2009 Porsche 911 posts a 7:50 lap at the 'Ring
Man, this Nürburgring lap record thing has really taken off. Might the word "obsession" be even a better descriptor?
Ever since the Nissan GT-R recently posted a record-breaking time, we've Cadillac, Honda and others going after the 'Ring's brass ring, so to speak... So here's Porsche too trying to cash in here—which makes sense, as they have perhaps the most to gain (or lose) by posting record lap time times there...
Perhaps more relevant to Porsche customers is the fact that the '09 model comes with essentially all-new engines that incorporate direct injection for more power and better economy; a win-win if ever there was one. Also available is a new twin-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automated manual transmission.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
2009 Porsche 911 Turns Fast Times on the 'Ring
- Permalink | Comments (14)
- Posted by: Bob Holland June 18, 2008, 7:37 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Sports Cars
7:29 or 7:50?
I think they mixed it up because in the article it say the GT-R did a 7:29 and that the 911 did a 7:50
Fixed. Thanks.
I think 'Ring times are a good standard for performance.
It's long which tests brakes, clutch, tires, and driverr comfort.
It's swoopy which tests every imaginable angle of suspension geometry as well as the balance of the car.
It has a long stretch which tests top end.
It has some of the tightest turns with tests steering feel and radius.
I can think of no other track that is so comprehensive.
I can think of no other track that is so comprehensive.
I can. The Isle of Man, but they'll never run there, as it's way too dangerous. Yeah, they run bikes there, but they'll never do cars there anymore.
That circuit is roughly 33 miles per lap, and because of the length, it's very hard to learn.
I'm partial to Nissan, so reading about the GT-R's dominance on the Ring and pricing is exciting. However, there's something about Godzilla that doesn't capture my imagination. Is it the weight? The assualt-rifle styling? The complicated all wheel drive? The fact I will STILL not be able to afford this supercar?!
That last one. ;)
So the Carerra S runs around the 8 minute mark.
Will the Turbo and GT2/GT3 recieve the same or similar updates to the drivetrain?
still owned by the GTR
har har
Nürburgring lap records are totally rubbish data since: 1st most Americans will only go to Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin when they travel Germany; 2nd most people who can actually drive in the ring can't finish it under 12 minutes regardless of what kind of cars they have; 3rd Lap records are mostly caused by the drivers' skills and how much experience they have with their cars and the track. To tell that your son has a chance to be a president, doesn't mean all sons can do it, right Obama?
iancar, your reasons are rubbish. The point is to use the 'ring as a standardized test for cars to measure up to. Yes, the drivers are different but you would assume that all mfgrs' test drivers have professional skill level and would run it within a few seconds of each other if running in identical cars. Assuming drivers skill is close to the same level and the track is dry, lap times can be helpful to determine how fast THE CAR is. The second best thing is Top Gear's test track, where the Stig sets lap times in many different cars, but who knows how many practice laps the Stig has gotten in each car and sometimes the track is wet.
Moving on the Porsche...is 7:50 good? What are some 'ring times for other current hot cars? I've always felt that the 911 was a bit overpriced for its performance, and even though they've highly refined the chassis to minimize the huge mass hanging aft of the rear wheels, a suped up Cayman can probably whoop a 911's arse. I know i've offended Porsche owners and lovers, but let me summarize your response so you don't have to post it: "With a Porsche, you are getting more than just raw performance, you are getting a richly rewarding and connected driving experience."
7:50 is quite respectable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife_fastest_lap_times
This car is not about balls out performance. Its about having a luxury sports car you can drive every day in relative comfort. That said, its no joke in the performance category...
For me, the PDK is the big news since the horrors of LA traffic wins out over the enjoyment of rowing through the gears. However, Porsche screwed up the shifting arrangement.
I never understood what is wrong with driving a manual transmission vehicle in LA traffic. I commute in LA every day and all my vehicles (motobikes, BMW 330, Wrangler) are manual transmission and I love em for it. I deliberately picked this type of transmission.
And would do so again.