winch in my back-winch.

The advantages were the following: in case that the ice anchors does not stand the great strain, Dieter safeguard my F1 with the second car (F2) against strong drifts and total loss of the vehicle. Otherwise the only possibility would have been an escape from the car by a quick jumping off. This would have been the total loss of F1. Thus, I winched my way through the frozen surface with the aid of the Warn Powerplant.

It was exciting but it worked out. Well, F1 was on the other side, now it was F2’ turn. There were cable winches and belts of about 70m between F1 and F2 because I had stuck my car into a ditch. Then it became spectacular: when Dieter started winching F2, the car drifted immediately (the F2 was not safeguarded at the back). I saw what happened and so I accelerated my car as fast as possible. While sliding and drifting to the slope, F2 stick to the 70m-cable and I rushed forward. By moving forward, we could bring the speed of F2 under control and the car “skidded” from the frozen surface “ashore”.

“Holiday on ice” could not have produced it for television more spectacular. It was amazing!

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag11-4.jpg

Another question will be to find the best way of return. However, the top priority now has our record and we have made a real progress today. It was funny that suddenly, even on a very steep side (about 6100m) which was necessary to overcome, the car electronics told us, that it is not possible to go on like that. More exactly, the electronic control changed into emergency program due to a documented shortage of oxygen. I spoke to my car just like to a buddy and asked “him” where the actual problem is because we already have scarce oxygen for days. Obviously, the small molecules of the car thought the same, and decided to forget about the lack of oxygen after a re-start. We had full performance again.

Starting from the glacial lake, we drove on the old, familiar track until we reached the ledges. However, I decided not to climb the ledges this time but to try a new way on the right side of the mountain range. It was the right decision. After passing a field of snow penitents, on which edge we groped our way forward, we arrived at a drop from which we could drive into a slope. This slope – we have already been to an altitude of 6200m – ended on a small plateau (6300m). The great coincidence, that place marked the back of the hill of the old world record. Brilliant.

http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag11-1.jpg

Now we accelerated both cars through an ice field and climbed up to an altitude of 6358m. We made it. For the first time in history, two standard cars are in an altitude of 6358m., an altitude that has never been reached by cars with standard fittings before. At the same time, it marks our starting point for Tuesday.
The fact that the team is very exhausted after this performance – even the way down took several hours – we will have a break tomorrow.
The upcoming time will be exciting because we discovered today that the glacier field is quite rifty. The tires will have to do an important job.

[imwally]

Thats the pic I like to see. the jeeps in action.

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 13, 2007
NEW RECORD !!!!
One tire in Argentina – one tire in Chile.
We made it.
The Jeep® Wrangler High Altitude World Record 2007 became magnificent true.
Both Jeep® Wrangler vehicles reached an incredible altitude. I am sure that this mark will not be broken in any time. We exceeded our own targets. We have been on the ridge.
We are really, really exhausted and just returned to the base camp – nobody is injured, no vehicle destroyed, no single tire damaged - detailed information is coming soon.
It was really incredible.
The new height record mark will be made public as soon as it has been verified.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/alterrekord2.jpg
The old record mark
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/gletscherueberfahrt.jpg
On the glacier
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/gipfelpanorama.jpg
A great view
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/gipfelparkplatz.jpg
Only in a JEEP...
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/jeepparkplatz.jpg
Only in a JEEP....
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/sieggruppenbild.jpg
The victorius team

[Ghost]

That is some spectacular scenery. Great JOB!

[FitchVA]

very awesome accomplishment!!!

[MOSSGREENMACHINE]

Congratulations on the new record!! Thanks for keeping all of us Jeep fans informed.

[Patriot4x4]

badass! great pix!

[WaXJ_Skier]

I think a lot of the rigs here on NAXJA could make that. Who wants to try?

[Ghost]

I think a lot of the rigs here on NAXJA could make that. Who wants to try?
Yea I would not even want to fathom the finacial backing that took to pull off. :dunno:

[grocerygetterZJ]

that looks like a GREAT time!! congrats on the accomplishment!!

I do however notice the fact they talk about the ease this year taking on the ice, due to melting..... Global warming perhaps?!!

