January 2, 2024 – Porsche’s development driver Lars Kern has set a new benchmark at the iconic Nürburgring-Nordschleife, achieving a blistering lap time of 7:07.55 minutes in a pre-series Taycan. This remarkable feat, completed on the challenging 20.8 km course in Germany’s Eifel region, eclipses Kern’s previous record by an astonishing 26 seconds. Kern had set his last record in August 2022, driving a Taycan Turbo S Sport sedan equipped with a performance package.
Kevin Giek, Head of the Model Line, expressed awe at Kern’s achievement: “Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport. Lars’ lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife is sensational, elevating the Taycan to the elite realm of electric hypercars.” He further noted the consistency of Kern’s performance, as the driver clocked almost exactly the same time over several laps.
Kern, reflecting on his drive, shared, “I pushed as hard as I could, but that was really all I could do.” The Nürburgring-Nordschleife was exclusively reserved for the seasoned racer to attempt his record-breaking laps. For safety, the test car included a legally mandated roll cage and racing bucket seats.
The performance of the pre-series Taycan was notably superior to the 2022 record-setting Taycan Turbo S. The new car achieved speeds approximately 25 km/h faster approaching the Schwedenkreuz. Demonstrating the significant leap in performance, Kern, at the finish line near Grandstand 13 (T13) this year, would have been just entering the Antoniusbuche section during his 2022 record lap in the Turbo S. This translates to a staggering distance of over 1.3 kilometres between the pre-series Taycan and the current Turbo S on this demanding course.
An onboard video of the complete lap is scheduled for release in mid-March, providing a detailed glimpse into this groundbreaking achievement. Porsche’s latest accomplishment not only redefines the limits of electric sports cars but also underscores the brand’s commitment to pioneering automotive excellence.
