Porsche has officially cemented the status of its flagship electric sedan as the undisputed king of high-performance executive EVs on the track. By equipping the Taycan Turbo GT with a specialized Manthey Performance Kit, the German automaker set a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife: 6 minutes, 55.533 seconds.
This achievement is significant not just for the raw speed, but for what it represents in the broader automotive landscape. While internal combustion engines still hold the absolute top spots for lap times, the gap is closing rapidly. The new time shaves 12.0 seconds off Porsche’s own previous record set in October 2023 and beats the next-fastest electric executive car by a massive 9.0 seconds.
The Manthey Advantage: More Power, Less Weight
The record-breaking vehicle was piloted by Porsche test driver Lars Kern, who noted that the upgrades transformed the car into an “ultimate track tool.” The Manthey kit is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the car’s performance characteristics through three key areas: powertrain optimization, aerodynamic efficiency, and weight reduction.
1. Powertrain Enhancements
The most striking upgrade is the increase in output. The standard Taycan Turbo GT produces 804 horsepower, but the Manthey kit boosts this to 804 hp (note: source says 804 is base, kit adds 27hp? Let’s re-read carefully. “The EV now makes 804 horsepower, 27 hp more than before… In Attack Mode, the output jumps to 979 hp, up from 939 hp.”)
* Standard Output: Increased by 27 hp to 804 hp.
* Attack Mode Output: Surges to 979 hp (up from 939 hp).
* Top Speed: Increased to 193 mph.
2. Aerodynamics and Downforce
To handle this power, the car requires significant grip. The Manthey package includes a comprehensive aero overhaul:
* An adjustable rear wing with enlarged end plates.
* Optimized front and high-performance rear diffusers.
* Underbody air deflectors and rear-wheel aero discs.
These changes dramatically increase downforce. At 120 mph, the car generates 683.4 pounds of downforce, a massive increase from the previous 209.4 pounds. This allows the car to corner faster and brake later with greater stability.
3. Braking and Weight Reduction
The chassis has been stiffened and lightened to improve responsiveness:
* Brakes: Larger rotors measuring 17.3 inches (front) and 16.1 inches (rear) provide superior stopping power.
* Wheels: 21-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires replace the standard rims.
* Unsprung Mass: The lighter wheels reduce unsprung mass by 6.6 pounds, allowing the suspension to react more quickly to track imperfections.
Why This Matters for the EV Market
This record highlights a growing trend: aftermarket specialization in electric vehicles. Historically, tuning was dominated by internal combustion engines, where modifications to exhaust, intake, and turbocharging were common. For EVs, tuning is more complex, focusing on battery thermal management, software power limits, and aerodynamics.
Porsche’s ownership of Manthey—a renowned motorsport specialist—allows for a level of integration that independent tuners might struggle to achieve. The result is a vehicle that bridges the gap between a luxury executive sedan and a dedicated track weapon.
“On the Nordschleife, you can feel how much more stability and confidence the car offers in fast sections and when braking,” said Lars Kern.
Conclusion
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Manthey’s new record of 6:55.533 is a clear signal that electric performance cars are no longer just about straight-line acceleration. By combining increased horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and refined chassis dynamics, Porsche has demonstrated that EVs can compete at the highest levels of track performance. While it still trails behind hypercars like the Corvette ZR1X or Mustang GTD in absolute lap times, it stands alone as the fastest electric executive sedan on the planet.
