The manuals are still alive and kicking! The facelifted 992.2-generation Porsche 911 GT3 has set a new breathtaking record for manual cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Piloted by former racing driver Jörg Bergmeister, the car completed the 20.832 km circuit in a whopping 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, establishing it as the fastest manual car to lap the iconic track.
Dethroning the Dodge Viper ACR
This feat surpasses the previous record held by the 845 hp Dodge Viper ACR, which recorded a time of 7 minutes and 1.3 seconds on the shorter 20.6 km layout of the Nordschleife in 2017. Porsche estimates that the Viper's time would translate to approximately 7 minutes and 5.8 seconds on the full-length circuit. Consequently, the new 911 GT3 outpaced the Viper ACR by an impressive 9.5 seconds.
Performance and Specifications
The record-setting 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, delivering 510 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The car was equipped with the optional Weissach Package, which reduces weight by 12 kg compared to the standard model. Additionally, it featured road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, sized 255/35 R20 at the front and 315/30 R21 at the rear.
Surpassing the Porsche 918 Spyder
Notably, the manual 911 GT3 also eclipsed the lap time of Porsche's own 918 Spyder, which completed the Nürburgring in 6 minutes and 57 seconds. This is particularly significant given that the 918 Spyder was part of THE hypercar holy trinity, boasting a hybrid powertrain producing 887 hp, offering a substantial power advantage over the GT3.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
This accomplishment underscores Porsche's commitment to delivering high-performance cars that offer an engaging driving experience. The combination of a naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission, and meticulous engineering has enabled the 911 GT3 to achieve a lap time that rivals and surpasses those of more powerful, technologically advanced supercars.
