Yahoo News 2021 Porsche Panamera Sets Record at the Nürburgring
Porsche has set a new executive-class lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the upcoming 2021 Panamera.
Porsche won't yet reveal which Panamera model achieved the record or give any additional details on the new car's powertrain—but we think it was a Turbo S.
The new Panamera lapped the Green Hell in 7:29.81 with Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel.
UPDATE 8/17/20: Porsche has released an on-board video of the 2021 Panamera's record lap, and it has been added below.
The 2021 Porsche Panamera has set a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for executive-class cars, a category used in Europe that also includes the Mercedes-Benz S-class and the BMW 7-series. The new Panamera, likely a powerful 620-hp Turbo S model, lapped the 12.9-mile course in 7:29.81 with Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel. The 2021 Panamera is scheduled to make its official debut later this month.
That does not make it the fastest four-door around the Green Hell, though. That title goes to the Jaguar XE SV Project 8, which lapped the 12.9-mile course in 7:23.164 in 2019. However, the Jag is in the midrange class, which includes cars such as the BMW 3-series and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Another executive-class car, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S, lapped the course in 7:30.11 in 2018. These lap times reflect the now official 12.94-mile course, which was mandated last year by the 'Ring in order to set a record. Prior to that, some manufacturers would set times on a 12.8-mile lap.
Porsche has only revealed a few technical specs on the new Panamera, including that most models will have a slight increase in power (the top Turbo S E-Hybrid will reach the 700-hp barrier), and it'll get enhancements to its cornering stability, body control, steering, and chassis. The car that set the record was also equipped with Porsche's active anti-roll bars and new sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, which will be optional at launch, as well as a racing seat and a safety cage.
We'll learn more about the 2021 Porsche Panamera at the end of this month, and it should arrive in the U.S. by next year starting at just under $90,000.
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