Next-gen Porsche Panamera breaks executive class record in Nurburgring

MANILA: Prior to the global launch of the all-new Porsche Panamera, a pre-production version of an unreleased V8 hybrid variant has become the fastest executive-class car in the Nurburgring.  

According to Porsche, the Panamera’s V8-powered “future top model,” which was piloted by test driver Lars Kern, managed to set a lap time of seven minutes and 24.17 seconds at Germany’s famous race track. 

The model’s new best time in the “Green Hell” is a big milestone for the nameplate as it bested the Mercedes-AMG GT 63, the previous record-holder of the German track’s executive class. For reference, the GT 63 previously set a lap time of seven minutes and 27.800 seconds, according to the official Nurburgring website. 

As Kern shared, the next-generation Panamera's recent success at the German circuit is attributed to its new-found agility. 

“On the Nordschleife, the handling capabilities of the car are particularly important. The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences in particular, such as between the ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brucnnchen’ sections of the track, it responds with noticeably greater agility,” Kern said. 

The luxury car's faster lap time highlights the brand’s consistent development of four-door sports cars. Kern, in particular, remarked on the big impact made by the vehicle’s new Active Ride chassis, which is touted to give true sports car handling while keeping the vehicle comfortable and plush in day-to-day driving.  

To note, the specific Panamera that made the record-breaking run at Nurburgring did come with some race-oriented modifications. 

Specifically, it was fitted with a racing seat and a safety cage. It also received the optional set of high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, as well as the optional Carbon Aerokit for more downforce. 

The German sports car maker did not reveal powertrain specifications or release dates for the Panamera hybrid V8. As mentioned above, however, the yet-to-be-named version will be launched as the model’s new top-of-the-line model. 

In the local market, the all-new Porsche Panamera is being retailed by PGA Cars for around P12.85 million. The Philippine-spec version uses a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 capable of producing up to 348 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque. Paired with the said engine is the brand’s eight-speed Doppelkupplung transmission with paddle shifters. 

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