An as-yet-unnamed Porsche Taycan prototype has set a new Nurburgring record for electric sedans, lapping the Green Hell in 7:07.55 minutes on the 20.8km full-length configuration. The prototype is a new variant of the Taycan due to be unveiled as part of the EV’s first facelift this year and is believed to be the Taycan Turbo GT, generating in the region of 750 kW, possibly from a tri-motor powertrain.
Test driver Lars Kern was behind the wheel for the record-setting lap, which was 18 seconds quicker than the previous record holder, the Tesla Model S Plaid (7:25.231 minutes), and 26 seconds quicker than his previous 2022 record in the 560kW Taycan Turbo S. By the time the pre-series Taycan crossed the line, the Taycan Turbo S was a full 1.3km behind. More impressively, it was within 3 seconds of the Rimac Nevera, which set a 7:05.298 on the longer circuit.
“I pushed as hard as I could, but that was really all I could do,” says Kern of the lap. While the lap is impressive, Porsche notes the Taycan that set the record is considered a “pre-series” model, meaning the final specification is subject to change. It also had a few modifications, like racing bucket seats and a roll cage, for safety purposes, which won’t reach production.
What will reach production is a newly designed exterior with aggressive styling, a bold front fascia with a new front splitter, and a big rear wing. The wing is important as this Taycan variant is believed to be the first production EV from Porsche’s GT department, responsible for the 911 GT3 RS.
A reveal is expected later this year, possibly in March, when Porsche promises a full onboard video will be published.
