The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 is the quickest manual production car to lap the Nurburgring.

      Porsche

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      While dual-clutch transmissions may be quicker than traditional manual gearboxes on the racetrack, that doesn’t imply that three-pedal sports cars can’t still be exceptionally fast, as demonstrated by Porsche. The new 2025 911 GT3 Weissach Package (992.2 generation) equipped with a manual transmission has officially clocked a lap time of 6:56.294 around the Nürburgring. This is an impressive 3.7 seconds quicker than the previous PDK-equipped GT3 and, more significantly, 9.5 seconds faster than the prior manual lap record holder, establishing the new GT3 as the fastest stick-shift production car ever at the ‘Ring.

      Naturally, the new 911 GT3 would achieve faster times with a PDK compared to a manual transmission. Nevertheless, the enhancements Porsche has implemented for the 2025 GT3 have significantly improved its performance, resulting in the new model outpacing its predecessor with a dual-clutch setup, despite the slower shifts associated with a traditional gearbox.

      “The new 911 GT3 provides even greater confidence at the limit than the earlier model. I was quicker in nearly every corner,” stated Jörg Bergmeister, Porsche’s preferred driver for these lap records. “We gained valuable insights from the 911 GT3 RS, particularly regarding the chassis. The vehicle exhibits increased stability on bumps and curbs. Thanks to the eight percent shorter gear ratio, there is noticeably more power delivered to the rear axle during acceleration with the same engine output. Even though the seven-speed PDK might have provided a few seconds advantage, with the six-speed manual gearbox, I certainly had more involvement during the fast lap, resulting in a bit more enjoyment.”

      Achieving a sub-six-minute lap time around the Nürburgring with a manual transmission vehicle is an impressive feat, especially in this era dominated by dual-clutch and automatic transmissions. The prior record for manuals was held by the Dodge Viper ACR, which recorded a time of 7:01.300 in 2017. For those keeping track, that’s not 9.5 seconds slower than the GT3’s new record. It’s important to note that the Viper’s time was set on a shorter 12.8-mile version of the Nordschleife, while Porsche accomplished its record on the complete 12.94-mile course (with the time verified by an independent notary). Porsche estimates that if you extend the Viper's lap time to the full 12.94-mile track, it would equate to 7:05.8, providing context for the 9.5-second improvement.

      The Viper delivered 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque from its naturally aspirated V10. In comparison, the 911 GT3 generates 502 horsepower and 311 lb-ft from its naturally aspirated flat-six. This showcases Porsche’s ability to achieve remarkable performance with less power, highlighting the importance of low weight and handling.

      Adding to the record’s impressiveness is the rear setup of the manual GT3. Should you choose to handle your gears manually, Porsche provides only a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. For a faster, more precise, and stable electronically controlled limited-slip differential, one must opt for the seven-speed PDK transmission. Therefore, the manual variant not only had slower shifts but also suffered from a less capable rear differential in cornering situations.

      If you’re curious about the tires on the manual GT3, they were road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N1 tires.

      It is well recognized that dual-clutch transmissions excel in track scenarios due to their rapid shifts and user-friendly operation. Nonetheless, it is commendable to see Porsche dedicating attention to manual transmissions, achieving record-setting performance with them in 2025. The manual gearbox doesn't need to become obsolete, as Porsche has just proven.

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