Never before has a series-production electric car posted a faster lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife: Porsche development driver Lars Kern took just seven minutes and 33 seconds for a lap in the Taycan Turbo S.
The sports sedan was equipped with the new performance kit and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and – aside from the required roll cage and racing seats – was an entirely standard production vehicle. It weighed the same as the series production car. A notary was on hand to verify the new record time on the 20.8-kilometre circuit in Germany’s Eifel region, while TÜV Rheinland confirmed that the record-breaking road car was a standard production model.
The performance kit includes 21-inch RS-Spyder-design wheels with road-approved, Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres that are now available for the Taycan. Their tyre compound is similar to that of racing tyres. Another element of the performance kit is a software update to the Porsche 4D Chassis Control so that it works in harmony with the sports tyres. The system analyses and synchronises all the chassis systems of the Taycan in real time. “In the past, only thoroughbred super sports cars got into the 7:33 range,” says Kern. “With the new performance kit I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile to boot.”
Performance kit by Porsche Tequipment
The performance kit is offered through Porsche Tequipment. It is currently only available in Germany and only for the 2023 model year Taycan Turbo S sports sedan. Production of these cars started in late July 2022, while the performance kit itself is expected to be available from the end of the year. The plan is for the retrofit to be carried out after initial delivery, in the Porsche workshops in Zuffenhausen. Transport to and from the factory is included, as is the individual vehicle approval and registration of the Taycan.
The sports tyres are primarily designed for driving on the track. Buyers can therefore switch back to standard road tyres at any time. It is not necessary to restore the original chassis software when doing this.
“We’re delighted that the Nürburgring record for electric cars is back in Porsche hands,” says Kevin Giek, Vice President Model Line Taycan. “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.” The considerable power of the Turbo S, of up to 460 kW was a key factor in its success. With Launch Control active, the car maxes out at 560 kW (761 PS) from a standstill.
