This pre-production model was representative of what will be available in dealerships, with the exception of a bucket seat for driver Lars Kern and a mandatory roll cage. While Porsche has not disclosed powertrain specifics, the car featured the new Active Ride suspension, which debuted on the Panamera earlier this year.
The record-setting Panamera, likely to be named the Turbo S E-Hybrid, was fitted with optional 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, developed specifically for this platform. Additionally, it sported a new optional carbon fiber aerodynamic body kit that includes a Gurney flap for the four-way adaptive rear wing. Porsche claims the kit reduces front-end lift and generates downforce, though exact figures were not provided.
With a time of 7:24, this hybrid Panamera is over five seconds faster than the previous-generation Panamera Turbo S and more than three seconds quicker than the former record-holder, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S. However, it is not the fastest sedan around the Nürburgring—that title belongs to another Porsche, the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT.
“The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, the new, optional ultra-high-performance tires from Michelin—many aspects have contributed to this time,” Kern said in a statement. “The new Porsche Active Ride chassis has made a particularly big contribution as the car stays well connected to the road at all times. Its cornering and body control are on a whole new level."
Porsche announced that a video of the lap will be released soon on YouTube.
Source: Porsche
