10.12.2024
Germany’s iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife is the gold-standard for sports car development. And the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is the first car from an American brand to complete a lap in under seven minutes. Driven by Multimatic Motorsports driver Dirk Müller, the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD lapped the circuit nicknamed “The Green Hell” in an officially certified 6:57:685. It’s the fifth fastest time by a stock production sports car and Mustang GTD is only the sixth vehicle in that class to break the seven-minute barrier. The time delivers on the goal laid out by CEO Jim Farley at the Mustang GTD’s debut in August 2023. “The team behind Mustang GTD took what we’ve learned from decades on the track and engineered a Mustang that can compete with the world’s best supercars,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re proud to be the first American automaker with a car that can lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, but we aren’t satisfied. We know the Mustang GTD can set a faster Nürburgring lap. We’ll be back.” Mustang GTD’s Nürburgring success is due to the work of a small, dedicated team of engineers and designers who worked tirelessly over the course of two years to turn the Mustang GT3 race car into the first-ever Mustang supercar. Ford documented their efforts in the run up to the timed Nürburgring run in The Road To The Ring, a 13-minute documentary that covers the challenge, drama, and excitement of developing Mustang GTD. The documentary, which is available on Ford.com, the Ford YouTube channel, and Facebook is a behind-the-scenes look at the testing of Mustang GTD, from iconic American tracks like Sebring, through to development sessions at the Nürburgring. It features Farley, Muller, Multimatic Chief Technical Officer Larry Holt, Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall, and Mustang GTD Design Manager Anthony Colard, as well as other members of the Ford and Multimatic team. Mustang GTD represents the apex of Mustang performance and benefits from lessons learned by the Ford Performance Motorsports and Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 program, in particular around aerodynamics and setup for tracks such as the Nürburgring. However, Mustang GTD isn’t subject to the rules and regulations of GT3 racing, which prohibit much of the technology that allow a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap. That includes carbon-ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics, a supercharger, and semi-active suspension. A carbon-fiber body is familiar from GT3 racing, and while the Mustang GTD that completed the sub-seven-minute lap was entirely stock, it did include motorsports-derived safety gear mandated by the Nürburgring. That includes a competition seat with a five-point harness and a roll cage.
27.11.2024
The fascination of Green Hell at the Essen Motor Show (30.11. – 8.12.). The Nürburgring is presenting itself in Hall 3 with an emotional staging around legendary asphalt, high-tech and the art of engineering. As a powerful eye-catcher, a hypercar is in the spotlight twice at booth 3B24: during the opening weekend, the Mercedes-AMG ONE from the collection of the well-known automobile influencer Gercollector will thrill fans. From the halfway point of the show, the original Mercedes-AMG ONE that set the record for production vehicles on the legendary Nordschleife can be admired here. In addition, the trade fair appearance of the year-round leisure and event location offers fascinating insights into the digitalization of the legendary Nordschleife, virtual laps in the simulators of the Nürburgring eSports Bar, as well as exclusive offers such as fan articles or credits for tourist rides. Also available: the popular, free Nürburgring wall calendar with all dates for 2025. At the stand, the Nürburgring is also focusing on another key topic: safety on the track. A compact replica of the “Nordschleife Monitoring Center” gives visitors insights into one of the most modern and comprehensive safety projects in the history of the race track. The AI-supported monitoring system, which was set up over the past three years and uses over 100 cameras, ensures the highest level of safety on the most demanding race track in the world. The image signals, with which the entire Nordschleife can be monitored, converge in the Monitoring Center. The new safety standards benefit users such as tourist drivers who are looking forward to unforgettable laps in the Green Hell. At the trade fair, they can top up their credit for future trips directly at the Nürburgring stand for the first time, thus already whetting their appetite for the coming season. Those who don't want to wait until the first opening of the barriers in 2025 can take a few virtual laps at the race track stand in Hall 3. The fully movable simulators of the Nürburgring eSports Bar promise a realistic driving experience. And for those who want to take a piece of the Nürburgring home with them, the small ring°fanshop offers merchandise and exclusive trade fair offers. Fans can also test their knowledge of the Nordschleife in the Nürburgring's competition and win attractive prizes. Another highly visible element of the stand makes the diversity of the Nürburgring tangible. An LED wall displays impressive images and productions related to the Nürburgring as a destination – from the production company Nürburgring TV to the Nürburgring hotels and holiday park, the diverse Nürburgring atmosphere from major events as well as driving and adventure offers comes directly to the trade fair.
