Porsche is preparing to unveil an updated version of its all-electric sedan, the Taycan. Alongside it, the automaker plans to introduce a new, range topping version that we expect will bear the name Turbo GT and you’ll want to remember that name, because it has just clocked an absolutely blistering lap time at the Nurburgring.
Porsche was so thrilled with the upcoming EV’s lap time that they decided to reveal it before the model’s official launch. Test driver Lars Kern achieved an impressive time of 7:07.55 at the formidable track, marking a 26-second improvement over the car’s previous best lap.
“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 Kevin Giek, the head of the model line. “And the impressive thing about it is that over several laps, Lars clocked almost exactly the same time.”
More: Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Fully Reveals Itself During Lap Record Attempt
18 Seconds Faster Than The Tesla Model S Plaid
Not only is that a massive improvement over the existing Taycan, it’s also a huge improvement over the best time managed by its biggest competitor, the Tesla Model S Plaid. The four-door electric sedan’s best-ever lap time was set at 7:25.23.
In fact, the new Taycan Turbo GT’s time puts it ahead of some serious competition, like the Porsche 918 Spyder and the McLaren 720S. It’s also just behind perhaps the most impressive electric hypercar on the market, the Rimac Nevera, whose best recorded time at the track is 7:05.298.
Porsche has not yet revealed how it has earned these improvements, but did say that the car was 15 mph (25 km/h) faster in the Schwedenkreuz, and finished the lap more than 0.8 miles (1.3 km) ahead of the Turbo S, when it set what was previously the Taycan’s best Nurburgring lap time.
Reports suggest that the model will benefit from a revised chassis setup, and new aero elements, such as a carbon fiber spoiler. The Taycan Turbo GT is also expected to get a three-motor setup that churns out around 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS), getting it close to the Tesla Model S Plaid’s total of 1,020 (761 kW / 1,034 PS).
Porsche says that a full onboard video of the lap will be posted in mid-March, and that will likely coincide with the launch of the new model. Check back in with us then for full coverage of the updated Porsche Taycan.
