This Porsche Sets Another Speed Record—This Time in Brazil
Three-time IMSA champion Felipe Nasr set the new lap record for electric cars at Interlagos, the demanding F1 circuit in São Paulo, Brazil.
The Taycan Turbo GT was equipped with the lightweight Weissach package, and no rear bench seat. Carbon-fiber components contributed to saving 157 pounds compared to the Taycan Turbo S.
The Taycan Turbo GT has a limited-time peak power of up to 1,019 hp, with or without the Weissach package.
Porsche has another speed record to hoist on its trophy shelf in Stuttgart.
A Taycan Turbo GT driven by three-time IMSA champion Felipe Nasr has set a new lap record for electric cars at Interlagos, the demanding F1 circuit in São Paulo, Brazil.
For the February 5 record drive, the Taycan Turbo GT was equipped with the lightweight Weissach package, and no rear bench seat, as well as OEM Pirelli Trofeo RS performance tires.
Porsche shaved the backside of the spokes of this Taycan's forged aluminum wheels to further save weight.
Nasr, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, set a lap time of 1:42.13 on the 2.67-mile Interlagos circuit, shaving almost eight seconds off the record set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2022 (1:49.8). The achievement echoes similar records in Europe, North America, and Asia.
'I expected the strong acceleration and torque but, ultimately, it was the overall performance that really impressed me,' Nasr said of the Taycan Turbo GT, which has a limited-time peak power of up to 1,019 hp, with or without the Weissach package. At the push of a button, Attack Mode cranks up another 160 hp for up to 10 seconds.
'It's amazing how quickly the car accelerates and delivers its power,' said the Porsche Penske Motorsport team driver, who will compete in the 12 Hours of Sebring IMSA race in March.
'The steering of the Taycan Turbo GT was very precise in the slow corners and remained stable even under heavy braking. The balance, the grip—a real performance machine.'
The record-setting car was equipped with standard Porsche Active Ride suspension with GT-specific tuning for balanced distribution of the wheel loads in dynamic driving situations. Carbon-fiber components contributed to saving 157 pounds compared to the Taycan Turbo S.
Another record for the all-electric Taycan GTS came two months ago when Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter achieved the longest continuous EV drift on ice, covering a distance of 10.87 miles, sideways.
For context, here are other Porsche lap times at Interlagos:
2022 Taycan Turbo S: 1:49.828
2022 Cayenne Turbo GT: 1:48.493
2022 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid: 1:48.33
2022 911 Turbo S (992): 1:43.0872018 911 GT2 RS (991) with Manthey Kit: 1:36.967
Officially known as the Autodrome José Carlos Pace, Brazil's home of Formula 1 and the FIA Endurance Championship (WEC), the circuit is known globally for the successes of national hero Ayrton Senna in the races of the early 1990s.
The Taycan Turbo GT has served as a Formula E safety car since May 2024, when it took over the role from the Taycan Turbo S.
With no concerns about sticker price, what's your 'gotta have' battery-electric sports car? Please comment below.
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