02.10.2024
The Mercedes-AMG ONE has held the lap record for production vehicles at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife since October 2022. Now Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel has beaten this record time again. With an officially confirmed time of 6:29.090 minutes for the 20.832-kilometer track, the AMG ONE improved its own record by more than five seconds. This makes the hypercar the first production car to break the 6:30-minute barrier and the only production-based hybrid hypercar to take on this racetrack. “We have held the record for road vehicles for almost two years, but at AMG we always want to go further. That's why we have once again demonstrated what the AMG ONE is capable of. The whole team has done a great job and has been rewarded with this new best time. An impressive testament to the innovative spirit and skill of AMG.” Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal. Today, we had optimal conditions to demonstrate the full potential of the AMG ONE. A big thank you to the team for the trust they placed in me. It was a special honor to set this record.” Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador. The record was set on September 23, 2020 under ideal conditions. Engel used the hybrid drive's special Energy Flow Control to optimally distribute the electrical resources over the demanding, 20-kilometer route. To confirm the lap time, the vehicle was checked by TÜV Rheinland for its series production and the record drive was certified by a notary.The AMG ONE used for the record attempt was equipped with standard MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires and the AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system. In addition, the “Race Plus” driving program was activated to ensure maximum aerodynamics and suspension stability. The car is also equipped with a Drag Reduction System (DRS) that reduces drag on fast sections of the track and increases downforce on twisty sections. You can find more information here.
19.07.2024
Even before its launch, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid set a best time. Porsche test driver Lars Kern (36) completed a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife (20.832 kilometres) in just 7:24.172 minutes. With this notarised time, Porsche set the record for the fastest top-class saloon with a combustion and hybrid engine in the official ranking of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. The new Panamera broke the existing record in this car class by 3.62 seconds. The record lap was driven by Lars Kern on 12 July 2024. To protect the driver, the record-breaking Panamera was equipped with a racing seat and a safety cage, but otherwise corresponded to the series version. Lars Kern had already set Nordschleife class records in 2016 and 2020 with the Panamera, most recently in the Panamera Turbo S. This new faster time by the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is proof of the consistent further development of the four-door sports car. With the new time of 7:24.172, Lars Kern improved on his record from 2020 by 5.64 seconds.
21.06.2024
Race and development driver Frank Stippler from Audi Sport set a offical lap time of 7:33.123 minutes with the new Audi RS 3- pre-production vehicle on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. According to Audi, the optimized cornering behavior allows the new RS 3 to become more agile earlier and more controlled. "That was the key to success," says Frank Stippler. "The new RS 3, thanks to fine-tuning – including Brake Torque Vectoring – is more willing to turn in at the corner entry, allowing the car to be positioned better and earlier for the corner exit at the latest by the apex. The result is a smaller steering angle from apex to corner exit, leading to less friction and earlier acceleration. This way, you carry more momentum and speed onto each following straight." Audi reveals that the basis for the high driving dynamics is the interplay of the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (Brake Torque Vectoring), and the optional adaptive dampers of the RS sport suspension. The modular driving dynamics controller now networks the data of all components relevant to lateral dynamics even more sensitively thanks to a further developed algorithm. According to Audi, the legendary five-cylinder engine still delivers the power with 400 PS and 500 Nm of torque. In combination with the semi-slick Pirelli "P Zero Trofeo R" tires, the 19-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now drives the RS 3 even more energetically through corners – accompanied by its distinct throaty roar due to the typical firing order of 1-2-4-5-3. All the official times that have been set so far can be seen here in our YouTube playlist.
