New Panamera Sets Record Time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
Last Friday, Porsche test driver Lars Kern achieved a new record time of 7:24.17 minutes for luxury class cars with combustion engines and hybrids in the latest top model of the Panamera series. This remarkable achievement further cements Porsche's dominance in high-performance luxury vehicles.
Lars Kern, no stranger to setting records, previously made his mark on the Nordschleife in 2016 and 2020, most recently with the Panamera Turbo S clocking in at 7:29.81 minutes. "On the Nordschleife, the transverse dynamic capabilities of a car are particularly important," Kern remarked. "The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences, such as between the ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brünnchen’ sections, it responds with noticeably greater agility."
The new Panamera's lap time, over five seconds quicker than its predecessor, highlights the extensive advancements in the four-door sports car's development. Its electrically supported eight-cylinder combustion engine provides an impressive driving performance, though this is just one factor in the improved lap time.
Kern emphasized, "The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, the new ultra-high-performance tyres from Michelin – many aspects have contributed to this best time. 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 are on a whole new level. 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."
For safety, the Panamera driven by Kern was equipped with a racing seat and the mandatory safety cage, but otherwise matched 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, were specially developed for the Panamera. The optional Carbon Aerokit optimizes performance by eliminating lift on the front axle. Combined with the Gurney flap on the adaptive 4-way rear spoiler, this setup generates downforce, enhancing the aerodynamic balance.
The new Panamera’s record-setting performance on the Nürburgring Nordschleife demonstrates Porsche's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. For those in Dubai looking for high-performance luxury cars, the latest Panamera models offer a blend of comfort, sportiness, and cutting-edge technology.
Explore more about Porsche and other high-performance luxury cars at Auto Trader UAE. Discover a wide range of used cars in Dubai and find your next dream vehicle with Auto Trader UAE.