Automakers typically boast about their vehicles' blazing speeds on the legendary N\u00fcrburgring circuit. However, French manufacturer Ligier decided to challenge this norm by aiming for the opposite: recording the slowest possible lap time. This unconventional endeavor involved their Ligier JS50 microcar, a diesel-powered quadricycle, which embarked on a unique journey around the renowned track.
The challenge was undertaken by French automotive journalists Nicolas Meunier and Martin Coulomb. Their vehicle of choice, the Ligier JS50, is a diminutive quadricycle, comparable to models like the Citro\u00ebn Ami. With an output of just 8 horsepower in its most robust configuration and a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, the JS50 was an unlikely contender for any N\u00fcrburgring record. Yet, it successfully navigated the circuit, establishing an official lap time of 28 minutes and 25.8 seconds\u2014a record for the slowest lap ever, significantly surpassing the 16-minute, 1-second record set by a Trabant P50 in 1960. For context, the Mercedes-AMG One holds the fastest lap at 6 minutes and 29.1 seconds.
Beyond merely setting a slow-speed record, the Ligier JS50's run posed another significant challenge: completing the entire 12.9-mile N\u00fcrburgring course on a single tank of fuel. Meunier and Coulomb achieved this remarkable feat, demonstrating an impressive fuel efficiency of 94.1 miles per gallon. The vehicle was equipped with what Ligier humorously termed an "ultimate racing experience" package, featuring decorative decals and an aerodynamic body kit. Inspired by this successful, albeit slow, demonstration, Ligier is reportedly contemplating bringing this unique kit to the market.
This event brilliantly illustrates that the essence of automotive passion extends beyond raw power and speed. It highlights that innovation, even in the realm of microcars, can lead to unexpected and engaging achievements. The Ligier JS50's record-setting slow lap at the N\u00fcrburgring proves that there is immense joy and ingenuity in exploring the full spectrum of a vehicle's capabilities, fostering a spirit of creative challenge and celebrating the unique character of every machine.