11.03.2024
Porsche is expanding the range of its all-electric sports saloon with the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package. The latter version is consistently designed for the racetrack and dispenses with the rear seat bench in favor of an even better power-to-weight ratio. Both vehicles briefly achieve peak outputs of more than 1,100 hp. In combination with various lightweight construction and aerodynamic measures, the all-electric GT sports cars set new standards in terms of driving dynamics. A more powerful and efficient pulse inverter with silicon carbide as the semiconductor material is used on the rear axle. The first Taycan Turbo GT models are due to be delivered to customers from spring 2024. A pre-series version of this model recently set a new class best time at the Nürburgring. Lars Kern was also at the wheel here and lapped the Nordschleife in just 7:07.55 minutes. With this official lap time, he was a full 26 seconds faster than on his last record drive in August 2022 with a Taycan Turbo S Sport Sedan with performance package. This time also represents the current best time for production electric cars and makes the Turbo GT the fastest four-door car in the Eifel regardless of the drive system. "The two records at Laguna Seca and on the Nordschleife show the great circuit potential of the Taycan," emphasizes series manager Kevin Giek. "Because to succeed in the supreme discipline of 'circuit racing', it is not enough to have as much power as possible: The overall package of longitudinal dynamics, lateral dynamics, aerodynamics, stability and detailed tuning has to be right. In the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package in particular, our engineers have succeeded in achieving this in an absolutely convincing manner. They have already done a great job with the recently updated normal Taycan models. But our new GT models clearly top their driving dynamics once again." Additional power of up to 120 kW can be called up for ten seconds at the touch of a button. Attack Mode is based on the push-to-pass function of the other Taycan models. The system has been optimized for use on the racetrack and is similar in function to the 99X racing cars used by Porsche in the Electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The boost is indicated by a countdown timer in the instrument cluster and dynamically staged with animated rings in the speedometer. The Taycan Turbo GT takes just 2.3 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h, and just 2.2 seconds with the Weissach package. This makes the model one and two tenths of a second faster than the Taycan Turbo S respectively. The difference is even greater when accelerating from a standstill to 200 km/h: the Taycan Turbo GT takes 6.6 and 6.4 seconds with/without the Weissach package. Up to 1.3 seconds less than the Taycan Turbo S. While the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S differentiate themselves from the other models in the series with turbonite surrounds, the Taycan Turbo GT is more visually oriented towards motorsport. Both models bear the colored Porsche crest on the front hood and the hub caps of the light-alloy wheels. The "turbo GT" lettering on the boot lid is painted in black (matt). Consistently designed for the racetrack: Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach packageThe Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package is positioned even more sharply. Thanks to additional aerodynamic and lightweight construction measures, this model is even more consistently designed for performance. The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.2 seconds. This makes the two-seater a tenth of a second faster than the Taycan Turbo GT with the same performance. The top speed is listed at 305 instead of 290 km/h. Additional aerodynamic measures include air deflectors on the underbody and a new front diffuser. At the rear, the model with the Weissach package has a fixed rear wing in visible carbon fiber with wing supports that are resistant to bodywork. The total downforce here is up to 220 kilograms. The Weissach package logo is attached to both sides of the rear wing. Exclusive foiling in a stripe design in volt blue, black or black (matt) is available on request. This further emphasizes the motorsport character. The stripe design can be combined with the decor set in black. Because all equipment not required for circuit racing was dispensed with, a further 70 kilograms of weight could be saved compared to the Taycan Turbo GT without the Weissach package.
