NEWS

10 November, Thursday

New record time on the Nordschleife: Mercedes-AMG ONE is fastest production vehicle

The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the fastest production car on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. With 6:35.183 minutes, racing driver Maro Engel set the new best time on the 20.8 kilometer track. Mercedes-AMG is the first manufacturer to have taken on the challenges of the Nürburgring in the "super sports car" category. The drive took place as an official record attempt. This guarantees the manufacturers...
New record time on the Nordschleife: Mercedes-AMG ONE is fastest production vehicle

10.11.2022

The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the fastest production car on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. With 6:35.183 minutes, racing driver Maro Engel set the new best time on the 20.8 kilometer track. Mercedes-AMG is the first manufacturer to have taken on the challenges of the Nürburgring in the "super sports car" category. The drive took place as an official record attempt. This guarantees the manufacturers a uniform standard - in each case accompanied by TÜV Rheinland as well as a notary who verifies the vehicle condition and the stopped time. > all record times and further information "That was really an unforgettable experience," explained Maro Engel after completing the record lap. "I didn't expect that we would be able to set such a lap time in these track conditions. In some crucial parts of the track, it hadn't dried completely yet and was therefore tricky." The driver therefore only set the new official record time on the last lap of the day, although he was able to set a new best time beforehand. Engel used the Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology with 782 kW (1,063 hp) of system power as well as the DRS function of the hypercar. Energy recovery during the braking phases also ensured that the high-performance battery still had enough power for 338 km/h top speed in the Döttinger Höhe section of the track. "This is real Formula 1 feeling. It's really something special to be able to drive around the Ring in this unique vehicle," Engel was pleased with the new best time of 6:35.183 minutes at the end. Onboard through the Green HellThe record lap of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is now also available on the Nürburgring's YouTube channel. The onboard recording from the cockpit of the vehicle offers the opportunity to relive this fantastic lap. Information on the official Nürburgring record runsThe general principle for the drives is: one track, one full lap, one time - according to uniform standards. 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 to monitoring the timekeeping, the vehicle is also inspected. TÜV Rheinland checks for series conformity and documents this. The exact track length as well as the start and finish line are precisely defined. A full Nordschleife lap with a flying start is driven and measured (20.8 kilometres). The vehicle categories for record runs and official Nürburgring lap times are subdivided according to various segments of the Federal Motor Transport Authority as well as specially defined special classes.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS laps the Ring in 6:49.328 minutes

13.10.2022

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS lapped the Nordschleife in 6:49.328 minutes - 10.6 seconds faster than the current 911 GT3. At the wheel was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who was intensively involved in the development of the new top model of the 911 series. The lap time was achieved in the presence of a notary. The new 911 GT3 RS is uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance. In doing so, the 386 kW (525 hp) road-legal high-performance sports car consistently uses technologies and principles from motorsport. In addition to the high-revving naturally aspirated engine with racing genes and intelligent lightweight construction, it is above all the cooling and aerodynamic concept that proves the direct kinship with its motorsport brethren. At 285 km/h, the 911 GT3 RS achieves a total downforce of 860 kilograms - three times as much as a 911 GT3. > Rekord drives at the Nürburgring "The 911 GT3 RS was able to prove today what you can already see at first glance - its absolute competence on the racetrack," says Andreas Preuninger, Model Series Manager GT vehicles. "Considering the less than ideal conditions with a strong headwind on the long Döttinger Höhe straight and excessively cool asphalt temperatures, we are satisfied with the time. The 911 GT3 RS sets new standards in the areas of aerodynamics and chassis. There has never been so much motorsport in a road car." The 911 GT3 RS with Weissach package was equipped with the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tyres in the dimensions 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear. The new 911 GT3 RS completed the previously used shortened lap in 6:44.848 minutes."Due to the strong, sometimes gusty wind, we lost a little downforce. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with the lap," says Jörg Bergmeister. "Especially in the fast sections, the 911 GT3 RS is in a league of its own. Here the car is on a level that you otherwise only know from high-class race cars. The car also sets new standards in braking. This makes fast laps on the Nordschleife simply a lot of fun." Frank Moser, Head of the 911 and 718 series, followed the fast lap from the pit wall: "I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has achieved in the development and testing of the new 911 GT3 RS. Jörg Bergmeister nailed it today and fully exploited the car's potential in the not so easy conditions at the Ring today. The 911 is always good for a surprise and proves that the rear-engined concept is still excellent for high-performance sports cars."

