The Nürburgring, also known as the Green Hell, is a legendary track that car manufacturers flock to in order to test their machines and claim the coveted lap record. Holding a Nürburgring lap record is not just about bragging rights; it provides invaluable insight into a car’s performance and highlights areas for improvement.
The Nordschleife, with its 147 corners spread out over 13 miles, is a challenging and unforgiving course that separates the best from the rest. Manufacturers spend years perfecting their cars around the track, hoping to be crowned maker of one of the fastest cars in the world.
In 2019, the ‘official’ length of the lap was increased to 12.944 miles, including the previously excluded T13 straight. This change meant that only times set on the full circuit would count towards the lap record.
The current fastest car to lap the Nürburgring is the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, with an impressive time of 5:15:55 minutes. This Le Mans-winning prototype racer was modified and unleashed on the track by Porsche, setting a new benchmark for speed and performance.
Volkswagen also made waves with its ID R electric car, claiming the fastest lap time in its category with a time of 6:05:33. This achievement not only showcases the potential of electric vehicles but also demonstrates Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and performance.
In the front-wheel-drive category, the Honda Civic Type R reigns supreme with a lap time of 7:44:88. Honda has a long history of setting records at the Nürburgring, and the Civic Type R continues to impress with its speed and agility on the track.
Each lap record at the Nürburgring tells a story of innovation, dedication, and performance. From the powerful Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo to the electric Volkswagen ID R and the nimble Honda Civic Type R, these cars push the boundaries of what is possible on one of the most challenging tracks in the world. Whether it’s setting a new record or defending an existing one, manufacturers continue to strive for excellence at the Green Hell.
