Porsche 911 GT3 RS And Taycan Turbo S Set New Indian Lap Records

Porsche just captured two new lap records in India around the Buddh International Circuit. The 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS set the production car lap record around the track while the 2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo S got the record for a production electric vehicle. Both laps, which were validated by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), were set by Narain Karthikeyan, India's first F1 driver.

The GT3 RS lapped the track in one minute and 59.854 seconds, beating the previous record of two minutes and 0.266 seconds set by the 2019 GT2 RS set by Karthikeyan. This is the first production car to set a sub-two-minute lap time at the BIC.

Porsche says the GT3 RS hit speeds of over 155 mph on the straightaways thanks to its 518 horsepower flat-six engine. It was also able to make short work of the cornering sections thanks to the advanced aerodynamics that produce 900 pounds of downforce at 124 mph. This is not the first time the GT3 RS has set a lap record, as it also owns the record at Road America.

«In the back section of the circuit, the GT3 RS comes into its own and it must be, I guess, 20-25 kph faster than the GT2 RS in the long D and the fast corners. That's why you gain a lot of time. It's a track weapon, fantastic to drive. I'm a big Porsche fan, they've done a great job with this car,» said Karthikeyan.

As for the Taycan Turbo S, it uses two electric motors producing 750 hp with launch control. Those electric motors helped the Taycan circle the track in just two minutes and 10.313 seconds, besting any previous production EV.

«I can't believe how fast this thing accelerates. The steering is fantastic too. It's so precise and has great feedback, which lets me accurately place the car on the track. EVs are so much more enjoyable to drive now and the fun factor in cars like this Taycan Turbo S is right up there. I think there's a bright future for performance EVs,» said Karthikeyan.

«Demonstrating our unparalleled prowess in both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and battery electric vehicle (BEV) segments, we have cemented our status as the fastest car brand in India, excelling on urban streets and dominating the racetrack alike,»