18.08.2023
With the unveiling of the Nevera Time Attack, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Rimac Automobili is celebrating a year of breaking performance records – more than 20 so far in 2023. The new one-of-12 Limited Edition was revealed on the very same day that it was confirmed the Nevera had broken yet another record: a new electric production car benchmark at the Nürburgring of 7:05:298. Achieved today, August 18, the Rimac Nevera broke the previous EV production lap record, beating it by 20 seconds on its first debut at the famous and ever-challenging Nürburgring track. In the historical, shorter track configuration of 20.6 km (12.8-mile) the Nevera set the time of 7:00:928.The record-breaking lap, driven by Croatian racing driver Martin Kodrić, was undertaken using Michelin Cup2R tires, and verified by independent timing data, TÜV SÜD and on-board telemetry. Commenting on the record-breaking lap, Kodrić explains: “We had challenging weather conditions during our practice sessions this week and have chosen what seems like one of the hottest days on the track this summer to set a lap time. However, a 7:05:298 lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife is commendable. The fact that the Nevera can achieve this kind of speed on track, when it’s been developed to be a comfortable hyper GT for the road, is what makes it so special. It’s such a well-rounded piece of engineering and design; gentle and usable in the city, thrilling to drive on twisting B-roads, comfortable over long distances and devastatingly fast on a race track. Driving it around the Nordschleife is a real thrill, from launching out of the Carousel, with 1,914hp being distributed between the four wheels, or pinning the accelerator to the floor down the 1.30-mile (2.8-kilometre) straight section.”Emilio Scervo, Chief Technology Officer at Bugatti Rimac said: "Breaking records with the Nevera is a testament to the innovation and dedication of the Rimac team. I’m proud of what we achieved in our first time at the Nürburgring. Our virtual performance optimization, combined with only about 20 laps of industry pool testing, led to a great result. This achievement showcases the engineering prowess and adaptability of the Nevera, which was primarily designed as a hyper GT." This record is just the latest in a list of more than 20 that the Nevera has shattered this year. In April 2023, at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP), Germany, the Rimac Nevera claimed a spectacular 23 performance records in a single day, including 0-60mph, 0-100mph and 0-186mph. The Nevera had already arrived at ATP track already holding the title of EV with the highest verified top speed, having achieved 256mph (412 km/h). In July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Nevera once again demonstrated its record-breaking ability. In front of a capacity crowd the Nevera set a 49.32 second time during the timed Supercar Shootout, making it not just the fastest electric production car to have ever taken on the famous hillclimb, but also the fastest production car to run the hill in 2023. Now, in homage to this record-breaking year, Rimac Automobili will produce just 12 Nevera Time Attack edition cars – all already sold out.Rimac Group Founder and CEO, Mate Rimac, said: “In many ways the Nevera has reinvented the world of the hypercar, bringing new technologies, new abilities and new levels of performance. But the simplest way we can demonstrate its capabilities is to go out and break records. And that’s exactly what we’ve done in 2023 time and again. The Nevera Time Attack is a Limited Edition that celebrates the achievements of the past year, wearing a bespoke livery inspired by the car that set of each of them. Built in a series of 12, each has already been spoken for by our customers keen to capture their very own part of performance car history. And it’s only August, too, so there’s plenty of time for more records to be broken…” The first customer, Californian, Jeff Miller, receives his Nevera Time Attack today at its unveiling at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. Having been through the bespoke hand-built construction process at the Rimac facility in Zagreb, the Nevera Time Attack makes its global debut during the iconic Monterey Car Week in California. Commenting on his journey with Rimac, Jeff Miller, said: “I am thrilled to take my delivery of the first Nevera Time Attack today, at this iconic event, and in Mate’s presence. A gigantic thank you to Mate and the entire Rimac team for designing and building such an amazing vehicle. The finish and fit on this car blow me away. The experience has been nothing less than incredible. From the time O’Gara Coach introduced me to the idea until today. I simply cannot wait to put this car on the curvy roads and feel it pull over 200 mph on tracks. Having my family and close friends here to share this moment makes it even more special." The Time Attack’s bespoke paintwork was designed in-house by the Rimac Automobili Color and Trim team and hand-applied to create a perfect finish. Jeff’s car, as well as the example that has toured the world breaking records, feature a base of Squadron Black, with Lightning Green highlights, including