The Nürburgring Drives Manufacturers Crazy
This page is translated from the original post "Le Nürburgring rend les constructeurs fous" in French.
- 08/08/2025 15:48
In the past twelve months, never before had so many manufacturers faced off fiercely on the bumpy and merciless asphalt of the Nordschleife.
When BMW announces a sporty M3 CS, purists cheer. But when it comes to a Touring version of the M3, a family wagon with 550 hp capable of completing the Nürburgring in 7’29″490, the entire market raises questions. Could performance once again become a criterion for choosing a daily car?
As silence, ecology, and good feelings seemed to have taken over, everything suddenly evaporates like melted rubber upon landing at Flugplatz or in the compressions of the Karussell, two showcases of bravery on the German circuit. This time, established just days after that of the M3 CS sedan (7’28″760), proves that habitability and versatility are not incompatible with dynamic behavior. Provided, of course, that there’s a big thermal engine under the hood.
Ultimately, it’s an absolute record for a production wagon: a title that is certainly symbolic, but highly revealing. The M3 Touring CS is not just a technological monster; it’s a statement of faith. Yes, it is possible to transport children, dogs, and luggage at very high speeds without sacrificing comfort or driving pleasure.
But this Bavarian feat did not go unanswered. Just a few days later, Chevrolet also brought out its formidable weapons on the same ground. Three Corvettes, three records. Headlining, the ZR1X hybrid with 1,250 horsepower set a fearsome time of 6’49″275, which is the lap record for a car driven by an “amateur driver.”
Amateur? Not quite. It was Aaron Link, an in-house engineer, who was behind the wheel. A subtle reminder that Corvettes, from the Z06 (7’11″826) to the thermal ZR1 (6’50″763), are not just drag race missiles. They are designed to shine on the track—even in the hands of the very people who design them. The transatlantic rivalry is more alive than ever.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: the Electric Detonation
While it was thought that the battle was reserved for traditional heavyweights, a newcomer from China has completely reshuffled the cards. For its very first appearance at the Nürburgring in the autumn of 2024, Xiaomi did not hold back. With its prototype SU7 Ultra, a brand also known for its smartphones and connected devices, it secured the lap record for a four-door car, in 6’46″8.
Based on the SU7 sedan sold in China for around €30,000, this beast develops the equivalent of 1,548 horsepower thanks to three in-house motors. Behind the wheel, David Pittard, winner of the 2023 24 Hours of Nürburgring, managed to tame the beast despite capricious weather and a single one-hour testing window. A performance described as a “miracle” by the brand, and hailed as a sensational entry into the big leagues.
Already the holder of the absolute record for a production car since 2022, Mercedes-AMG pushed its limits even further in 2024. The result: a new staggering time of 6’29″090, recorded by the tireless Maro Engel.
To achieve this feat, a machine of all superlatives was necessary: the AMG One. A genuine F1 disguised as a road car, equipped with a hybrid V6 derived from F1, four electric motors, 1,063 horsepower, active DRS, evolving aerodynamics, and energy management worthy of the paddocks. All homologated for the road, but capable of crossing the 6-minute 30 mark on the Nordschleife. A total performance, which enters history… but has since been surpassed by Xiaomi, once again! Last June, the Chinese giant managed to improve its time to only 6’22” with its same beefed-up SU7 sedan. Xiaomi claims to have achieved this time “under optimal conditions,” cooler and cloudier than last year. To celebrate this striking success, Xiaomi plans to produce only 100 units of the SU7 Ultra Nürburgring edition, starting at 814,900 Chinese yuan, or about €97,000.
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In the face of this mechanical fireworks display, it’s hard to imagine a greater contrast than that offered by Ligier. The small French manufacturer took advantage of the spring to send a JS50 L6e, its electric car without a license, to tackle the 73 corners of the Green Hell. Final time? 28 minutes. No record, of course, but a nice cheeky statement.
Because deep down, the Ring is also a venue for expression for all types of vehicles… even at 45 km/h. A particularly delightful nod when compared to the absolute circuit record: the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, which has held an unreal time of 5’19″546 since 2018. This endurance prototype, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, 2016, and 2017, was freed from all regulations to achieve this feat.
Between the Ligier and the Porsche, there’s a gap of 23 minutes—but a common passion for this legendary stretch of asphalt. On the 20.8 km of the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the global performance hierarchy continues to be reshaped, shining a light on the emergence of Asian manufacturers… and it’s far from over.
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