Porsche recently introduced the fastest version of the third-generation Panamera at the Nurburgring in Germany, setting a new speed record with Lance Kern behind the wheel. This high-spec Panamera model, whose name has not been disclosed, clocked in at 7:24.17, beating the previous record by 5.64 seconds. According to Porsche, the Panamera is now the fastest luxury sedan equipped with either a combustion engine or a hybrid powertrain.
Porsche has not yet announced details about the new high-end model of the Panamera, but it could be the upcoming Turbo S E-Hybrid. This model is expected to produce more than the 670 horsepower of the regular Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid and be closer to the 729 horsepower of the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid with its 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.
Visually, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is differentiated from the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid by a deeper front splitter and black accents around the rear lights and front bumper. It also features an optional carbon Aerokit package, complete with a movable rear wing that adjusts in four directions to enhance downforce.
The prototype for the pre-production phase was unmasked and relied on 21-inch center-lock wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. According to Porsche, the only differences from the regular production model are the racing seat for the driver and the safety cage.
The new record was set on Friday, July 12, 2024. This is the third record achieved by the Panamera, following previous attempts in 2016 and 2020 at 7:29.81, driven by racing driver Lars Kern. Kern confirmed that the new generation of the car has shown "significant gains" in its "dynamic capabilities" compared to its predecessor. This is largely due to Porsche's new Active Ride system, which has transformed it into an exclusive luxury sedan with handling akin to that of sports cars.
The previous record for the executive sedan category was held by the four-door Mercedes AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+, which had a time of 7:27.800 set in November 2020. Compared to electric cars, the new Panamera's time of 7:24.17 makes it slightly faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid but slower than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
