Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Becomes Fastest Electric Vehicle at Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi : Ramez Azzam, a UAE-based race school instructor, was the one behind the wheel.

• The lap record is tracked by EMSO, which is led by seasoned FIA official Fergus Lavers.
• The Taycan Turbo sports a 789 PS powertrain that gets a 2-second temporary boost up to 1108 PS. 
• The car can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.2 seconds and can clinch a top speed of 305 kmph

On the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is now officially the quickest electric vehicle in production. It now holds the record at this famous racing track, joining a list of circuits worldwide where it is the fastest production BEV.

The 5.281 km Grand Prix circuit, which also hosts the season's last race in Formula One, is where the record was set. Ramez Azzam, a GT racing driver and race school instructor from the United Arab Emirates, attempted the race. Following revised regulations for official production vehicle lap records, the Yas Marina Circuit and the Emirates Motorsport Organisation formally recognised the run.

How is the official lap record managed?

The new rules require cars to undergo inspection before they hit the track. This checks that they match the production specifications. Once cleared, the car can take part in a 60-minute practice session. After that, there is a 45-minute qualifying run, during which the lap record must be set.

The lap record is closely observed by EMSO, led by experienced FIA official Fergus Lavers. The race control facilities are fully operational during the process. Track limits are also enforced to make sure lap times follow the rules.

Every year, the last race of the Formula 1 season takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit.  In the Middle East, it is also a well-liked venue for motorsport events.  Records for production car lap times can now be formally approved by the venue for the first time.

Porsche uses its experience from winning races with the 99X Electric car in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Now, this technology is currently in the Taycan Turbo GT, which is considered the strongest production Porsche ever made.

Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the version with the Weissach package are equipped with a stronger pulse inverter that produces 789 PS. When using Launch Control, this power jumps to 1033 PS, and there is a temporary boost to 1108 PS for two seconds, based on the peak power method.

The Weissach package is optional. It removes the rear seats to improve the car’s weight-to-power ratio. It also increases the use of carbon fibre to cut weight by 75kg. A fixed rear wing adds downforce, pushing it up to 220 kg more than the Taycan Turbo S.

The Turbo GT can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.2 seconds and can attain a top speed of 305 kmph. It has a special Attack Mode borrowed from Formula E that provides it with a 10-second boost of up to 163 PS.

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) lightweight ceramic brakes are standard on the Taycan Turbo GT. These brakes have been redesigned with changes to the brake calliper housing and brake disc chamber. This reduces weight by more than two kilograms and helps lower unsprung weight and rotating mass.

Additionally, the Porsche Active Ride suspension with GT-specific modification is part of the standard dynamics package for this model.  This configuration ensures a good balance of wheel loads, which helps the automobile stay linked to the road during spirited driving.

Porsche Taycan GT Price

All these feats come with a high cost. The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is priced at AED 946,700 in the UAE.