- An EV Nürburgring lap record battle is under way, as Tesla just broke Porsche's previous Taycan Turbo S lap record by 8 seconds.
- Using a track-pack equipped Model S Plaid, German Formula 3 driver Tom Schwister managed to wrangle the 200-mph sedan to a 7-minute, 25-second lap.
- It's not immediately clear what tires the Model S ran on, though the "production" aspect of 'Ring lap times has been questioned for some time now.
Remember Tesla's recently released track package, the one with carbon-ceramic brakes and lightweight wheels? It was a slightly confusing option when released, as Tesla's Model S Plaid is a straight-line speed beast but not anyone's first choice for a track day special. However, it all makes sense in the context of an EV Nürburgring lap time battle with Porsche's Taycan.
And the bar has been raised now, as Tesla's new track-pack equipped Model S Plaid managed to run a 7-minute, 25-second lap with former Formula 3 and touring car driver Tom Schwister behind the wheel. That's nearly 9 seconds faster than the previous record from Porsche, in line with models like the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. And there doesn't appear to be any funny business this time either, as almost all Nürburgring lap attempts with production cars have implemented roll cages and bucket seats.
To achieve such a feat in a 4670-pound car, Tesla's track package focused primarily on slowing the beast down, equipping it with carbon-ceramic brake rotors front and rear accompanied by six-piston front, four-piston rear calipers, and "track-ready" brake fluid. The package also offered a set of 20-inch Zero-G wheels with 285/35 front and 305/30 rear Goodyear Supercar 3R tires, though Tesla has yet to confirm what tires and wheels were fitted to the model. A host of changes to the electronics suite, including revised torque vectoring and torque splits, were likely a big part of this improved time as well.
Tesla and Porsche had fought for the crown of electric production vehicle lap record just once so far, with each manufacturer running a single official lap. Tesla's first official attempt happened on September 9, 2021, with a staggering 7-minute, 35-second lap time, silencing the 2019 controversy surrounding an unofficial lap time recorded with extra aero and slicks. But Porsche didn't let the American manufacturer get too comfortable, as it set a lap time that was two seconds faster (7 minutes, 33 seconds) than Tesla in April of 2022, running a Porsche Taycan Turbo S with company test driver Lars Ken behind the wheel.
As stunning as these numbers are, there isn't a precise science to the Nürburgring lap time these days, especially not in alleged production cars. Yes, the governing body of the 'Ring took over lap time duties in 2019, verifying lap times and inspecting the vehicles prior, but it's hard to argue that a roll-caged Model S Plaid with racing harnesses is a factory option. But manufacturers enjoy the sort of informal crown they receive from it, boosting morale (and likely sales) around their fastest model.
Regardless of the lap record's longevity or legitamacy, it's fascinating to watch Schwister work behind the wheel of a big, electric sedan. And he even manages to hit 180 mph on the Dottinger Hohe, the 'Ring's 1.3-mile straight, as the Model S Plaid edges closer to its alleged 200-mph top speed. That's about 14 mph faster than the Taycan Turbo S managed to hit on its record-breaking run, indicating that outright speed played a significant role in the new record.
Should Nürburgring lap time qualifications be standardized? Please share your thoughts below.
A New York transplant hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Emmet White has a passion for anything that goes: cars, bicycles, planes, and motorcycles. After learning to ride at 17, Emmet worked in the motorcycle industry before joining Autoweek in 2022. The woes of alternate side parking have kept his fleet moderate, with a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and a 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750 street parked in his South Brooklyn community.