[UNCC_99XJ]

Awesome!!! Congrats! :thumbup:

[BlueGerbil]

Daily report March 13/14, 2007
It was promised.
The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude World Record has come true.
On 3/13/2007, one tire in Chile, one in Argentina, we drive by two identical and standard Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 3.8 V6 to an incredible altitude of:
6646 meters above sea level
Only 251 meters below the top of the Ojos del Salado/Chile-Atacama we reach the top between both secondary summits.
Before telling the story of the record day, I would like to thank my family, particularly Karin, Christian, Nicole and Doris Jeschke and my entire team. Without their tremendous visible or invisible commitment it would not have been possible to achieve this performance.
I also thank Andreas Dolz, Dieter Glöß, Hubertus Franz, Joachim Beyer, Hans Siebenhaar, Sabine Jost-Schmitt, Jürgen Malieske, Eleonore Wangler, Dominik Liebehenz, Hendrik Pfefferkorn, Oliver Korac, Benjamin Strobel, Enrico Glöß, Andreas Stöhr, Eckhart Müller, Volker Schmidt, Barbara Kerscher, Brita Matthiesen, Thomas Stark, Jan Liska, Alexander Wohlfart, Felipe Avilés, Sebastian Martinez, Rodrigo Montalban, Mario Sepulvera and Maurico Orellana.
I formally and explicitly thank all the people in companies supporting and promoting us and I appreciate their belief in me. I especially thank Florian Laudan and Ralf Glaser (DaimlerChrysler/Jeep® Germany), Christian Fischer and Jörn Stövesand (Goodyear Germany), Hugo Burgers (Warn Europe), Bernhardt Wagenknecht (ODG) and Axel Taubenreuther (Taubenreuther). I also thank those people helping in the background and anyone supporting us even I was not aware of it. I am sorry but due to my bad condition, I cannot think of all the names right now.
It was the day of decision.
Even I did not want to believe it in the morning, it seemed to turn out to be a special day; a day on which a number of people would not restrain their feelings.
I had a very bad and restless night; I tossed and turned, was frightened and was in a bad mood when getting up. These were symptoms which I should have known from previous important days of decision. However, I probably did not want to think about a possible success so early. I was only worried about how to cross the glacier.
How often would we break in? How many tires would cut up on the razor-sharp snow penitents? Would we be mentally and physically strong enough to change the tires in an altitude of 6300 m and how often would we be able to secure the respective other car on the ice, in order to rescue it with the winches. Would the cars survive the snow penitents? Unbelievable what was on the way to happen.
We started at 6 am in order to be at a height of 5900 m when the first sunrays appear.
The night before, it had been snowing a lot on the Ojos and so I was not sure if it would be possible to move forward on the mountain. In my opinion, we could not have waited even one day more.
When starting the rise at the point of the rocky lane at 7.30 am, it turned out that, at least in the lower third of the volcano, it remained free of snow for the most part. After only 2 hours, the entire team reached its cars which had been parked at the glacier sea one day before. Additionally, the participants had essential material (including crossing aid and fuel) with them. Already in the base camp we had discussed and determined who was able to do the hard work in the altitude and could take the strain. In all 12 people took part, climbing with the Jeep® to the glacier at an altitude of 6340m. The rest of the team went back to 4500 m after wishing us good luck and saying goodbye.
Side story: One reader asked the following question: Where is the difficulty to climb up there?
Answer: It is probably life-threatening, because among other things, we had to work very hard for our success and did not use any additional oxygen. Those who have not experienced climbing to such altitudes cannot really imagine the strain you have to cope with.
Arriving at the glacier, the team was divided at first, to be reunited at the crossing.
Hans Siebenhaar started exploring the right side going onwards from the old world record mark, the camera team positioned itself on a hill, the rangers positioned their material and I passed through the left glacier side. The glacier extends over the whole plateau which is directly below the top of the main and
the side summit of the Ojos. It is sloping about 200 m at the smallest point. We wanted to cross exactly that place above the glacier wall. The reason for that was the quite hard and almost closed icy surface due to strong wind at this place.
From our point of view, there was no other possible way of crossing. After quite a while of exploring the track, I got a radio message from Hans. He told me that he found the best starting point from where we started.
Dieter and I decided to drive slowly one after the other in order to be able to protect the cars immediately if necessary. The Warn winches were ready. They had already helped us well on the glacial lake to cross it.
I was the first, driving slowly on the ice. However, there were around 40 m of broken ice and snowdrifts between the solid floor and the frozen surface. Even after the first meters, my Jeep® broke into the snow penitents. It was not possible to keep on going at that low speed.
The second try with high speed: The Jeep® crashed into the same holes but had enough drive to get out of it. I had to try it. I broke 2 times, 3 times, 4 times as if the wheel bases broke down. Patterns have been cut in the tire sides by the snow penitent poles but nothing happened except the following: I suddenly stood on hard ice with my F1. Of course, everyone was rejoicing. Dieter followed with F2 the same way later on. We made the start.
Meanwhile, Hans has moved further and marked the most favourable track while we were driving with the left tires on broken ice in order to keep the stability and not to slip off to the right side.
Phenomenal, how much strain the Goodyear Wrangler MTR tires were able to take, especially during the crossing of the glacier. Only with 0.5 bar air pressure they resisted any difficulties, sharp stones, razor sharp snow penitents, side pressure, even anything.
