Porsche is making a bold statement in the automotive industry. Company driver Lars Kern successfully raced the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT around the renowned Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, completing the 20.82-km lap in a remarkable 6 minutes and 55.553 seconds. This time establishes the Taycan Turbo GT as the fastest "production" electric vehicle to ever navigate the circuit, eclipsing the previous record for its category by over nine seconds.
Lars Kern, a development driver for Porsche, is highly familiar with this track. Even so, this latest achievement marks a significant advancement, surpassing his own prior record by 12 seconds, which is substantial in the world of high-speed racing. The record-setting run utilized the Manthey Kit, Porsche's most comprehensive upgrade package for its vehicles.
A key factor in achieving this record speed lies in the car's aerodynamic enhancements provided by the Manthey Kit. Engineers upgraded the rear wing with larger plates and designed an adjustable front diffuser. At speeds of 124 mph, these modifications generate 683 lb of downforce, more than three times the 209 lb downforce produced by the standard model. At its maximum speed of 192 mph, downforce increases to 1,631 lb, ensuring that the car remains firmly planted on the road, facilitating sharper cornering at higher speeds.
The Taycan's impressive speed is also derived from enhancements in its power delivery. Porsche has upgraded the high-voltage battery and associated components, escalating the electrical current from 1,100 to 1,300 amps. Consequently, power output rose from 580 kW to 600 kW, translating to roughly 804 horsepower. For a temporary boost, drivers can activate "Attack Mode," allowing the car to generate 730 kW, or 978 horsepower, for ten seconds. Moreover, when starting from a complete stop with launch control, the vehicle can achieve 760 kW, equating to 1,019 horsepower.
To effectively manage such power, the car's weight and grip are crucial. The Manthey Kit includes lightweight 21-inch forged aluminum wheels that, despite being larger than standard wheels, are lighter. Employing titanium bolts has reduced the moving components' weight by around 6 lb. The tires also feature increased width, with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires that are 4 cm wider at the front and 3 cm wider at the rear than the regular model, enhancing stability at high speeds.
Moreover, Porsche has equipped this Taycan Turbo GT with substantial brakes to ensure rapid deceleration before tight turns. The front brake discs measure 17.3 inches, while the rear discs are 16.1 inches in diameter. Thanks to the vehicle's stability, Kern could maintain greater speed throughout the fastest sections of the track. In one particular left turn, he achieved speeds 9 mph faster than during his previous record run.
Porsche faces competition from other manufacturers aiming for the Nürburgring title. A Chinese hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, recently completed a lap in 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds, boasting over 3,000 horsepower but still falling short of the Taycan's time. Another contender, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, managed a time of 7 minutes and 4.957 seconds. Tesla previously held the record but has not attempted to reclaim it since 2023, leading to speculation about the potential of the new Tesla Roadster.
Interestingly, there’s an ongoing debate about the definition of a “production car.” Porsche claims this vehicle qualifies since customers can purchase the Manthey Kit directly from the factory. However, many may argue that racing-specific features, such as high-performance tires and extensive aerodynamic elements, are unnecessary for everyday driving. Complicating matters further, some manufacturers utilize prototype vehicles, not available for public sale, to achieve their records. While the rules might appear ambiguous, it is undeniably impressive to witness a sedan exceeding 5,000 lb in weight perform at such race-ready speeds.
Despite these uncertainties, this record showcases the rapid advancement of technology. A decade ago, only exclusive supercars could complete a lap under seven minutes. Today, a four-door electric vehicle achieves this while accommodating passengers. The rivalry among brands like Porsche, BYD, and Xiaomi benefits the automotive industry, compelling engineers to innovate and enhance battery efficiency and vehicle safety. As long as these companies continue their competitive pursuits, we can expect electric vehicle performance to reach unprecedented levels.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive a car around the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, Porsche offers a video that provides an exhilarating view of the experience:
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