The Porsche Carrera GT, often regarded as one of the most iconic supercars of the early 2000s, has just proven that it’s never too late to improve on greatness. In a remarkable demonstration of how modern tire technology can breathe new life into a classic, the Carrera GT smashed its original Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time by a staggering 16 seconds. Equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the legendary V10-powered supercar completed the circuit in an astonishing 7 minutes, 12 seconds, as confirmed by Sport Auto.
This achievement is a testament to both Porsche’s dedication to supporting its legacy models and the transformative impact 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.
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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. In October 2023, the automaker announced a groundbreaking update for the car: a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, developed specifically 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.
To test Porsche’s claims, Sport Auto, a respected German publication, enlisted Porsche factory driver Jörg Bergmeister to take the revamped Carrera GT for a lap around the Nürburgring. The result was nothing short of extraordinary—a 7:12 lap time, obliterating the car’s previous best of 7:28, set by rally legend Walter Röhrl in 2004 on the original factory-equipped Pirelli P Zero tires.
The 16-second improvement speaks volumes about how far tire technology has come. 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.
What makes the Carrera GT’s achievement even more remarkable is how its new lap time stacks up against contemporary heavyweights. It’s quicker than the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 (7:25), the BMW M4 CSL (7:20), and even the legendary Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition (7:14). For a car that’s been out of production for almost two decades, this is no small feat.
The secret to this dramatic performance boost lies in the engineering behind the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Designed with cutting-edge compounds and tread patterns, these tires offer superior grip and stability, particularly under high-speed cornering and braking. 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.
The Carrera GT’s triumphant return to the Nürburgring 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. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about enhancing it for the future.
The Porsche Carrera GT’s new Nürburgring lap time is more than just a number—it’s a celebration of what happens when timeless design meets modern innovation. Thanks to these Michelin tires, the Carrera GT remains a force to be reckoned with, even in a world dominated by hybrid hypercars and advanced electronics. 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.
