New Nordschleife record for production electric vehicles: Porsche Taycan leads the way again
A new lap record on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife underscores the impressive dynamic qualities of the comprehensive upgrade from the Manthey Kit. With Porsche development driver Lars Kern at the wheel, an electric GT sports car equipped with the Manthey Kit lapped the 12.94-mile (20.832 km) circuit in 6:55.553 minutes –more than nine seconds faster than the previous record for luxury electric vehicles. At the same time, Kern beat his own record set in October 2023 with a standard Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package by 12 seconds. A notary present on site, certified the record lap time.
Track-focused optional upgrade: comprehensive Manthey Kit
The new Manthey Kit allows the performance of the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package to be enhanced even further. The motorsport-inspired kit offers increased aerodynamic downforce, a comparably more powerful drivetrain and modified suspension. The driving dynamics systems have been re-tuned and are designed for the lightweight wheels developed for the Manthey Kit, fitted with special track tires (Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS). The new Manthey Kit was developed in close collaboration between the Porsche Development Center in Weissach and the Manthey engineers in Meuspath.
“With the new Manthey kit, we also offer a unique upgrade for the Taycan Turbo GT. The small, agile project team from Manthey and Porsche succeeded in transferring the Manthey DNA into a kit for electric vehicles. This approach ultimately culminated in an impressive new Nordschleife record.” says Kevin Giek, Head of the Taycan model line.
At the heart of the modifications is a comprehensive aerodynamic update that increases downforce by more than three times compared to the standard car. At 124 mph, for example, the total downforce has increased from 209 to 683 lbs. And when travelling at the top speed, which has increased from 189 to 192 mph, the Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit produces about 1631 lbs. of total downforce. This contributes to higher potential cornering speeds and supports optimum vehicle stability.
The kit’s key aerodynamic components include a new rear wing with enlarged end plates, an optimized front diffuser, a high-performance rear diffuser with extended fins, and enlarged air deflectors on the underbody. In addition, carbon aerodiscs on the rear wheels improve aerodynamic efficiency. Adjustments to the rear wing and front diffuser allow the driver to choose between varying levels of downforce to optimize for the specific conditions and track.
For the first time, the Manthey Kit also includes adjustments to the powertrain: Optimizations to the high-voltage battery, control unit and pulse inverters increase the maximum discharge current while driving from 1,100 to 1,300 amps. This increases the system output by 20 kW (26 hp) to 600 kW (804 hp), while the maximum torque when using Launch Control rises to 936 ft-lbs. (an increase of 22 ft-lbs.). If the driver activates Attack Mode, an additional power boost of up to 130 kW (174 hp) is available for a short time. The 10-second output therefore temporarily increases to 730 kW (978 hp) instead of 700 kW (938 hp).
| Taycan Turbo GT | w/ Weissach Pkg | and Manthey Kit |
| Max rear pulse inverter output | 1100 amps | 1300 amps |
| Standard system output | 580 kW (777 hp) | 600 kW (804 hp) |
| Attack mode system output | 700 kW (938 hp) | 730 kW (978 hp) |
| Launch control system output | 760 kW (1019 hp) | 760 kW (1019 hp) |
The high-performance package also includes newly developed and optimized 21-inch design forged aluminum wheels designed by Manthey. Despite their larger dimensions, they are lighter than the standard wheels. Including the titanium wheel bolts, which further reduce unsprung masses, they weigh approximately six pounds less than the standard wheels of the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package. Specific performance tires are fitted as standard, with road-legal track tires available as an option, which are four centimeters wider at the front axle and three centimeters wider at the rear axle than on the Turbo GT.
| Front | Rear | |
| Standard wheel/tires | 21 x 9.5J ET60 265/35 ZR21 |
21 x 11.5J ET66 305/30 ZR21 |
| Manthey Kit wheel/tires | 21 x 11.5J ET39 305/30 ZR21 |
21 x 12J ET51 325/30 ZR21 |
| Manthey Kit Track wheel/tires | 21 x 11.5J ET35 305/30 ZR21 |
21 x 12.5J ET57 335/30 ZR21 |
A specially-developed driving dynamics set-up for Porsche Active Ride, front- and rear-axle steering, and all-wheel drive further improve agility, cornering grip and steering precision. The new braking system with larger 440 mm front discs (420 mm on standard car), 410 mm rear discs, and performance brake pads supports optimal deceleration.
Visually, numerous add-on parts made of high-quality exposed carbon fiber emphasize the car’s motorsport-inspired character. These include the upper and lower wheel arch vents, the front and rear wheel arch extensions, the widened side skirts, and the rear wing. The enlarged, one-piece front lip is supported by suspended carbon struts.
“The Manthey Kit turns the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package into the ultimate track tool. On the Nordschleife, you can feel the stability and confidence the car offers in fast sections and when braking,” says Kern. “We were able to improve the previous best times thanks to significantly improved aerodynamics, further improved tires in terms of performance, and higher available overboost power.” For example, Kern was able to increase his speed by 8.7 mph in the “Lauda-Lefthander” section just before the “Bergwerk” as compared to the original record in 2023.
“Our goal was to further enhance the already exceptional performance of the Taycan Turbo GT, specifically for use on the racetrack,” explains Christian Müller, Technical Project Manager for Taycan special vehicles at Porsche. “Together with the experts from Manthey, we have comprehensively tuned the aerodynamics and chassis, as well as the wheel/tire combination, for maximum circuit performance. “We are breaking new ground in three ways with this Manthey Kit: It is the first kit of its kind for an electric Porsche; the most comprehensive update to date – including modifications to the drive system – and for the first time, it is also available directly from the factory.”
Availability and pricing
More information regarding availability and pricing will be announced in due course.