New Nürburgring record for the Porsche Taycan

10.08.2022

Never before has a series-production electric car posted a faster lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife: Porsche development driver Lars Kern took just seven minutes and 33 seconds for a lap in the Taycan Turbo S. The sports sedan was equipped with the new performance kit and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and – aside from the required roll cage and racing seats – was an entirely standard production vehicle. It weighed the same as the series production car. A notary was on hand to verify the new record time on the 20.8-kilometre circuit in Germany’s Eifel region, while TÜV Rheinland confirmed that the record-breaking road car was a standard production model. The performance kit includes 21-inch RS-Spyder-design wheels with road-approved, Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres that are now available for the Taycan. Their tyre compound is similar to that of racing tyres. Another element of the performance kit is a software update to the Porsche 4D Chassis Control so that it works in harmony with the sports tyres. The system analyses and synchronises all the chassis systems of the Taycan in real time. “In the past, only thoroughbred super sports cars got into the 7:33 range,” says Kern. “With the new performance kit I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile to boot.” The performance kit is offered through Porsche Tequipment. It is currently only available in Germany and only for the 2023 model year Taycan Turbo S sports sedan. Production of these cars started in late July 2022, while the performance kit itself is expected to be available from the end of the year. The plan is for the retrofit to be carried out after initial delivery, in the Porsche workshops in Zuffenhausen. Transport to and from the factory is included, as is the individual vehicle approval and registration of the Taycan. The performance kit is priced at €13,377.32 including 19 per cent VAT. The manufacturer’s warranty for the Taycan is unaffected.  The sports tyres are primarily designed for driving on the track. Buyers can therefore switch back to standard road tyres at any time. It is not necessary to restore the original chassis software when doing this. “We’re delighted that the Nürburgring record for electric cars is back in Porsche hands,” says Kevin Giek, Vice President Model Line Taycan. “This lap time not only shows how much potential lies in our new performance kit, but also confirms once again the sports car genes of the Taycan.” The considerable power of the Turbo S, of up to 460 kW (625 PS), was a key factor in its success. With Launch Control active, the car maxes out at 560 kW (761 PS) from a standstill.

Tesla sets official record for electric vehicles

10.09.2021

Nürburg. The American car manufacturer Tesla has set the official record for electric vehicles at the Nürburgring. The "Model S Plaid" circumnavigated the 20.8-kilometre Nordschleife in 7:35.579 minutes and reached a top speed of 279 km/h. The 1,020 hp vehicle with a tri-motor was driven by Swedish driver Andreas Simonsen. The time is now listed in the category for electric production cars, which thus celebrates its premiere. The onboard video of the record drive can be seen on the Nürburgring's Youtube channel. All official times set on the Nordschleife so far can be found here.To this day, a best time in the so-called "Green Hell" is a special benchmark for the automotive industry. After all, the Nordschleife, opened in 1927, is considered the most demanding race track in the world. On one lap, drivers can expect 73 bends, a 300-metre difference in altitude as well as several demanding climbs, descents and inclines. Accordingly, a time achieved here is valuable.The official Nürburgring record runs guarantee a uniform standard for the manufacturers. In general, the principle applies here: one track, one whole lap, one time - according to uniform standards. 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 to monitoring the timekeeping, the vehicle is also inspected. The exact track length as well as the start and finish line are precisely defined. A full Nordschleife lap with flying start will be driven and measured (20.8 kilometres). The vehicle categories for record runs and official Nürburgring lap times are subdivided according to various segments of the Federal Motor Transport Authority as well as specially defined special classes.

Lap record on the Nordschleife: Audi RS 3 fastest in the compact class

03.08.2021

With a time of 7:40.748 minutes, the new Audi RS 3 Sedan (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)) with racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel beat the lap record for the compact class on the Nürburgring Nordschleife by 4.64 seconds. Above all, the torque splitter, with its fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle, contributed to the record time in the “Green Hell.” The torque splitter will be used in an Audi series model for the first time. “I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,” said Audi RS 3** Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter when the record time appeared on the board. “When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” he explained. “But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.” Under ideal external conditions in the Eifel mountain range, they made record time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – with Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel. Before the record-setting lap, the team only adjusted the tire pressure in the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slicks to the track conditions. “We don’t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,” said Stippler. “That’s why a little fine tuning is always necessary on the day when it matters – particularly with respect to tire pressure, because that also affects how the torque splitter functions. Our approach was successful. It was a triumphant day all around.” Unmatched acceleration and top speed in the segmentRecords are set based on the legendary five cylinder high-performance engine in the new Audi RS 3. In the latest generation of the compact sportscar, the 2.5 TFSI engine has more torque than ever. The RS 3 Sportback (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)) and the RS 3 Sedan (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)) sprint from zero to 100 km (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds.With the RS dynamic package and ceramic brakes, they can even reach a top speed of 290 km/h (180.2 mph). That makes the Audi RS 3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed. Torque splitter for maximum agilityEven during the test phase, with two 8,000 kilometer endurance tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Stippler helped optimize the compact sportscar’s lateral-dynamic driving characteristics. “In general, the new RS 3** is much more agile in its driving from the middle of the curve to its end and also when accelerating out of the curve,” said the racing and development driver. “For me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.” The new technology makes fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels possible. An electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts for that purpose. For sporty driving, the torque splitter increases the torque on the rear wheel on the outside of the curve with greater wheel load. Due to the difference in propulsive forces, the car turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds. RS performance mode specially designed for the racetrack In the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the characteristics of the torque splitter can be varied in different modes depending on use, road conditions, and preference. In conjunction with the newly developed RS performance driving mode, the torque splitter ensures the least possible understeering and oversteering and therefore a particularly dynamic, sporty ride along the longitudinal axis. This results in earlier acceleration out of corners and thus faster lap times. RS performance mode uses specific engine and transmission characteristics and is specially adjusted to the optional Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires that are available for the first time ex factory – the ideal setup for a record lap on the Nürburgring. *Information on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as efficiency classes in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used and on the equipment and accessories of the car. Fuel consumption of the models named aboveInformation on fuel/electricity consumption and CO2 emissions in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used and on the equipment and accessories of the car. Audi RS 3 SportbackCombined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg)*;Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)* Audi RS 3 SedanCombined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg)*;Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)*

