New Porsche Taycan eclipses Tesla Model S Nürburgring time
The pre-production range-topping Taycan posted a time of 7min 7sec
German super-saloon shaves 26sec off its previous best; is just shy of Rimac Nevera's record
A new range-topping version of the Porsche Taycan has beaten the Tesla Model S Plaid around the Nurburgring by a blistering 28sec.
It becomes one of the fastest Porsches around the fabled circuit, posting a time of 7min 7sec.
Arriving later this year, the new Tesla Model S Plaid rival was previously spotted at the Nürburgring as it attempted to set a new lap record for electric production cars, driven by chief tester Lars Kern.
The range-topper, likely to be the Turbo GT, posted a time that was 26 seconds faster than Porsche's previous fastest car, the Taycan Turbo S, and 28sec ahead of the Model S Plaid.
Kern said he "pushed as hard as he could" for multiple laps on the fabled track, which was reserved for Porsche's use throughout the day.
“Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport", said Kevin Giek, head of the Taycan model line.
"Lars’ lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife is sensational, putting the Taycan in the same league as electric hypercars.
"And the impressive thing about it is that over several laps, Lars clocked almost exactly the same time.”
Upgrades over the Turbo S include a huge rear wing, new bumpers, a rear air intake and new headlights.
The Turbo GT will top the Taycan’s line up when it arrives as part of the model’s mid-life refresh – the next generation Taycan is expected to arrive in 2027.
Porsche insiders remain tight-lipped on power figures, but we expect it to offer close to 1000bhp in order for it to keep up with the Model S Plaid.
Available through Porsche Tequipment, the package included RS Spyder-design 21in wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and a significant update to the Taycan’s chassis-control system.
*Additional reporting by Jonathan Bryce*