New tyres shave 16 seconds from CGT 'ring lap
Fresh Michelin Cup 2s were expected to be good; maybe not this good...
It can feel like we’re past the peak of Nurburgring lap times now, as a viewing experience at least. A roadgoing (if not exactly road-friendly) Mercedes has lapped under 6:30, and everything that isn’t electric is automatic anyway, which for all they help in terms of raw numbers do detract from the spectacle of an onboard. But here we have a really good one: it’s not a record lap, nor even is it a new car, rather it’s what the Porsche Carrera GT can do with the very latest tyres fitted. You’re going to want to see this - and play it really, really loud.
7:12.69 is the number, a huge improvement over the 7:28 set 20 years ago by Walter Rohrl. Goes to show just how far tyre tech has come in the past two decades that just swapping the rubber - same size as standard, no other changes disclosed - can be worth so much in terms of lap time. Back in 2004, the lap was part of an Auto Bild feature, just as this time: those of you who can read German can learn all about the supertest in January’s Sport Auto. There are even neat parallels in the driving talent, Jorg Bergmeister now the rangy, rapid German with a heap of Porsche experience behind the wheel.
You might remember that, back when the new Michelin Cup 2s were announced in October, the Nordschelife was mentioned as a development track. “I’m impressed by how the engineers improved the feedback at the upper limits. You feel much more distinctly the point at which the tyre starts to lose its grip”, said JB back then, adding: “The new tyres not only make the Carrera GT faster, they make it easier for the car to be driven at speed.” And, well, now he’s proven it. Watching the 2004 lap back alongside this one - treat yourself, it’s Friday - demonstrates the advances as well. The driver can simply be more confident, evidenced by the huge gobs of throttle at every opportunity, firmer application of the brakes and what seems like less steering correction. And nowhere near the same amount of tyre squeal. The hesitation and apprehension that once existed seems to have been near enough expunged. Bergmeister is absolutely flying.
It’s a joy to watch, really, yellow CGT flying through the forest on a wall of V10 wail and a great driver working hard to get the best from it. The downshifts alone are worth a few minutes of your time. Even in a modern context, this remains properly fast, the 20-year-old supercar nudging ahead of the 718 GT4 RS, Camaro ZL1 1LE and the M4 CSL (on Cup 2Rs) in the Nurburgring rankings. Seems there’s life in the old dog yet. And some fine tea break entertainment coming your way. Plus don’t forget all UK CGTs should have had the tyres swapped as part of the recent recall, so it’s an upgrade just ready and waiting to be appreciated. This Seal Grey car has the Cup 2s, for example - all you need is £1.1m…
all old car tests should be done again with new tires and suspension, come on :-)
Would bloody love to see an F40/F50/XJ220/EB110SS do a lap on modern tyres with a brave driver!
Walter Rohrl was World Rally Champion, winner of Le Mans and development driver for Porsche who was the development driver for the CGT.
Most likely the time would be less if Rohrl was driving (maybe not today - he is quite old now).
Walter Rohrl was World Rally Champion, winner of Le Mans and development driver for Porsche who was the development driver for the CGT.
Most likely the time would be less if Rohrl was driving (maybe not today - he is quite old now).
The car is too softly damped and undersprung for the amount of tyre grip the new tyres have, so the driver (Jörg Bergmeister) is having to manage that, which results in a lot of early braking and dwell in cornering. If they were to have refreshed the suspension with modern stuff I'm sure it would have looked a lot more balls-out while actually being easier to get the laptime out.
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