Porsche has once again raised the benchmark for high-performance electric vehicles after the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package and the newly developed Manthey Kit set a new Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record for electric executive cars. Piloted by Porsche development driver Lars Kern, the heavily upgraded EV completed the legendary 20.832 km circuit in an astonishing 6:55.533 minutes, surpassing the previous class record by more than nine seconds.
The achievement also marked a significant improvement over Kern’s own record lap from October 2023, with the new Manthey-equipped Taycan cutting an impressive 12 seconds from the previous best time. The lap was officially verified by a notary present at the circuit.
According to Kevin Giek, Head of the Taycan model line, the Manthey Kit represents a major step in bringing Porsche’s motorsport expertise into the electric era. Developed jointly by Porsche engineers in Weissach and Manthey specialists in Meuspath, the package transforms the Taycan Turbo GT into an even more focused circuit machine while maintaining the brand’s signature performance DNA.
A major factor behind the record-breaking pace lies in the extensive aerodynamic enhancements. The Manthey Kit boosts downforce by more than three times compared to the standard Taycan Turbo GT. At 200 km/h, total downforce rises from 95 kg to 310 kg, while at the car’s increased top speed of 310 km/h, the system can generate approximately 740 kg of downforce in its high-downforce track setup. This significant increase improves cornering speeds, stability under braking, and overall driver confidence on demanding sections of the Nordschleife.
The aerodynamic upgrades include a redesigned rear wing with larger end plates, a revised front diffuser, an enhanced rear diffuser with extended fins, larger underbody air deflectors, and carbon aerodiscs on the rear wheels for improved airflow management. Drivers can also adjust the aerodynamic setup depending on track requirements, allowing either a lower-drag or higher-downforce configuration.
Beyond aerodynamics, Porsche and Manthey also introduced performance improvements to the electric drivetrain for the first time in a Manthey package. Optimisations to the high-voltage battery, pulse inverters, and control systems increase maximum discharge current from 1,100 to 1,300 amps. As a result, peak system output climbs by 20 kW to 600 kW, while maximum torque with Launch Control rises to 1,270 Nm.
The upgraded Attack Mode function now delivers a temporary 130 kW power boost for ten seconds, increasing peak output to 730 kW during aggressive acceleration phases. Porsche notes that the feature is designed primarily for circuit use and requires sufficient battery charge and temperature conditions to operate at full capability.
Handling improvements were also central to the Manthey development programme. The package introduces specially tuned settings for Porsche Active Ride suspension, rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive, and chassis control systems. Combined with newly developed 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and optional road-legal Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo RS track tyres, the Taycan gains sharper steering precision, improved agility, and stronger mechanical grip.
The braking system has also been upgraded with larger discs measuring 440 mm at the front and 410 mm at the rear, paired with performance brake pads to provide stronger and more consistent stopping power during intense track sessions.
Visually, the Manthey Kit gives the Taycan Turbo GT a more aggressive motorsport-inspired appearance through the use of exposed carbon fibre components. Carbon wheel arch vents, widened side skirts, aerodynamic extensions, and the enlarged rear wing all contribute to both styling and functionality, reinforcing Porsche’s philosophy of combining performance with efficiency.
Lars Kern described the Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit as the “ultimate track tool,” highlighting the added stability, confidence, and aerodynamic performance that enabled significantly higher speeds through fast sections of the Nürburgring. On the stretch between Lauda-Links and Bergwerk alone, the upgraded EV was reportedly 14 km/h faster than during the previous record run.
With this latest achievement, Porsche continues to demonstrate how electric performance vehicles can rival and even surpass traditional combustion-powered sports cars on one of the world’s most demanding racetracks.
