Porsche Taycan’s facelifted pre-production version has just surpassed the Tesla Model S Plaid’s lap time record on the legendary Nürburgring race track in Germany.
Performance
According to the press release, Porsche development driver Lars Kern piloted the pre-series Taycan EV on the “Green Hell” circuit in the Eifel region.
The new Porsche Taycan’s remarkable lap time of 7:07.55 minutes in the 12.92-mile (20.8-kilometer) course enabled it to beat the Tesla Model S Plaid equipped with the extra Track Package by an astounding 17.681 seconds.
It also signifies a 26-second improvement from Kern’s latest record drive with a Taycan Turbo S Sport sedan with the optional performance package in August 2022.
“Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport. 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.”
Kevin Giek, Head of the Product Line Taycan
Tesla Model S Plaid’s record
In hindsight, the Tesla Model S Plaid with the optional Track Package hit a lap time record of 7:25.231 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife on June 2, 2023.
At that time, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s performance overthrew the former King, non-facelifted Porsche Taycan Turbo S, by over 8 seconds. For context, it previously held the title with a lap time record of 7 minutes and 33 seconds.
Notably, the Rimac Nevera hypercar also managed to surpass the Tesla Model S Plaid’s record with a lap time of 7:05:298 in just a few months after setting the record. This remarkable performance enabled the Nevera to hold the crown up until now.
About the updated Porsche Taycan
Porsche did not disclose the specifications of the pre-production Taycan EV that recorded the 7:07.55 lap on the prestigious Nürburgring race track in Germany.
However, it noted that the model featured a legally prescribed roll cage and racing bucket seats for improved safety. In addition, Teslarati indicated the model’s similarity to a car spied on early last year with speculated three electric motors that generate an output of 1,000 horsepower.
Porsche is expected to release the on-board video of the run in mid-March 2024, which will reveal more details about the pre-production facelifted Taycan EV.
