The battle for electric performance supremacy on the world’s most demanding race track has a new leader. The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, when equipped with the optional Manthey tuning kit, has officially become the fastest production electric executive car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Driven by Porsche development driver Lars Kern, the modified vehicle completed a lap in 6 minutes, 55.553 seconds. This performance shaves over 12 seconds off the previous record held by the standard Weissach-package Taycan Turbo GT, which clocked in at 7:07.55.
This achievement highlights a significant shift in the automotive landscape: manufacturers are no longer just competing on raw horsepower, but on how effectively they can translate that power into track-ready handling through specialized tuning packages.
Why This Matters: The Rise of “Track-Ready” EVs
The Nürburgring, often called the “Green Hell,” is the ultimate proving ground for automotive engineering. A sub-7-minute lap for an electric sedan is a monumental feat, given the weight challenges associated with battery packs.
By setting this benchmark, Porsche is signaling that its electric platform can compete with—and indeed dominate—traditional internal combustion supercars in terms of sustained high-performance driving. Furthermore, this record places the Taycan ahead of emerging rivals, including the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which currently holds second place with a lap time of 7:04.957.
Engineering the Record: What Does the Manthey Kit Do?
The Manthey kit is not merely a cosmetic upgrade; it is a comprehensive overhaul of the car’s aerodynamics, chassis, and powertrain. While the base Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package starts at approximately $245,950, the addition of the Manthey kit will inevitably push the price higher, reflecting the extensive engineering involved.
Here is how Manthey transformed the vehicle:
1. Radical Aerodynamic Overhaul
The most significant change is in downforce. The kit triples the available downforce, generating 1,631 pounds of negative lift at the car’s top speed of 192 mph. This keeps the car planted during high-speed corners, counteracting the natural lift that can destabilize lightweight or heavy vehicles alike.
* Visual & Functional Changes: The kit includes a larger one-piece front lip, carbon-fiber fender flares, wider side skirts, and revised diffusers.
* Signature Components: Manthey’s trademark rear aerodisc wheels and a massive rear wing are central to the car’s aggressive stance and airflow management.
2. Chassis and Suspension Tuning
To handle the increased grip and power, the underlying mechanics have been refined:
* Wheels: Forged 21-inch wheels are wider and lighter than stock, reducing unsprung weight.
* Braking: Larger front rotors and upgraded brake pads ensure consistent stopping power under extreme stress.
* Suspension: The Active Ride suspension, steering systems, and all-wheel-drive distribution have been retuned for sharper response and better stability on track.
3. Powertrain Enhancements
While the peak horsepower remains at 1,019 hp in Launch mode, the torque delivery has been optimized:
* Torque Increase: Peak torque rises by 22 lb-ft to 936 lb-ft.
* Inverter Upgrade: The pulse inverter now handles a maximum current of 1,300 amps (up from 1,100), allowing for more efficient power delivery.
* Mode Adjustments: Even in Standard and Attack modes, power outputs have increased to 804 hp and 978 hp, respectively, making the car more responsive in everyday driving conditions.
The Competitive Landscape
This record is not just a milestone for Porsche; it is a statement in the global race for electric performance. The gap between the Manthey-spec Taycan and its closest competitor, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, is now roughly 9 seconds. This margin suggests that while Chinese automakers are rapidly closing the gap in technology and performance, established European marques still hold a significant advantage in chassis tuning and track validation.
Key Takeaway: The Manthey kit proves that specialized tuning can extract extreme performance from mass-produced electric vehicles, setting a new standard for what an “executive car” can achieve on a race track.
Conclusion
The Manthey-spec Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has redefined the limits of electric sedan performance. By combining advanced aerodynamics with refined powertrain management, Porsche has not only secured the Nürburgring record but also reinforced its position at the forefront of high-performance electric mobility. As competitors like Xiaomi push harder, the Nürburgring will remain the critical arena where engineering excellence is measured.