Everyone knows that for me and for many other people who accompanied my recent expeditions, there is no better offroad tire than this one. Family and friends know that I am not saying that because of partner obligations but due to constant proving of the Goodyear Wrangler MTR under extreme circumstances.
During this expedition the tire demonstrated its outstanding performance to all participants again and will demonstrate that to those who will see the pictures later on.
We continued crawling along the Ojos. The Jeep® broke through the ice, drove out again and forward! We were cheering at each other via transmitter. This morning, no one would have believed in being able to cross the glacier this way. We even did not have to use the crossing aids. Not even! The Wranglers are unbeatable.
Afterwards, however, we had a hard time on the glacier. When we had almost reached the edge of the ice field, I was lost in a deep snowdrift and Dieter had to pull me out with the winch. The second time I started more on the left side and so I reached solid land. Dieter followed and we were overwhelmed by this success. We made it. We were the only ones ever to cross the glacier of the Ojos del Salado by car. The best thing was, that with the place just reached, we surpassed the old record mark by 8 meters. New world record!
Hans, meanwhile climbing up to 6395m, marked the way until a little hill on the edge. When we arrived there with our cars, Hans was the first one who allowed his emotions full bent. The others and I followed later on.
The open edge of the world’s highest volcano was now in front of us; a wide field of boulders becoming steeper and steeper on the way to the crater edge or the secondary summit. All 12 people have been together and everyone got on the Jeep®! Both Jeep® were loaded with material and occupied by 6 people (2/4/1).
Dieter and I acelerated. That meant low gear ration, 1. gear, uncoupled stabilizers, locked differentials in front, in the middle and behind. The motors were spinning at about 7000 per minute and more. We climbed higher and higher.
The men’s voices in my car cracked, everyone said or shouted the numbers on both GPS systems which went up higher and higher. I desired to reach 6500m. 6470, 6480, 6490, 6500, 6510, 6520.
Only at the altitude of 6520m above sea level the full Jeep® got stuck in the loose volcanic rock. Amazing!
Now everyone and everything had to go out of the cars. We wanted to climb higher - unloaded. I manoeuvred the F1 around 200m backwards, Dieter did the same.
But: for another 42m of altitude, I had to change my ideal route by 150m.
Yet, I did not know what it meant but I had a fu… feeling when I got out of the car and looked down.
Then I thought: where is Dieter?
F2 did not make it. Dieter had got stuck with his Jeep® in my track. We stayed in contact and it was clear: he needed to come up. We wanted to mark the new world record altitude with both cars; we wanted to reach something which should not be possible to reach again. Thus, Dieter stepped the gas. It was the same procedure. I think, Dieter had to experience the same in his car and must have felt the same as I did. I gave him loud orders via the transmitter; I really wanted him to come up. I do not know if he heard me but he drove perfectly in any case. He drove close to my track, between the snow fields. And he climbed up.
F2 reached the record altitude of 6562m above sea level and stopped next to F1 after a few minutes.
Then the second time, the same as before. I could here the engines’ power; I held the wheel as if someone tried to steal it. My car climbed higher and higher, passing the team members gathering at an altitude of 6520m. I wanted the success. Absolutely.
Full power of the gas pedal, I clutched the steering wheel, I was totally fixed.
In order to climb higher, I had to swerve to the left to avoid a snow field. My Jeep® kept on drifting, 50, 100, 150 m crosswise to the slope. However, it climbed up meter by meter. Then we came to the end. F1 stopped at an incredible altitude of 6562 m. There is no other car that has ever been higher. Stuck in the volcano sand.
”Jeep Parking Only!”
was written on the sign. We were pleased as Punch. Meanwhile, the team climbed
up and hugged each other. They waved the flags, gave several, probably “highest” TV interviews and took many pictures.
I even forgot how to get back for a short time.
Afterwards, everything had to go fast. Some members got increasingly sick in this crazy altitude. Hans and Hubertus urged them to climb down immediately. I decided to stay with Dieter and the rangers with the cars, whereas the rest of the crew took the way back to the glacier. Nobody had an idea at that time what else would happen.
I always say: Fear is my best friend whatever I do. It sharpens your senses and protects you from bad luck. I felt fear again…. tremendous fear.
First I tried to secure the way back of F2 and asked Dieter to get into the car. I gave orders from outside, but despite careful operations, we did not manage to secure the way back of F2. The car changed more and more in a sloping position. When we looked down, we saw 300m of boulders, snow, ice, no chance to turn on the edge. Shi…
Dieter got out of the car and we discussed the situation. After a little while it was obvious: there was just one possibility for us and the cars, namely to climb up. We had to try to reach the summit which was above us and turned there. From our point of view, the area looked large enough. Since Dieter’s Jeep® had skidded under my car in the meantime, he gave him a try and I did what he did.
We made the clutch jumping, full speed, gripped the steering wheel, hoped and fought, wanted to make it – we had to manage it!
Dieter with F2 drifted higher and higher, meter by meter, over 300m crossways to the slope. When I had reached Dieter’s parking position, I had told him to keep on driving. Afterwards, my F1 and I reached the highest point, possible for vehicles to drive up and ever to reach: a small plateau at the end of the summit of the Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano.
An altitude of
6646 meters above sea level
Dieter followed me and reached the same altitude.

