Watch Porsche set new electric Nürburgring lap record – beating Tesla Model S Plaid
No Taycan it easy for this EV
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S sports saloon has set a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for electric production cars.
The pure-electric sports saloon was driven by Porsche development driver Lars Kern, who lapped the 20.8km (12.9-mile) circuit in 7 min 33.350 seconds.
To satisfy the record attempt requirements, the car was a production model, although it was fitted with racing seats and a roll cage for safety reasons.
The record-breaking car was equipped with Porsche’s performance kit, which is a road-going option but currently only available to customers in Germany.
The kit features 21in RS Spyder wheels with road-legal Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres that have compounds similar to those of racing tyres, while Porsche has also included the 4D Chassis Control system that tweaks vehicle settings in real time according to what the suspension and steering are doing.
With that technology on board, the Taycan Turbo S beat the previous record holder – the Tesla Model S Plaid – by two seconds.
“In the past, only thoroughbred super sports cars got into the 7:33 range,” said test driver Kern. “With the new performance kit I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile to boot.”
Offered through Porsche’s Tequipment scheme, the kit can be retrofitted to existing models, as well as new vehicles. Retrofitting the equipment is carried out at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen workshops, but Porsche is offering transport to and from the factory as part of the package.
“We’re delighted that the Nürburgring record for electric cars is back in Porsche hands,” said Kevin Giek, Porsche’s vice-president for the Taycan model line.
“This lap time not only shows how much potential lies in our new performance kit, but also confirms once again the sports car genes of the Taycan.”
Prices for the performance kit have not yet been announced, and it’s unclear whether it will be offered to UK customers. The 751bhp Taycan Turbo S is already on sale in the UK, with prices starting at £142,400.
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