2 – Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series – 6:43:62
The ultimate version of Mercedes-AMG’s 720bhp flagship was unmodified from stock bar the addition of the optional Track package. The adjustable aero, camber and suspension were all optimised for the track, but Mercedes claims conditions were “less than ideal” due to low temperatures and some damp patches.
3 – Porsche 911 GT2 RS – 6:47:30
Porsche has blasted its 911 GT2 RS around the circuit just shy of a second quicker than long-time champion, the Radical SR8LM. The forced-induction special uses a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat six with 697bhp and is mated to Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission. With a roof made of magnesium, and a front lid, front and rear wings and boot lid carved out of carbonfibre, it has a claimed net weight of 1470kg. No doubt, this allowed it to achieve a neck-breaking laptime of 6:47:30.
4 – Radical SR8LM – 6:48:28
Whether or not it counts as a production car given the questions over its UK single-vehicle approval, there’s no doubt the Radical’s blistering time is impressive. That power is only being sent to the rear wheels makes it all the more so.
5 – Radical SR8 – 6:55:00
In fact, Radical has two cars in the rear-drive top five, the other being the SR8, which won the 2015 Pikes Peak Hill Climb with Dominic Dobson at the wheel. Over in Germany, Michael Vergers took to the driver’s seat and set an all-time street-legal lap record which lasted until 29 June 2010, when the LM edition, above, took over.
6 – Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) – 6:56:04
Porsche’s old-school approach to record setting saw few tweaks required to the GT3 RS, with only a racing bucket seat and harness chosen from the options list along with the weight-saving Weissach package.
7 – Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro – 7:04:06
It may not pack any more power than the standard model, but stiffer suspension and a downforce-enhancing bodykit help the Pro to lap the Nordschleife more than 6sec quicker.