Unbelievable, tremendous, phenomenal.
Of course, everyone gave his best. Of course, we returned. Of course, it was extremely difficult. Of course, we have been completely exhausted. Of course.
Just one more thing: Standing at our wooden hut and looking at he Ojos in the evening, a thin layer of clouds occured at the altitude of the plateau and surrounded the volcano like a garland, like a royal crown.
Thanks.
The team will be back in Germany at 21st of March.
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-001.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-002.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-003.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-004.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-005.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-006.jpg
http://www.liska.de/bilder/hoehenrekord/tag1314-007.jpg

[POSJ]

How many feet is that? Congrats on the new record and good job.

[YELLAHEEP]

That's 21804.46 feet, or a little over 4 miles above sea level.

[POSJ]

man thats pretty amazing considering, Did they turn the throttle body different or something, I remember going up in Tahoe you can tell the difference between sea-level and 7,000 feet and thats three times that. The more I read the more impressed I am.

[BlueGerbil]

The vehicles were stock, they only added winches and changed the BFGs to MT/R tires. No engine mods, nothing.

[pato castro]

Hello, this is my first post in this forum, and i want to tell you that the record has been broken, by a Suzuki Samurai (webpage is spanish):

http://www.twistedandes.com/foro/showthread.php?t=34944&page=1&pp=10

[Arran]

[quote=pato castro]Hello, this is my first post in this forum, and i want to tell you that the record has been broken, by a Suzuki Samurai (webpage is spanish):

Seems fishy to me. Not very official.

[svaras]

Seems fishy to me. Not very official.

Sorry man.......I am jeep lover also, but let me tell you that this IS official....it´s a matter of hours to be publicated by Guinness. I know Gonzalo (the driver) pretty well, and I can tell you that they went further than the German expedition...

[vetteboy]

[quote=pato castro]Hello, this is my first post in this forum, and i want to tell you that the record has been broken, by a Suzuki Samurai (webpage is spanish):

Seems fishy to me. Not very official.

He drove past the sign posted by the Jeep expedition, and brought it back.

Doesn't get much more official than that.

[Jeepin Jason]

from one of the pics, it looks like he tore up the sign. what an a-hole.

[IGOCOMMANDO]

I believe I'd be more impressed with him if he had taken a "stock" Sammi up there. If I outfitted an XJ correctly I could beat him....
But, it's too cold up there for me.

[svaras]

I believe I'd be more impressed with him if he had taken a "stock" Sammi up there. If I outfitted an XJ correctly I could beat him....
But, it's too cold up there for me.

I´m more impressed about having the balls to go there only with your spotter and financed with your own pocket.
DC gave 7 brand new vehicles for the German expedition and they were almost 20 people.
Again, I LOVE JEEPS, I own a TJ, XJ, Waggy, and a M38, but the fact of having a big dollar group shouting to the whole world ONLY IN A JEEP made me puke.

[G Bravo]

I believe I'd be more impressed with him if he had taken a "stock" Sammi up there. If I outfitted an XJ correctly I could beat him....
But, it's too cold up there for me.

Well, just bring me 6 more cars and 18 more people and and I will put a stock Zook up here.

Is not a matter to outfit an XJ, is a matter of be able to drive a whole day at 22.000ft. Whatever the car is.-

[Plays For Jeeps]

I dont get it, Wheres the supplies?

No limb risers or snorkels?

[XJEEPER]

I can't read it, so it must not be true........

[pato castro]

Try it here:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=575413

[G Bravo]

from one of the pics, it looks like he tore up the sign. what an a-hole.

