Porsche Taycan Steals Nurburgring Record Back From Tesla Model S Plaid
Roughly one year after Tesla beat its record, the Porsche Taycan uses its new performance kit to take it right back.
Back in 2019, the Porsche Taycan hit the iconic Nurburgring in Germany and left with a brand new record for the fastest lap ever completed by a production electric vehicle, a feat that inspired Tesla CEO Elon Musk to get to work building something that could top it. Tesla began testing Model S Plaid prototypes at the Nurburgring shortly thereafter, though it would be two years full of delays before the production version of that vehicle launched. Regardless, in 2021, the Model S Plaid took the Taycan’s title as the fastest EV at that track by ripping off a 7:35.579 lap.
Porsche obviously didn’t take kindly to relinquishing its record to the Taycan’s main rival, so it decided to head back to its local track and give it another go. The results were even more impressive as development driver Lars Kern piloted a “series-production” Porsche Taycan to an amazing 7:33.350 lap time, which shaved a full two seconds off the previous record. The automaker achieved this feat by using a car equipped with its new performance kit, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), and the required roll cage and racing seats.
The performance kit – which will available for 2023 Taycan Turbo S customers in Germany by the end of the year – consists of 21-inch RS-Spyder-design wheels, Pirelli P Zero Corsa sport tires, and a software update for the car’s 4D Chassis Control system. “In the past, only thoroughbred super sports cars got into the 7:33 range,” Kern said. “With the new performance kit I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile to boot.”
“We’re delighted that the Nurburgring record for electric cars is back in Porsche hands,” added 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.”
Photos: Porsche
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