2025 Porsche Panamera rules Green Hell

Porsche has reclaimed the luxury-car lap record at the Nurburgring with a yet-to-be-released variant of the new Porsche Panamera, which set a new benchmark of 7:24.17 minutes – undercutting the previous record-holder, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S, by more than three seconds in the process.

The legendary German performance vehicle brand hasn’t released many details about the record-breaking vehicle, describing it only as “the new Panamera top model” and confirming it was fitted with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, an optional carbon aero kit, racing seat and the mandatory roll cage.

Porsche test driver Lars Kern was at the wheel for the record run last week – the same man behind the Panamera’s two previous records in 2016 and 2020 (the latter at the controls of the previous Panamera Turbo S).

“With Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel, a pre-series variant of the high-performance touring saloon completed the legendary course 5.64 seconds faster than the comparable model of the previous generation,” Porsche said.

This company line and recent product reveals suggest the mystery vehicle could be the 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo GT – the absolute pinnacle of dynamic performance in the large premium sedan line-up, but not quite the kiloWatt king. That honour goes to the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid.

Both the Taycan Turbo GT and Cayenne Turbo GT are the most track-capable and aggressive members of their respective model ranges, but it’s actually the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid that takes top honours in terms of sheer firepower in the large SUV range.

Porsche pulled a similar move with the Taycan Turbo GT earlier this year, claiming the Nurburgring EV lap record two months before its global debut.

Whatever the case, it’s clear the new Panamera hero is much more capable than its predecessor, with Kern attributing the lap record to a wealth of contributing factors.

“The powertrain, the aerodynamics, the chassis, the new ultra-high-performance tyres from Michelin – many aspects have contributed to this best time,” he said.

“The new Porsche Active Ride chassis has made a particularly big contribution. The car stays parallel to the road at all times.

“Its cornering and body stability are on a whole new level.

“No other Porsche offers such a wide spectrum between comfort and sportiness. The new Panamera combines the positive properties of an exclusive touring saloon with the handling of a sports car.”

Odds are the new flagship Panamera will make its global debut sometime in the next four to eight weeks.

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