Porsche has once again demonstrated its engineering prowess by setting a new record at the Nürburgring with its latest Panamera model. A yet-to-be-revealed trim, likely to carry the Turbo S E-Hybrid nameplate, clocked an impressive 7 minutes and 24.17 seconds around the Nordschleife. This achievement makes it the fastest car in the Nürburgring's "executive" segment, outpacing its competitors by a significant margin.
The record-setting vehicle, although a pre-production model, closely mirrors what will be available to customers. The only notable deviations were a bucket seat for driver Lars Kern and a mandated roll cage for safety purposes. While Porsche has been tight-lipped about the specific powertrain details, the car utilized a V-8 hybrid powertrain and incorporated Porsche's revolutionary Active Ride suspension, first introduced on the Panamera earlier this year.
The Panamera achieved this feat thanks to several key upgrades. It was equipped with optional 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, developed specifically for this platform. Additionally, the car featured an optional carbon fiber aerodynamic body kit, which includes a Gurney flap for the four-way adaptive rear wing. This aerodynamic package is designed to reduce front-end lift and generate downforce, enhancing stability and control at high speeds.
The 7:24.17 lap time positions this hybrid Panamera more than five seconds quicker than the previous-generation Panamera Turbo S and over three seconds faster than the former record-holder, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S. Despite this impressive performance, the Panamera is not the fastest sedan around the Nürburgring—an honor that belongs to another Porsche model, the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT.
Lars Kern, the driver who piloted the Panamera to its record-breaking time, highlighted the significant contributions of various aspects of the car. "The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, the new, optional ultra-high-performance tires from Michelin—many aspects have contributed to this time," Kern stated. He particularly praised the new Porsche Active Ride chassis, which keeps the car well connected to the road at all times, significantly enhancing cornering and body control.
Porsche's latest achievement at the Nürburgring underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. With its advanced hybrid powertrain, state-of-the-art suspension system, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the new Panamera sets a new benchmark for executive cars. As this pre-production model transitions into a market-ready vehicle, enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike can look forward to experiencing a machine that combines luxury, innovation, and unmatched performance on the track and the road.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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