Sorry guys, you should be more carefull, as described on Pirate4X4, such part of the sign was laying on the ground in the middle of the volcano. At that a time was only a trash, that I bring home. The "Jeep parking only" part must to be laying till now.

The wind is pretty strong and you can not even think that a plastic sheet will resist such wind.

[JPVM]

And also since the Ojos del Salado Volcano is in the middle of a National Park, the previous expedition also shouldn't have left any sign there, so Gonzalo , asides of winning back the Guinness record, you also cleaned the place , bravo !! :D

[gbianchi]

Congratulation for Chile and the expeditioners.-

I think next year the german are gonna come with an helicopter to get that altitude.-

best regards from Atacama Desert

[Ghost]

I still am more impressed that a STOCK jeep made it where it took a Heavily modified Zuke to beat. :cheers:

[Glenn B]

Regardless of rig, that would be an awesome trip!

[R.Roman]

I still am more impressed that a STOCK jeep made it where it took a Heavily modified Zuke to beat. :cheers:
Hi Ghost,

I'd just like to know what "stock" means to you, in this case:

Stock Rubicon Unlimited 2007:
- V6 3778cc engine
- Diff ratio: 4.1:1
- Transfer Case: 1:1/4:1
- First gear: 4.46:1
- Front & Rear manually locking diffs
Estimated price: 28.000 US$

"Heavily modified Zuke":
- L4 1600 engine
- Diff ratio: 5.12:1
- Transfer Case: 1.58:1/4.16:1
- First Gear: 3.8:1
- Front&Rear ARB
Estimated price: Priceless

The 2007 Suzuki equivalent to the Samurai is the Jimny:
- L4 1328cc engine
- Diff ratio: 4.3:1
- Transfer Case: 1:1/2:1
- First gear: 4.43:1
- Front & Rear open diffs
Estimated price: 15.000 US$

I think it's fair to put a 1:4.16 TC, front&rear ARB lockers, better tires, 3" lift to the Jimny, that would raise it's price less than 3.000 US$, give me 6 support vehicles and 500.000 US$ and I'll take them to the same place that Gonzalo reached...

Don't forget too that it was a Volkwagen Touareg that arrived at 6.080mt at that same volcano on 2005, and I must say that it's not a vehicle designed to do serious off-roading like the Rubicon.

My 2 cents...

Roberto

BTW. Congrats Gonzalo, to do it almost alone and in just one day, WOW

[98XJSport]

Doesn't forced induction make a pretty big difference at those altitudes? Plus it's not the cost differential, it's in the parts. A vehicle with 36x13.5 tires on beadlocks will have a huge advantage over one with roughly 32x10.5 with no beadlocks, for example. No matter the brand of vehicle.

I would say this really is 2 different records, stock the jeep holds it, modified the suzuki holds it. But they don't let me make the rules... And congrats to all who have made an ascent like that, it's a remarkable feat :cheers:

and I must say that it's not a vehicle designed to do serious off-roading like the Rubicon.

The way jeep is going these days, we probably wouldn't all agree on that :D

[Ghost]

Like I said I was more impressed that the STOCK Jeep made it at all. It is called an opinion, get use to it. Not everyone in the World will agree with you.

[WaXJ_Skier]

Doesn't forced induction make a pretty big difference at those altitudes? Plus it's not the cost differential, it's in the parts. A vehicle with 36x13.5 tires on beadlocks will have a huge advantage over one with roughly 32x10.5 with no beadlocks, for example. No matter the brand of vehicle.

I would say this really is 2 different records, stock the jeep holds it, modified the suzuki holds it. But they don't let me make the rules... And congrats to all who have made an ascent like that, it's a remarkable feat :cheers:



The way jeep is going these days, we probably wouldn't all agree on that :D

I think a NAXJA XJ needs to bring that crown back to the jeep side

[R.Roman]

Doesn't forced induction make a pretty big difference at those altitudes? Plus it's not the cost differential, it's in the parts. A vehicle with 36x13.5 tires on beadlocks will have a huge advantage over one with roughly 32x10.5 with no beadlocks, for example. No matter the brand of vehicle.

I would say this really is 2 different records, stock the jeep holds it, modified the suzuki holds it. But they don't let me make the rules... And congrats to all who have made an ascent like that, it's a remarkable feat :cheers:

The way jeep is going these days, we probably wouldn't all agree on that :D

I agree with you that these are really 2 different records, one is an achievement for a company, and the other is a personal achievement. I'm sure that Gonzalo will tell his grandsons about this, and he'll have all the pictures with him.

When something like that is achieved by a company like Jeep or Volkswagen I greet them for creating a vehicle that can do this, but don't forget that their goal is publicity and increase their sales, otherwise they wouldn't do it.

