It looks like the new Porsche 911 GT3 is far more powerful than ever before
The new 992.2 generation Porsche 911 was recently just unveiled in Malaysia and now the 911 GT3 made history by becoming the fastest production car with a manual transmission on the Nürburgring. Driven by Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, the 911 GT3 completed the course in a blistering 6:56.294 minutes.
This means that the 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 has smashed the previous record by over 9.5 seconds, a time previously held by a rival featuring a significantly more powerful engine. This impressive feat was accomplished in a 510hp 911 GT3 equipped with the Weissach package and a six-speed manual transmission.
Moreover, Bergmeister’s lap time wasn’t just faster than the competition, it was also 3.633 seconds quicker than the previous-generation 911 GT3 (992.1) with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch transmission, highlighting the substantial performance enhancements made to the latest generation.
Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Model Line, shared that more 911 GT3 buyers are opting for the manual gearbox and frequently ask about its performance capabilities on the Nürburgring. “We’ve now answered that question,” Preuninger said. “Even though the PDK version is technically quicker, the manual GT3 proves its mettle with an official lap time that’s not just competitive—it’s record-breaking.”
The test was conducted under optimal conditions: clear skies, 12°C ambient temperature, and 27°C track temperature. The vehicle was fitted with road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tyres (255/35 R20 front, 315/30 R21 rear), the same as those used in the predecessor’s official timed run.
On top of that, the benchmark time to beat was around 7:05.800 minutes on the full Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, based on a rival’s 7:01.300-minute time on the shorter 20.6km layout. The 911 GT3 obliterated this with a 6:56.294, setting a new standard for manual transmission performance cars.
Bergmeister noted the car felt more stable over curbs and bumps, thanks to suspension learnings from the 911 GT3 RS, and an eight-percent shorter gear ratio gave it stronger acceleration without increasing engine power. “It may have been quicker with the PDK,” he said, “but the six-speed manual made the lap far more engaging and fun.”
The Porsche 911 has long been a symbol of performance and style and it has never failed to prove it just like it did now.
