The Nurburgring is one of the planet's longest, most demanding racetracks. It stretches out for 12.943 miles and has 100 feet of elevation changes. It is a course designed to test the car and the driver. Jackie Stewart nicknamed the track the "Green Hell" because of how challenging the track was, so it can only be imagined how much more challenging it is with the cars today that can go faster and dive into the corners more quickly. Over the years, drivers trying to prove that their vehicles are the best have challenged the track, but only a few make it into the top 10. Let's take a look at the 10 fastest production car times to date, starting with the slowest of the bunch.
10 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 R3 (991.2) – 6:56:04 Minutes
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 R3 is one of the most powerful 911s to be produced. The 4.0L six-cylinder can produce an impressive 500 horsepower and has a torque rating of 339 pound-feet. From a complete standstill, the GT3 R3 can shoot to 60 in 3.0 seconds and clocked in a Nurburgring track time of 6:56:04 minutes, edging into the top 10 in the final spot. The R3 that ran the track was designed to be lighter than the basic GT3 by removing the stereo system and adding a Weissach Package, eliminating around 66 pounds of weight.
9 2005 Radical SR8 – 6:55:00 Minutes
It is debatable whether the Radical SR8 should be included in the fastest production car, Nürburgring lap times. Still, it has been authorized by the officials in the UK to have one car that is legal to drive on the streets. This makes it a production car by definition, so it is eligible to be included. The 2005 Radical SR8 has one of the lightest V-8s to ever be produced, creating horsepower amounts of 360 horses and pushing around 200 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and put up a Nürburgring lap time of 6:55:00, putting it at number nine on the charts.
8 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante – 6:52:01 Minutes
The 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante is a special edition car produced by the Italian carmaker that is designed for the track. The aerodynamics system on this car can create downforce in the front, back, or on any wheel, all according to how the person behind the wheel is driving. The Lambo is built with a rear-positioned 5.2-liter V-10 that can push out 580 horsepower and 397 pound-feet of torque. From rest, the Performante can launch to 60 in 2.7 seconds and winds around the Nürburgring in a matter of 6:52:01 minutes.
7 2009 Radical SR8LM – 6:48:28 Minutes
This 455-horsepower mid-engine car is another one created by Radical that many do not feel should be qualified as a production car, but just like the previous model, it is here because at least one car has been given the designation of being street-legal. The 2009 Radical SR8Lm is produced with a 2.8-liter V-8 that speeds through the Nürburgring at 6:48:28 minutes, solidifying a position on this list as number 7. With the amount of technology put into the engine and drivetrain, the Radical can offer competition to Le Mans prototype cars that could be embarrassing for them.
6 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS – 6:47:25 Minutes
The Porsche is one of those cars that everybody loves to drive. The 2017 Porsche 911 sped its way into sixth place on the list by putting up a Nürburgring time of 6:47:25. Unlike some other cars in the top 10, the Porsche continued to use a flat six-cylinder engine, instead of a V-8 or V-10. The 3.8-liter rear-placed engine can push out around 690 horses and can pound out 553 pound-feet of torque. From a complete standstill, the GT2 RS can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, edging out the previous models by a couple of seconds.
5 2018 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ – 6:44:97 Minutes
The aggressively styled 2018 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is another model created by the Italian company that has innovative technology designed into it for better aerodynamics and ground force. The ALA system can sense when downforce needs to be adjusted, and the system will do so when required. The engine under the hood is the 6.5-liter V-12 that pushes out 770 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. 0 to 60 times are right around 2.7 seconds, and the car put up a record-breaking time of 6:44:97 at Nürburgring.
4 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) – 6:44:85 Minutes
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the first-of-its-kind track-ready car designed to be fully adjustable from the cockpit of the car. The front and rear dampers can be set as needed, the rear differential ratio can be changed, and the drag reduction system (DRS) can be adjusted on the fly. The car comes out of the assembly lines with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces around 518 horsepower and 342 pound-feet of torque. 0 to 60 times come in at 3 seconds flat, but it was able to put up a time of 6:44:85 at Nurburgring.
3 2020 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series – 6:43:62 Minutes
The Mercedes AMG GT Black Series is a light, nimble car designed for luxury, speed, and thrills. Under the hood can be found a Biturbo 4.0-liter V-8 that pounds out 590 pound-feet of torque and can push up to 720 horsepower. 0 to 60 times are not as good as would be expected, averaging 3.1 seconds from a standstill. However, when put to the test on Nürburgring, the Black Series swooshed through the corners and accelerated quick enough to complete the track in 6:43:62 minutes.
2 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS – 6:43:30 Minutes
Once again, the newer generation of Porsche 911 takes one of the top spots on the fastest production cars on the market, as shown by its 6:43:62 times put up at Nürburgring. Under the hood is found the 3.8L flat-six that pushes out 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 0 to 60 times average of 2.6 seconds is impressive when considering some of the engines the car beat out for its place on this list.
1 2023 Mercedes AMG One – 6:35:10 Minutes
The top dog at Nürburgring is the new 2023 Mercedes AMG One with a time of 6:35:10 minutes. This hybrid supercar is basically a Formula One car designed to be driven on the road. The 2023 Mercedes AMG One has a combined horsepower of 1,049 and can rocket from 0 to 60 in a mere 2.8 seconds, which is not one of the best times on this list, but it is good enough to propel it to the top. The 1.6-liter V-6 combines with four electric motors to push the car to its limits and beyond.
FAQ
Q: Is Nurburgring The Hardest Track?
The Nurburgring was designed to challenge cars and drivers on a track that is just under 13 miles (just under 14 miles originally) of a total of 100 miles of elevation change. So, since the track is designed to push the car to the limits, it can be said that it is the most challenging track to drive.
Q: Can Anybody Drive On The Nurburgring?
Anybody with a valid driver's license and a vehicle that can go over 25 miles per hour is welcome to drive on the Nurburgring. It is not just a track designed for carmakers and racing teams that want to get a good feel of their cars and how they can handle on the harshest of roads.
Q: What Happens If you Crash On The Nurburgring?
If you have an accident, the Nurburgring officials will assess the damages done to the track and demand payment on the spot to cover them. If the car can get back to the shop, they will assess the damage on the vehicle and estimate the damages. If it cannot get to the shop, the officials will go onto the track and inspect the crash site.
Q: Can You Drive The Nurburgring At Night?
As a tourist driver, you will never be allowed to drive on the track at night. Those times are solely reserved for the professionals who race in the 24 hours of Nurburgring. Unfortunately, if you want to drive fast at night, the Autobahn may be a better choice.