a pair of stripes running from front to rear. This bespoke shade of Lightning Green is inspired by a peculiar weather phenomenon that happens before a storm, when charged ionized particles give the sky a beautiful, powerful vivid green hue. It’s a visible warning of the power about to be unleashed. The color is also a direct homage to the e-M3 – Mate Rimac’s converted electric BMW 3 Series that was independently verified by the FIA in 2012 as the fastest accelerating electric vehicle in the world at the time. Rimac’s first record breaker, and the genesis for the Nevera. The remaining eleven owners chose between a base of Squadron Black or bare carbon fiber, highlighted by a range of colors, including Rimac Racing Red and Stiniva E-Blue. Each is paired with a subtle color reflection in the Vertex alloy wheels. On the underside of the rear wing – clearly visible when Nevera is set up in its most extreme mode, sits a message: “Dedicated to those coming after us.”The Time Attack’s bespoke touches carry through to the interior, which is finished in a base of black Alcantara, highlighted with accents and contrast stitching in the chosen exterior shade. Each example features bespoke ‘Time Attack’ stitching on the seat backs and an engraved ‘Time Attack: 1 of 12’ plaque. Power for the Nevera Time Attack comes from Rimac-engineered drivetrain, the four motors combined 1408kW/1914hp able to launch the hyper GT from 0-62mph (100km/h) in just 1.81 seconds, 0-100mph (124km/h) in 3.21 seconds and from 0 to 186mph (300km/h) in 9.22 seconds. Power for the four motors comes from a 120kWh Lithium Manganese Nickel battery pack, which allows a WLTP (Europe) range of 379-489km, and EPA Range (USA/Canada) 288-297 miles. Fast charging potential means the Nevera’s charging performance is quick too, with 25 minutes 0-80% charging time with 350kW DC charging, dropping to as low as 19 minutes from 0-80% with a 500kW DC charger. Production of the Nevera is running at full speed in Croatia. Half of the limited production run of 150 is already sold and cars are currently being delivered to customers all over the world.
13.07.2023
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS with Manthey kit set a new official lap time on the Nordschleife. With Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister at the wheel, the 500 hp modified GT sports car lapped the 20.8 kilometre circuit in the Eifel region at 18 degrees Celsius and cloudy skies in 7:03.121 minutes ¬- 6.179 seconds faster than the standard 718 Cayman GT4 RS about a year earlier. Both cars were fitted with the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. The lap time was certified by a notary present on site. According to Porsche, the new kit was developed especially for track days and in close cooperation between the engineers from Porsche Motorsport and the Nordschleife specialists from Manthey in Meuspath. Aerodynamic and chassis components in particular are modified. Optionally, the high-performance brake system is available with pads designed for circuit racing. The retrofittable, road-legal components are sold through Porsche Centres worldwide. The onboard video of the record drive can be seen on the Nürburgring's Youtube channel. Like all record drives, the lap of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS was officially recorded and confirmed by the Nürburgring. In addition to timekeeping with calibrated measuring equipment, official record attempts as well as attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition, the vehicles and drivers are inspected by TÜV Rheinland as a partner of the Nürburgring and neutral inspection organisation. Acceptance to series condition is not required for racing vehicles, special vehicles and prototypes or concept vehicles.
03.06.2023
The American electric car manufacturer Tesla has set a new official time for electric production vehicles with the Model S Plaid. Driver Tom Schwister completed a lap of the 20.8-kilometre Nordschleife in 7:25.231 minutes with the vehicle, reaching a top speed of 289 km/h. The updated Plaid model was equipped with the latest Track Pack for the time. According to carmaker Tesla, the Track Pack was developed for better performance on the track and allows for a top speed of 322 km/h. In addition, the Model S Plaid features a carbon ceramic brake package, 20-inch forged wheels and Goodyear Supercar 3R tyres. The latest version of Tesla's Track Mode improved the Model S Plaid's previous official 2021 lap time of 7:35.579 by over 10 seconds. The time is now listed as the fastest in the electric production vehicle category. The onboard video of the record drive can be seen on the Nürburgring's Youtube channel. Like all record runs, the S Plaid's lap was officially recorded and confirmed by the Nürburgring. In addition to timekeeping with calibrated measuring equipment, official record attempts and attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition, the vehicles and the drivers are inspected by TÜV Rheinland as a partner of the Nürburgring and neutral inspection organisation. The scrutineering is not required for racing vehicles, special vehicles and prototypes or concept vehicles. All official times set on the Nordschleife so far can be found here.