New record on the Nordschleife: Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the fastest production vehicle

24.06.2021

Nürburg. With a time of 6: 43.300 minutes, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is now the fastest production vehicle on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Driver Lars Kern set the new best time with the 700 hp car. Porsche now takes first place in the “street-legal production sports car” category. Followed by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (6: 48.047) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (6: 59.93). The drive took place as an official Nürburgring record attempt. This guarantees a uniform standard for the manufacturers. Such a project is always accompanied by a notary who verifies the condition of the vehicle and the time it has stopped. Lars Kern achieved the record on June 14th of this year, despite midsummer conditions and 41°C asphalt temperature. On the 20.8-kilometer-long Nordschleife, the vehicle from the Stuttgart-based brand achieved an average speed of 185.87 km/h. In view of the unique route with 73 corners and 300 meters difference in altitude on just one lap, this is an impressive figure. The vehicle has been optimized for the new record time with the Manthey Performance Kit and this version can be ordered from Porsche Centres in Europe. An important criteria: only vehicles that are available in the driven version and are sold in series for all customers can be listed in the category “street-legal production sports cars”. How Lars Kern did on the Nordschleife with the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, everyone can see for themselves. The recording of the record lap from the vehicle's cockpit can be seen on the Nürburgring's YouTube channel. Information on the official "Nürburgring record drives": In general, the following principle applies: one route, a whole lap, one time - according to uniform standards. In addition to timing with calibrated measuring technology, official record attempts and attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition to monitoring the timing, the vehicle is also checked. The exact length of the route as well as the start and finish lines are precisely defined. A full Nordschleife lap with a flying start is driven and measured (20.8 kilometers). The vehicle categories for record drives and official lap times of the Nürburgring are divided into different segments of the Federal Motor Transport Authority as well as specially defined special classes.

MERCEDES-AMG GT BLACK SERIES GETS OFFICIAL LAP RECORD

18.11.2020

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the fastest production car on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. Racing driver Maro Engel proved this by driving the sports car around the 20.8 kilometres of the famous Green Hell in just 6:48.047 minutes. Like all official lap records on the world's most demanding race track, both the time and the standard condition of the car were notarised on site. The timing has been done by independent experts. The lap can also be seen on the Nürburgring's Youtube channel. "That was really an impressive drive" - with these words Maro Engel commented on the record lap he drove. With the 730 hp engine, the elaborate aerodynamics and the adjustment possibilities of the chassis, he reached speeds of well over 300 km/h. The drive was also impressive when considering the general conditions. The GT3 professional set the best time at seven degrees Celsius outside and ten degrees Celsius asphalt temperature. In addition, some sections of the Nordschleife were not yet completely dry. Accordingly, the driver and manufacturer were satisfied with the time achieved. "A strong performance"There were also congratulations from the Nürburgring for this achievement: "As a long-standing partner, Mercedes-AMG develops its vehicles on the Nordschleife. Now, with the GT Black Series, they have once again proven the performance they can bring to the asphalt. A strong performance," explains Nürburgring Sales Manager Michael Dürbaum. With its achieved time, the vehicle is listed in the Nürburgring category "sports car". Production vehicles with ECE approval can set a time for this without any modifications. In general, the vehicle categories for record runs and official Nürburgring lap times are subdivided according to various segments of the Federal Motor Transport Authority as well as specially defined special classes. For example, there are currently further record holders in the "compact class" (Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R / time: 7:45.39), the "medium class" (Jaguar XE SV Project 8 / 7:23.164), the "luxury class" (Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ / 7:27. 800), in the "SUVs, off-road vehicles, vans, pick-ups" (Audi RS Q8 / 7:42.253) as well as in "modified vehicles" (Porsche GT2 RS MR / 6:44.749) or "prototypes" (Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo / 5:19.546). In general, the principle of one track, one full lap, one time - according to uniform standards - applies to the drives. 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 to the monitoring of the timekeeping, there is also an acceptance test of the vehicle. The exact length of the track and the points for timekeeping are specified: The official start and finish line at track section T13 will be used as the start and finish line, a full Nordschleife lap with a flying start will be driven and measured (20.8 kilometres). © Mercedes-AMG