Porsche has redefined performance benchmarks for manual transmission vehicles with the latest 911 GT3. Clocking a lap time of 6:56.294 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the 2025 GT3 becomes the fastest production car with a manual gearbox on the iconic 20.832-kilometre circuit.
Piloted by Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, the GT3 with the Weissach Package outperformed its predecessor by 3.633 seconds. It shattered the previous record held by a more powerful competitor by over 9.5 seconds.
Contents
Engineered for Precision and Performance
The record-setting 911 GT3 was equipped with:
- A naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine delivering 510 PS (375 kW)
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres (255/35 R20 front, 315/30 R21 rear)
- Weissach Package for enhanced chassis dynamics
Despite lacking the rapid-fire gear shifts of Porsche’s PDK system, the manual GT3 proved its engineering prowess. According to Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Model Line:
“Although the PDK variant is technically quicker, more and more GT3 enthusiasts prefer the manual. We set this lap to show just how capable the manual model truly is.”
Conditions and Technical Supervision
- Date of record: Sunny afternoon, ambient temperature 12°C, track temperature 27°C
- Track length: 20.832 km (full Nürburgring Nordschleife)
- Timing supervised by a notary to ensure record authenticity
Preuninger added that their target time was based on a competitor’s lap of 7:01.300 minutes on the shorter 20.6 km version, equivalent to around 7:05.800 minutes on the full track. Porsche’s GT3 crushed this benchmark with its sub-seven-minute performance.
Driver Feedback: More Engaging, More Rewarding
Driver Jörg Bergmeister emphasized the car’s improved handling and engagement:
“The new GT3 feels even more stable over bumps and curbs. We’ve carried over learnings from the GT3 RS, especially with the chassis. The shorter final drive makes it feel even more eager from the rear axle.”
Though a PDK model might have shaved off a few more seconds, Bergmeister insisted the manual made the lap more thrilling:
“I had more to do on the lap with the six-speed manual—and that made it even more fun.”
Porsche 911 GT3 (Manual) Nürburgring Lap Time Summary
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Power Output | 510 PS (375 kW) |
| Lap Time (Nordschleife, 20.832 km) | 6:56.294 minutes |
| Previous Benchmark (Competitor) | ~7:05.800 minutes |
| Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R |
| Driver | Jörg Bergmeister |
Key Takeaways
- Record-setting lap confirms the manual 911 GT3’s performance credentials
- 3.6 seconds faster than its PDK-equipped predecessor
- Over 9.5 seconds quicker than the previous manual transmission benchmark
- Demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to driver-focused performance engineering
The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 proves that the analog thrill of manual shifting isn’t just alive—it’s still dominating racetracks.
