The Taycan Turbo S with the Porsche Tequipment performance kit has pipped the Tesla Model S round the ‘Ring by 2 full seconds.
Porsche once again tops the timing charts at the Nurburgring, with its Taycan Turbo S now once again crowned as the fastest series production EV to ever lap the well-known German track. With development driver Lars Ken setting a blistering lap time of 7 minutes 33 seconds round the 20.8 km circuit, this new fastest lap just pips the prior record-holding tri-motor Tesla Model S Plaid by 2 seconds.
Now those with a long memory might have recalled that the Tesla actually took the record from a Taycan Turbo S, and might rightfully wonder how Porsche is back up on top. Well, in a move not not entirely expectedly from the German automaker with a penchant for ‘Ring records, they simply just threw more performance parts onto the already rather-extensive options list in order to retake that production EV crown.
So to that end therefore, the Taycan Turbo S that reclaimed the crown was fitted with a newly-launched Porsche Tequipment performance kit. Available as an option on 2023 models of this performance EV sedan, the major add-ons included with this package are a set of 21-inch RS Spyder-style wheels wrapped in street-legal but track-biased Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, as well as an update to the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system that is tuned to work with said stickier rubber.
In order to meet the safety requirements for setting a ‘Ring record too, the record-setting Taycan Turbo S was also fitted with a roll cage and racing seats. Porsche however is quick to point out that aside from these additional safety items, the record-setting Taycan Turbo S weighs exactly the same as its production car counterpart and was subsequently confirmed by TÜV Rheinland as a series production model.
Though credit where credit is due, the engineering know-how at Porsche does nevertheless deserve it as this new production EV king of the ‘Ring has managed to unseat the defending champion despite being rather down on all-out horsepower. The Tesla Model S Plaid after all has packs a mighty 1,020 PS punch, while the Taycan Turbo S is down one motor and only manages to output a maximum 761 PS.
According to Porsche, customers interested in replicating this ‘Ring record are able to order this new performance kit from the end of 2022, and it will then be retrofitted at the automaker’s Zuffenhausen workshops. This performance package is currently priced at €13,377 (RM 61,400), and fitment of it will not affect the car’s warranty.
PRESS RELEASE: 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.
