Lars Kern, no stranger to the Nordschleife, previously set records in 2016 and 2020 with the Panamera. His last best time was in the Panamera Turbo S at 7:29.81 minutes.

“On the Nordschleife, the car’s transverse dynamic capabilities are crucial. The new Panamera has made significant strides here. In technically demanding sections, especially between ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brünnchen,’ its agility is noticeably enhanced.” he added.

This new lap time, shaving off more than five seconds from the previous model, shows just how much improvement the new Panamera has. While the electrically supported eight-cylinder engine delivers better performance, there’s more.

“The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, and the new ultra-high-performance Michelin tyres – all played pivotal roles in achieving this best time,” Kern explained. A standout feature, the new Porsche Active Ride chassis, maintains perfect road parallelism, enhancing both cornering and body stability.

“As a driver, this gives me immense confidence. It shows that our advancements not only offer unparalleled everyday comfort but also make a significant impact on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. No other Porsche balances comfort and sportiness like the new Panamera.”

For the record attempt, the Porsche Panamera was fitted with a racing seat and the mandatory safety cage, but it was otherwise identical to the production version.

The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, measuring 275/35 ZR 21 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear, were specifically designed for this car. The optional Carbon Aerokit further enhances performance by eliminating lift on the front axle.

Combined with the Gurney flap on the adaptive 4-way rear spoiler, the result is increased downforce and improved aerodynamic balance.

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Porsche’s lap record for its Taycan Turbo S on the Nurburgring Nordschleife was 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds, set by Porsche development driver Lars Kern in August 2022 in a current-generation vehicle with the performance package.

On 2 January 2024, Lars walloped his own lap time in a pre-series next-generation Taycan Turbo S by an eye-watering 26 seconds, making this the fastest electric car from Zuffenhausen!

“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,” said head of the model line, Kevin Giek.

“And the impressive thing about it is that over several laps, Lars clocked almost exactly the same time.” Almost exactly within a second of one another.

“I pushed as hard as I could, but that was really all I could do,” said Kern. The Nurburgring-Nordschleife was at the exclusive disposal of the experienced racer for the day of fast laps.

For safety reasons, the test car was equipped with the legally prescribed roll cage, along with racing bucket seats.

Compared to the 2022 record, the times were significantly better. The pre-series car was a good 25km/h faster heading into Schwedenkreuz.

To illustrate the difference further, by the time Kern crossed the finish line near Grandstand 13 (T13) this time, he would have only just been passing the entrance to the Nordschleife, about to enter the Antoniusbuche section, during his record drive in 2022.

This put the distance between the pre-series Taycan and the current Turbo S at more than 1.3 kilometres – a figure that illustrates the leap in performance achieved on the 20.8km-long “Green Hell” in Germany’s Eifel region.

Photo Credits: Porsche

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7 minutes 3.121 seconds or 6.179 seconds quicker than the regular 718 Cayman GT4 RS around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That’s what the Manthey Kit brings to the table, and will be available from Porsche Centres worldwide.

First up are the addition of functional aero parts. In front, flaps and new air curtains with a wheel arch Gurney flap, and a new carbon underbody with diffusers increase downforce on the front end.

At the back, there is an 85mm wider rear wing that features a new wing blade and larger endplates, which work together to increase rear downforce. This new wing assembly is four-stage adjustable to tailor aero to different driving situations. To withstand this increased downforce in the rear, the bodywork of the rear engine cover is reinforced with a carbon-weave finish. At 200km/h, with the rear wing set to Performance, total downforce increases from 89kg to 169kg.

Adding to the aero effects are the CFRP aero-discs on the rear wheels, which help to smooth airflow and cut down on turbulence.

Next up is suspension. Together with Manthey, Porsche has developed a special coilover suspension with an inverted set-up that can be adapted for the track. The spring struts can be adjusted to four different positions, and tool-less adjustments are available for rebound and compression. Spring rates in front have gone up 20 per cent. Not to worry if your GT4 RS has a front-axle lift system, for there is a version of the coil-overs for this as well.

Stainless steel braided brake lines are also a part of the Manthey Kit to offer much more precise and even braking. Need more hardcore in your GT4 RS? Specify the optional racing brake pads, which offer a particularly constant friction coefficient over a wider temperature range, and enjoy more consistent braking on track.

Other optional upgrades are also available to suit one’s palette. Illuminated door sill guards with the Manthey logo can be specified to personalise the car visually. Towing loops are also optionally available, designed especially for the track. A specially designed CFRP rear spoiler attachment, which is finished with carbon weave, is attached to the standard rear spoiler, and further increases downforce on the rear axle by around four per cent in combination with the bigger rear wing. Optional louvres or wheel arch vents finished in carbon weave in the front wings are also available to match the look of the Weissach package.

The Manthey Kit will be sold by Porsche Centres worldwide, and its launch in Europe is expected to be in December 2023 with other markets following thereafter. Country-specific pricing will be listed in the accessory finder. Ready to kit out your 718 Cayman GT4 RS for even more hardcore track days?

Photo Credit: Porsche

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