Sideways, when a particular does it I say WOW, because it's something personal for him, no mater the publicity, it will be in his heart all his life, if anybody here achieves something great I'll greet him. Just think at the great explorers of the world history, they didn't have much technology or money with them, just a goal, an idea and guts, that's why we remember them.

Roberto

BTW. as soon as I can afford it I'd like to have a Rubicon, I really like that vehicle (and I'm a Suzuki fan, but I accept when something is better).

[JPVM]

Is it that difficult to accept the the high dollar expedition was ridiculized by a single home made privateer 4wheeler ? Guys, if you have a "crew" of 18 people (and a factory leading the pack) helping you choose the right path, helping you anchor the winch (since the german people were winched up with the new Warn powerplant), pushing it upwards, carrying O2 bottles, resources of all kinds, helicopter, etc., so then Gonzalo with help of 18 more people and this level of suppor would have made summit with the 'Zuki sharing the glory with some MOUNTAINEERS on top instead ... c'mon ... :explosion :peace:

[JPVM]

Hello , this complements all what has been talked about, pics speak more than a 1000 words .... :yelclap:

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4643/f10000026680jo9.jpg

[JPVM]

BTW for those that didn't believe... here are the two GPS readouts, altitude is in mts , so for Ft conversion just multiply bt 3.2808 :clap:

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6386/ojosdelsaladorecord6651yl2.jpg

[BlueGerbil]

Personal Statem from Matthias Jeschke to the Jeep High Altitude World Record 2007:
There are many men and women whom I look up to.
Men and women who have achieved something very special and for whom I feel great respect.
I honour their courage and esteem their achievements.
However, people do not become outstanding persons merely on the basis of their intellectual, physical or sporting achievements.
From people who would like to be heroes, or even declare themselves to be heroes, I expect something more – an attitude towards others which is marked by respect and common decency.
In the normal way I do not react to everything that gets said, because I have had experience enough in the past with envy. Things were no different in 2005, though in the meantime there has been a change in quality. In those days they tried to tell us that people in other parts of the world had driven cars up to 7,500 and 8,000 metres, but this year the methods used were very different.
For this reason I am allowing myself to contribute a few clear words to the current discussion towards the Suzuki-team:
If anyone compares the events leading up to the exciting world altitude record in 2007 with the “David versus Goliath” story and feels compelled to call himself David, this suggests either insecurity or plain contempt for a competitor. Goliath was a soldier who disparaged and ridiculed a whole people. David came forward to put an end to this mockery and rescue his people.
It is barefaced impertinence to describe us as Goliath. The Extrem Events / Jeep Wrangler world altitude record team was a cooperation based on close friendship between Chileans and Germans. This highly successful expedition was carried out with the full cooperation of our Chilean partners and friends.
I am especially angry because, only a few days after the Jeep record, the Chilean rangers who escorted our expedition were insulted most offensively by persons close to Suzuki team circles and abused as traitors – because they had given help to foreigners. This is absurd!
We cooperated very closely with the regional government, the Governor, the Regional Ministry of Tourism, the rangers and various Chilean companies.
Everything was agreed on together with the authorities, with the aim – over and above the record itself – of making a special film to create publicity for the product, also for Chile, the Atacama Desert region and, most especially, the volcanoes. It must be evident to one and all that we needed equipment and manpower for a project of this kind. It would be futile to discuss our budget – most of which was invested in Chile anyway – with people who have never been concerned to establish the facts.
An expedition has to take possible emergencies into account. Persons who venture into perilous terrains and expose themselves to hazards – without notifying the authorities and during a time when no rangers were present on the mountain – are acting irresponsibly towards the people who may have to go to their rescue later, and are also spoiling the public image of the region – all the more so when they use a vehicle for the purpose which had almost gone up in flames during the earlier attempt.
The signboard set up together by the rangers and ourselves was intended as a reminder of the splendid achievement of an international team which had ventured up to enormous heights. People who proudly adorn themselves with such trophies have lost what little respect I still had for them. It is a matter of honour not to misappropriate a witness of this kind.
The Jeep Wrangler world altitude record 2007 (6646 metres, confirmed by Guinness World Records with a certificate dated 26 April 2007) was carried out in strict compliance with the Guinness rules. There is no evidence that these rules were observed during the Suzuki expedition. A driver who follows in the team’s tracks with an off-roader converted to a rock crawler, without exhaust certification or vehicle licence, and then claims to have climbed 30 metres higher, has not set up a Guinness World Record. There are many different reasons for this. Although required by the current Guinness rules, no official or independent observers were present during the record journey of the Suzuki team; according to a statement from the regional and area administration of the Ojos del Salado, the journey had not been authorised; no permission had been granted to drive up the Ojos del Salado; no confirmation had been received from a representative of the Regional Government; the two mobile GPS appliances were not firmly secured to the vehicle and thus open to manipulation. And so on.
Sorry, lads, but that just isn’t on.
A final word:
We can now obviously expect a reaction from Gonzalo B. G. and the team. Both of them will let their egos off the leash and serve up a variety of stories and statements. But there will be no more reaction from me. The facts are clear enough.
Yours,
Matthias Jeschke
Extrem Events

[Speed_racer]

And to comment on athe VW Tour-Egg thing...


