STUTTGART: The newly launched Porsche Panamera will expand with a new range-topping variant that is making a name for the model on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
With Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel, a pre-series variant of the high-performance touring saloon completed the legendary course 5.64 seconds faster than the comparable model of the previous generation.
Porsche test driver Lars Kern set a new best time of 7:24.17 minutes for luxury class cars with combustion engines and hybrids, in the future top variant of the Panamera series, which is believed to be the Turbo S E-Hybrid. While Porsche hasn't reveal details about its powertrain, it will certainly be more powerful than the current V8 Turbo E-Hybrid, which makes 670hp and 928Nm of torque.
The Panamera feat means it has beaten the previous record holder - Mercedes-AMG GT63 S - which had achieved a time of 7:27.80 in November 2020.
Kern had already set class records on the Nordschleife in 2016 and 2020 in the Panamera, most recently in the Panamera Turbo S (7:29.81 minutes).
“On the Nordschleife, the transverse dynamic capabilities of a car are particularly important,” said Kern.
“The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences in particular, such as between the ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brünnchen’ sections of the track section, it responds with noticeably greater agility.”
The new Panamera’s lap time, over five seconds quicker than the previous model, underlines the consistent further development of the four-door sports car. Its electrically supported eight-cylinder combustion engine enables impressive driving performance, but this is not the only reason for the improved lap time.
“The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, the new ultra-high-performance tyres from Michelin – many aspects have contributed to this best time,” Kern said.
The new Porsche Active Ride chassis has made a particularly big contribution. The car stays parallel to the road at all times. Its cornering and body stability have been enhanced.
"As a driver, this gives me a good feeling and further underlines that our development doesn’t just offer maximum day-to-day driving comfort, but also makes a real difference on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. No other Porsche offers such a wide spectrum between comfort and sportiness. The new Panamera combines the positive properties of an exclusive touring saloon with the handling of a sports car,” said Kern.
To protect the driver, the Panamera was equipped with a racing seat and the mandatory safety cage, but otherwise corresponded to the series version.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with dimensions 275/35 ZR 21 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear was specially developed for the Panamera.
For optimised performance, the optional Carbon Aerokit eliminates lift on the front axle. In combination with the Gurney flap on the adaptive 4-way rear spoiler, the end result is that downforce is generated to boost the aerodynamic balance.
