Porsche Taycan GTS Breaks Guinness World Record With Longest Ice Drift

The Porsche Taycan GTS has secured its fourth Guinness World Record by completing the longest continuous drift on ice by an electric vehicle (EV). The achievement not only showcases the evolution of EV performance but also challenges traditional perceptions about the limitations of electric powertrains in demanding conditions.

Record-Breaking Drift in Levi, Finland

At the Porsche Arctic Center in Levi, Finland—situated 150 km (93 miles) north of the Arctic Circle—Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter masterfully guided the Taycan GTS through 132 continuous laps of controlled oversteer. The record-setting drift covered 17.503 km (10.87 miles) over 46 minutes, significantly surpassing the previous record of 14.809 km (9.201 miles) set in China.

The technical complexity of this achievement becomes apparent when considering the challenging conditions. The team had to overcome rapid ice deterioration during their first attempt, which forced them to abort after 11 km. Success came during a second attempt, where they adapted their strategy by switching to tires with shorter spikes and taking advantage of colder temperatures after nightfall. The record-setting run utilized commercially available Michelin tires equipped with one-millimeter spikes, demonstrating the accessibility of the equipment used.

Innovative Technology and Precise Verification

To ensure precise measurement and verification, the vehicle was equipped with sophisticated GPS tracking technology that monitored not only distance but also steering inputs, acceleration, braking, and G-forces. Carl Saville, an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, was present to validate the achievement, which took place on a specially prepared 59-meter-diameter drift circle.

This latest record adds to an impressive list of achievements for the Taycan family. Previous records include a 242.171-km drift at the Porsche Experience Center in Germany (2020), achieving the fastest speed in an enclosed building at 165.1 km/h in New Orleans (2021), and conquering the greatest altitude change by an EV at 5,573 meters (2023) with the Taycan Cross Turismo.

Christian Lehwald, Managing Director of the Porsche Arctic Center, emphasized the strategic thinking behind the attempt stating, “With the new Taycan GTS, we have one of the most powerful electric vehicles on the market. We were confident that this combination, along with our exceptional drifting conditions, would enable us to break the world record.”

The Power Behind the Record

Particularly, the achievement is noteworthy as it shows the Taycan’s sophisticated chassis control and power delivery systems. The GTS model’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, producing 690 horsepower, proved capable of maintaining precise control during extended periods of intentional oversteer—a challenging feat that tests both the vehicle’s mechanical capabilities and its electronic control systems.

Moreover, this record comes at a time when Porsche has recently upgraded the Taycan lineup, introducing improvements in driving range, charging speed, and performance. The range-topping Turbo GT variant, equipped with the Weissach Package, can now accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds, producing up to 1,092 horsepower.

EVs Excel in Performance Disciplines

The successful record attempt serves as a compelling demonstration that EVs can not only match but excel in performance disciplines traditionally dominated by internal combustion engines. It also highlights the rapid advancement of EV technology, as manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with electric powertrains in extreme conditions.

Read More: Porsche Expands Taycan Lineup With Three New Models For 2025

With achievements like this lining up, it will help build confidence in EV performance while showcasing the potential for continued innovation in the space. The Taycan’s latest record not only adds to Porsche’s impressive legacy but also contributes to the broader narrative of EVs’ growing capabilities across all aspects of automotive performance.

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