They ARE VERY MUCH SO designed to be able to handle offroad. Auto lockers, yada yada.. Did you not see them wheel a stock one thru moab?!

[G Bravo]

Personal Statem from Matthias Jeschke to the Jeep High Altitude World Record 2007:

There are many men and women whom I look up to.

Men and women who have achieved something very special and for whom I feel great respect.

I honour their courage and esteem their achievements.

However, people do not become outstanding persons merely on the basis of their intellectual, physical or sporting achievements.

From people who would like to be heroes, or even declare themselves to be heroes, I expect something more – an attitude towards others which is marked by respect and common decency.

In the normal way I do not react to everything that gets said, because I have had experience enough in the past with envy. Things were no different in 2005, though in the meantime there has been a change in quality. In those days they tried to tell us that people in other parts of the world had driven cars up to 7,500 and 8,000 metres, but this year the methods used were very different.

For this reason I am allowing myself to contribute a few clear words to the current discussion towards the Suzuki-team:

If anyone compares the events leading up to the exciting world altitude record in 2007 with the “David versus Goliath” story and feels compelled to call himself David, this suggests either insecurity or plain contempt for a competitor. Goliath was a soldier who disparaged and ridiculed a whole people. David came forward to put an end to this mockery and rescue his people.

It is barefaced impertinence to describe us as Goliath. The Extrem Events / Jeep Wrangler world altitude record team was a cooperation based on close friendship between Chileans and Germans. This highly successful expedition was carried out with the full cooperation of our Chilean partners and friends.

I am especially angry because, only a few days after the Jeep record, the Chilean rangers who escorted our expedition were insulted most offensively by persons close to Suzuki team circles and abused as traitors – because they had given help to foreigners. This is absurd!

We cooperated very closely with the regional government, the Governor, the Regional Ministry of Tourism, the rangers and various Chilean companies.

Everything was agreed on together with the authorities, with the aim – over and above the record itself – of making a special film to create publicity for the product, also for Chile, the Atacama Desert region and, most especially, the volcanoes. It must be evident to one and all that we needed equipment and manpower for a project of this kind. It would be futile to discuss our budget – most of which was invested in Chile anyway – with people who have never been concerned to establish the facts.

An expedition has to take possible emergencies into account. Persons who venture into perilous terrains and expose themselves to hazards – without notifying the authorities and during a time when no rangers were present on the mountain – are acting irresponsibly towards the people who may have to go to their rescue later, and are also spoiling the public image of the region – all the more so when they use a vehicle for the purpose which had almost gone up in flames during the earlier attempt.

The signboard set up together by the rangers and ourselves was intended as a reminder of the splendid achievement of an international team which had ventured up to enormous heights. People who proudly adorn themselves with such trophies have lost what little respect I still had for them. It is a matter of honour not to misappropriate a witness of this kind.

The Jeep Wrangler world altitude record 2007 (6646 metres, confirmed by Guinness World Records with a certificate dated 26 April 2007) was carried out in strict compliance with the Guinness rules. There is no evidence that these rules were observed during the Suzuki expedition. A driver who follows in the team’s tracks with an off-roader converted to a rock crawler, without exhaust certification or vehicle licence, and then claims to have climbed 30 metres higher, has not set up a Guinness World Record. There are many different reasons for this. Although required by the current Guinness rules, no official or independent observers were present during the record journey of the Suzuki team; according to a statement from the regional and area administration of the Ojos del Salado, the journey had not been authorised; no permission had been granted to drive up the Ojos del Salado; no confirmation had been received from a representative of the Regional Government; the two mobile GPS appliances were not firmly secured to the vehicle and thus open to manipulation. And so on.

Sorry, lads, but that just isn’t on.

A final word:

We can now obviously expect a reaction from Gonzalo B. G. and the team. Both of them will let their egos off the leash and serve up a variety of stories and statements. But there will be no more reaction from me. The facts are clear enough.

