Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package
Shanghai’s first officially certified lap record for a production car
The time of 2 minutes 11.28 seconds, driven by Lars Kahn, was the fastest time for a production car, and the first lap record for a production car to be officially recognised by the Shanghai International Circuit.
Porsche development driver Lars Kern set a lap record at the 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit in a Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package, achieving the fastest time of 2 minutes 11.28 seconds for a production vehicle, setting the first lap record officially recognized by the Shanghai International Circuit.
Kevin Gieck, Vice President of the Taycan Model Line at Porsche, expressed his delight at the lap record set at the Shanghai International Circuit:
“Every circuit presents its own unique challenges. To demonstrate the high level of perfection of the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package, we set out to break records on three very different tracks around the world. They say good things come in threes. With production vehicle lap records at the Nürburgring in Germany, Laguna Seca in California, and Shanghai in China, the Taycan can be considered an international success.”
Balance and performance proven in Shanghai
On the technical yet high-speed Shanghai International Circuit, the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package demonstrated outstanding balance and performance.
Lars Kahn, who was in charge of the attack this time as well as at the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca, reflected on his drive at the Shanghai International Circuit as follows:
“The unpredictable weather presented us with a bit of a challenge. There were a number of light rain showers, which meant the track was a bit damp towards the end. In these conditions, I was once again impressed with the balance and performance of the Taycan.”
“At the end of the straight, as you approach the first turn, which is a very tight turn, you have to brake very hard. As you go through the curves, the corner gets sharper and sharper, like a snail’s shell. Accelerating out of this snail corner is crucial for gaining speed for the left-hand corner that follows.”
“The rest of the course is also quite fast. The Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package reached its top speed, with the speedometer showing 300 km/h. It is designed to deliver the best traction and performance even in such conditions, and it once again proved its worth on the Shanghai course.”
Attack mode exceeds 1100PS
The Taycan’s new Attack Mode, which temporarily boosts the electric motor’s power output by 120 kW, was also used strategically in Shanghai.
The Taycan’s “Attack Mode” demonstrates its advantages at the Shanghai International Circuit, where the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix is held. This boost function allows the Taycan to utilize an additional power of up to 120 kW for 10 seconds. Attack Mode is available at speeds of 5 km/h or more, when the battery temperature is above 10°C, and when the battery charge level is above 30%.
For safety reasons, the time attack car was fitted with a roll cage and racing bucket seats, and was also fitted with optional high-grip Pirelli Trofeo RS tires to set a lap record.
In spring 2024, Porsche will expand its fully electric sports saloon lineup with the addition of the Taycan Turbo GT and Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package. These high-performance models feature an efficient silicon carbide pulse inverter on the rear axle. Both models can briefly exceed 1,100 PS in attack mode.
The Taycan Turbo GT uses lightweight construction, including carbon fiber components, making it 75 kg lighter than the Taycan Turbo S. The Weissach package, which prioritizes circuit driving, removes the rear seats to further reduce weight.
