Amit Saraswat 
In a recent development at the Nürburgring, Porsche’s forthcoming flagship Taycan model has outpaced the Tesla Model S Plaid by a remarkable 28 seconds. The highly anticipated Turbo GT variant, part of the Taycan’s mid-life refresh, showcased its prowess by clocking an impressive lap time of 7 minutes and 7 seconds, setting a new benchmark for electric production cars.
Piloted by chief tester Lars Kern, the Turbo GT demonstrated its racing pedigree, surpassing not only Porsche’s previous best, the Taycan Turbo S, by 26 seconds but also leaving the Tesla Model S Plaid trailing behind. Kern, emphasizing the intensity of the performance, stated that he “pushed as hard as he could” during multiple laps on the exclusively reserved track.
Kevin Giek, head of the Taycan model line, acknowledged the significance of the achievement, stating, “Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport.” Giek highlighted that Kern’s lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the challenging Nordschleife circuit places the Taycan in the league of electric hypercars. Notably, Kern consistently achieved similar lap times over several rounds, underscoring the Turbo GT’s impressive performance stability.
Distinguishing itself from the Turbo S, the Turbo GT features upgrades such as a substantial rear wing, new bumpers, a rear air intake, and updated headlights. These modifications not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also enhance the car’s aerodynamics and overall performance. The Turbo GT is poised to lead the Taycan lineup until the next generation, anticipated to arrive in 2027.
While Porsche remains discreet about specific power figures, our expectations hint at an output of close to 1000bhp for the Turbo GT, ensuring its competitiveness against the Tesla Model S Plaid. Additionally, Porsche enthusiasts can opt for the Turbo GT package through Porsche Tequipment, which includes RS Spyder-design 21-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a substantial update to the Taycan’s chassis-control system.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s exceptional performance at the Nürburgring reinforces the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric car capabilities. The mid-life refresh, coupled with the Turbo GT’s track prowess, solidifies Porsche’s position as a formidable player in the ever-evolving electric vehicle segment.
