Discover how the tiny diesel Ligier JS50 claimed the title for the slowest Nürburgring lap, completing a 20‑km circuit in 28:25.8. Read more now!
When manufacturers talk about conquering the Nürburgring, the conversation usually revolves around blistering speed. This time, a modest French microcar turned the notion on its head by achieving the *slowest* official lap ever recorded on the 20‑km “Green Hell”.
Background: The Nürburgring Challenge
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a benchmark for performance engineering. From hypercars to rally machines, automakers chase sub‑seven‑minute lap times. The record‑keeping authority even publishes a list of the quickest laps, making the circuit a virtual trophy cabinet for speed enthusiasts.
The Unlikely Contender: Ligier JS50
French automotive specialist Ligier, better known for its lightweight sports cars and T‑wing micro‑vehicles, set out with a different question: how slow can a car legally go around the Nürburgring while still completing the lap on a single tank of fuel? The answer arrived in the form of the Ligier JS50, a diesel‑powered microcar built on the same platform as the Citroën Ami.
Technical Specs
- Engine: 1.5‑liter diesel producing 8 horsepower (6 kW)
- Maximum speed: ~45 km/h (28 mph)
- Weight: approximately 500 kg (1,100 lb)
- Fuel tank capacity: 30 liters
Breaking the Slowest‑Lap Record
On a sunny afternoon, French journalists Nicolas Meunier and Martin Coulomb took the JS50 for a official timed lap. The result? A deliberate 28 minutes 25.8 seconds to navigate the full circuit – the slowest recorded time in Nürburgring history. The previous record, set by the East‑German Trabant P50 in 1960, stood at 16 minutes 1 second, so the JS50 shattered it by a wide margin.
For context, the ultra‑high‑performance Mercedes‑AMG One completed the same circuit in just 6 minutes 29.1 seconds. The contrast underlines how the JS50’s mission was not about speed but endurance and fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency Feat
Ligier highlights that completing a 20‑km lap on a single tank required just 0.89 liters of diesel per 100 km – a figure more akin to a city‑run scooter than a race car. The drivers managed the entire run without refuelling, proving that low‑power vehicles can still meet the demanding distance of the Nordschleife.
Potential Production and Market Impact
After the successful test, Ligier is reportedly considering offering the JS50’s “high‑performance” package to customers. The kit includes aerodynamic decals claiming to “increase horsepower” (a playful nod, not a real boost) and a body kit that mimics a sport‑tuned silhouette. If launched, it could appeal to eco‑conscious drivers who value novelty over outright speed.
What This Means for Car Enthusiasts
The record demonstrates that the joy of driving isn’t limited to screaming past 200 km/h. Even an 8‑horsepower machine can deliver a memorable experience when placed on a legendary track. It reminds us that motorsport can celebrate diversity, from hypercars to humble microcars, and that every corner of the Nürburgring has a story to tell.