Porsche Panamera ‘Lion” Rumored Could Seek Nurburgring Records [UPDATE]

Although it can lap the Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 10, it is not a stock Panamera.

Update: A Porsche representative explained to us that they were interested in seeing what a Panamera can do at the Nordschleife. The modified version of the Panamera, where volume is increased to 11, would be used. The automaker is not likely to release an official record. Details on the build and what it might (or may not!) hold for future Panamera models are still unknown.

We have seen Porsche throw a modified Panamera Turbo at the Nurburgring over the last few months. These sightings may point to a imminent facelift. However, a sighting just over a week ago revealed something quite different. A report from GTspirt.com claims to have more information about the situation. It also appears to include more record-setting attempts to reach the Green Hell.

Porsche Panamera 'Lion" Rumored Could Seek Nurburgring Records [UPDATE]

The report states that a small group at Porsche is currently working on a Panamera called Lion, which will be used to show the sedan’s racing potential. This means that the ‘Ring can be lapped faster than any sedan before. This Panamera is 550 pounds lighter and has a lot of sound-deadening material removed from the interior. The driver sits in a racing seat with a passenger seat from 718 Cayman attached to it. The back seat is not mentioned, although the interior was apparently completely gutted and an entire roll cage installed.

Further, the report states that the Panamera has street-legal Michelin tires and that its twin-turbo V8 of 4.0-liters produces 750 horsepower (559kilowatts). This is a significant increase from the Panamera Turbo’s standard model, but it is still less than the 820 horsepower (611 kW), rumors we have heard from other sources. Then again, GTspirit.com is saying this car isn’t a hybrid but a pure internal-combustion-engine performance dynamo. A lighter version without electric assistance is possible.

Porsche Panamera 'Lion" Rumored Could Seek Nurburgring Records [UPDATE]

According to the report, Porsche ran an unofficial time around 7:11 seconds. This would have been fast enough for the sedan record. We doubt that Porsche would be able to claim any production records due to the extensive interior modifications and the power upgrade. A Panamera limited edition is not planned. Even so, the very controversial interior and absence of four seats would be a concern.