The new King of the Ring: Porsche Cayenne sets SUV lap record around Nurburgring

The new performance model of the Porsche Cayenne series has proven its sporting potential ahead of its upcoming global launch. Test Driver Lars Kern needed just 7:38.925 minutes for a full lap of the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. The Cayenne now holds the official record in the Nurburgring's 'SUV, off-road vehicle, van, and pick-up' category.

To protect the driver, the record-setting Cayenne was equipped with a racing seat and roll cage. The performance tyres used for the record lap were 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa that were specially developed for the new Cayenne model and will be fitted as standard.

In comparison, the previous record holder, the Audi RSQ8, lapped the Green Hell in 7 minutes and 42 seconds. 

"Over the first few metres of the Nordschleife in this Cayenne, you're tempted to turn around to make sure that you're really sitting in a large SUV," said Lars Kern, who was involved in the car's development. "Even across difficult stretches, the Cayenne is a real driver's car that is easy to control," he continues.