Yours,

Matthias Jeschke
Extrem Events



Answer to Mr Jeschke’s letter dated May 11th 2007

Wow; I am really Impress how far can a company goes on this.

To start, let me clarify that this expedition is not called “Suzuki Expedition”, that is just the brand of my rig, and there in no any Suzuki sponsorship on this, is just a modest expedition headed by me, Gonzalo Bravo.

I would like to clarify that Mr Jeschke comments that supposed to come from my people (4 people) never came form us, and he is using the comments that many people wrote on the different web sites forums where this matter is published. Just like to see one simple line where one of us is saying something about them or insulting someone. I am the first person that has been insulted.

I am seeing that they finished trying to close this issue, like saying the last words, well I will not stay quite with this kind of lies from this people, as a last effort to protect what they sells to his customers. This is not the first time that I hear this kind of comments from Mr Jeschke, last time was “we got the border of the crater” “… I reached the highest point, possible for vehicles to drive up and ever to reach”, false, just to extend his business one year more.

I have been clarifying the sign issue in all places, and they insist to take advantage of this, where we clearly state when published such picture (on 04-25-2007, 10:39hrs at http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=575413&page=2) that such lower section was laying on the ground in the middle of the volcano, and the bigger plastic sections must to be dirtying this area on this moment. This fact generated a lot of claims from hiking people that usually climb this volcano, and with reasons to think it, because besides this non biodegradable piece of plastics, they left a 1,5m height reflecting pole in the middle of the highest volcano in the world. So please, don’t tell ME about ecologist just based on the fact that the people that you yearly rent, denied to give me the letter “to go off road” after your phone call. Letter that we finally got last week from our government.

Regarding the path we use, you well know that is the ONLY path that exist, and the same path that used 8 expeditions before you, so please, don’t abuse the lack of information that a person who reads this can have.

We were waiting you to make 30m more? Please tell all the people, include your sponsors, that I personally informed you about my expedition at mid 2006, and made a first attempt on Jan 01st 2007, and could not make the second because the volcano concession denied the access to me because “all was rented by Matthias for big money”, and have to wait till you left. Then the car failed on the second attempt and could get the needed money to return for a 3rd attempt from friends and family two weeks later. So, who started with this?

Regarding the GWR, you are wrong again, and you are definitely repeating what your rented people is telling you, because we have the needed documents duly signed by who concern and are actually on the GWR hands. So let me tell you that your calling made to press was not so effective, there is still straight forward people down here.

Why you are so interested on Guinness registration? Is what you sell to Daimler Chrysler and can not handle such pressure? Any person that was there before can easily see where we finish, and see that this expedition that started one year ago, was successful to made a new record, is that so difficult to recognize?

Don’t try to show this like a joint expedition with some Chilean friend that left huge money to Chile, you just hire people on the best place to make this record and were there is no restriction to go off-road. At least to me, to pay Usd 80 total to a person to carry your film equipments to 6600m and prepare the beakfast during 5 days is not big money. This is your business and is my hobby; don’t try to show another story please.

To finish, I hope the influences of Mr Jeschke will not affect the GWR decisions, and the fact that we did not pay the ₤300 for fast check that they regularly paid, will neither affect an expedition that had follow every single requirement made before the attempt.

I am really upset; I will never ever thing that Mr Jeschke goes so far trying to justify his job in front of his customers, I will never accept this kind if insults.
Mathias, if you can not handle the pressure of your customers that paid you several hundred thousand dollars for this, don’t use me for your circus, I will no stay quite.

[Rev Den]

What does this have to do with us?

Why do any of your register here just to "pound your chest"?

Take it somewhere where people care....it ain't here.

Rev

[karstic]

Its quiet not quite:moon:

[JPFreek1]

The official response from Mattias Jeschke regarding the Suzuki team's breaking the record, of which whose Extrem Events German team made the ascent up the Ojos mountain to set the Jeep world record in stock JK Unlimited Rubicons, will be in the upcoming issue of JPFreek Adventure Magazine which can be downloaded from the JPFreek website early next week (June 4 or 5)

[Sniggs]

http://i14.tinypic.com/4mn4y7n.jpg

:sure:

[suzukirules]

Looks like it was done originally in a Suzuki - Awsome. I would like to see the videos of it done in the Rubicon. We have both at our house. Congrats to all. :yelclap: Could you let me know where I could possibly get the DVDs of these adventures?

[1985xjlaredo]

Looks like it was done originally in a Suzuki - Awsome. I would like to see the videos of it done in the Rubicon. We have both at our house. Congrats to all. :yelclap: Could you let me know where I could possibly get the DVDs of these adventures?
WOW I remember this thread. Good resurrection .