Porsche Carrera GT Crushes its Own Nurburgring Records with Modern Tires: Automotive Addicts
The Porsche Carrera GT has proven that you can improve upon greatness at any time. The Carrera GT, a legendary V10-powered supercar that was equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, completed the circuit in an astonishing 7 minutes and 12 seconds. This achievement is testament to Porsche’s commitment to its legacy models as well as the transformative power of modern rubber. Here’s how a car that debuted nearly two decades ago managed to set a lap time faster than some of today’s most advanced performance cars.
A New Era for a Timeless Classic
Though it may not feel “vintage” to enthusiasts, the Porsche Carrera GT officially turns 20 years old in 2024. The last unit rolled off the production line in 2006, and yet, this mid-engined masterpiece remains a benchmark for driving purity, thanks to its screaming 5.7-liter V10 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Incredibly, Porsche hasn’t left the Carrera GT to fade into obscurity. The automaker announced in October 2023 that it would be releasing a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire developed for the Carrera GT. These tires, offered free of charge to owners, promise enhanced performance across the board, including shorter braking distances, better grip, more precise handling, and, as this record proves, faster lap times.
Rewriting History on the ‘Ring
To test Porsche’s claims, Sport Auto, a respected German publication, enlisted Porsche factory driver Jorg Bergmeister to take the revamped Carrera GT for a lap around the Nurburgring. The car’s 7:12 time was a 16-second improvement over the previous record of 7:28 set by Walter Rohrl on original Pirelli P Zero tires in 2004. While the Carrera GT itself remains mechanically unchanged, the updated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver a level of performance that was unimaginable two decades ago.
Keeping Pace with Modern Supercars
What makes the Carrera GT’s achievement even more remarkable is how its new lap time stacks up against contemporary heavyweights. The Porsche 911 GT3 of the 991 generation (7:25) is faster than the BMW M4 CSL (7:00), or even the legendary Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition. This is no mean feat for a car out of production since almost 20 years. These tires are designed with tread patterns and compounds that offer better grip and stability under high-speed braking and cornering. They’re essentially a bridge between street and track tires, providing a more communicative and confidence-inspiring driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability.
Manthey Racing, Porsche’s in-house motorsport partner, provided trackside support during the record-setting lap. Their involvement ensured that the Carrera GT was perfectly dialed in to take full advantage of the new tires, further underscoring Porsche’s commitment to its customer base.
Porsche’s Legacy of Innovation
The Carrera GT’s triumphant return to the Nurburgring is yet another example of Porsche’s relentless pursuit of excellence. By revisiting a car that many consider the pinnacle of analog driving, Porsche has not only reminded us of the Carrera GT’s timeless brilliance but also showcased how advancements in supporting technologies can elevate even the greatest machines.
This achievement is also a reminder of how manufacturers and suppliers like Michelin can work together to keep automotive icons relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. The past is not only to be preserved, but also enhanced for the future. The Carrera GT is still a force in the world of hybrid hypercars, advanced electronics, and even other supercars, thanks to Michelin tires. For enthusiasts, this is a thrilling reminder that true driving passion is ageless.
Whether you’re a die-hard Porsche fan or simply an admirer of engineering excellence, the Carrera GT’s latest achievement serves as proof that even the most legendary cars can still surprise us. If anything, it’s a call to keep dreaming about the ways we can make the greats even greater.
Sources: Sport Auto, Auto Bild, Porsche AG.
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