The folks at Manthey are currently developing their performance kit for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which looks bloody fast on the world's most challenging racetrack. Pictured with plenty of aerodynamic upgrades at Germany's most famous of racetracks, the most extreme 911 GT3 RS of them all is – without a doubt – going to break the 6:49.6 lap of its 991.2-generation forerunner.
From the headlight design, it's easy to see that we're dealing with a 992.1 rather than the recently unveiled refresh. Also worthy of note, the German automaker hasn't even revealed the facelifted 911 GT3 RS. Hearsay suggests that Porsche's new 3.6L turbo boxer will be modified for the GT3 and GT3 RS, but so far, it's not clear when or if the 3.6er will succeed the motorsport-derived 4.0L engine.
Having made it clear that it's a 4.0-liter 992.1 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, we should take a closer look at said prototype, beginning with the front bumper flicks and the rear-wheel aero discs. Equipped with a roll cage, this no-nonsense thriller also sweetens the deal with a larger-than-life rear wing. Compared to stock, it's easy to see a pair of larger end plates.
Manthey has also worked its magic on the rear aerodynamic diffuser, whereas the front end is augmented with a more in-your-face chin spoiler. The aero trickery continues with vortex generators on the rearmost part of the roof. Said area is connected to the rear wing by a large fin over the rear windscreen. Every little bit counts when you're gunning for a new lap record, but that's not all.
The 991.2-phase Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Performance Kit includes a set of steel-sheathed brake lines for a slightly faster response time and more direct feedback, while racing brake pads are optional for vehicles equipped from the factory with carbon-ceramic braking system. Threaded suspension with three- and four-way adjustable damping also needs to be mentioned.
Photo: Stefan Baldauf
Over in the United States, the kit costs in excess of $90,000 at press time. You can easily crack into the $100,000s by purchasing the magnesium wheel set. For the 992.1-generation 911 GT3 RS, magnesium wheels are bundled with the Weissach package.
Given the amount of upgrades on this prototype, it's going to cost a serious chunk of money. Then again, the GT3 RS isn’t exactly within the reach of many at $241,300 before taxes, optional extras, and – unfortunately – tremendous dealer markups. Porsche Cars North America lists the 992.1 with 518 ponies to its name, 3.0 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), and 184 miles per hour (296 kilometers per hour) for top speed.
Although the hybridized 911 Carrera 4 GTS for model year 2025 is more powerful (523 horses) and quicker to 60 miles per hour (2.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package), it simply doesn't hold a candle to the pre-facelift 911 GT3 RS on the track. Porsche managed a best of 7:16.934 at the Nurburgring with the newcomer, whereas the stock GT3 RS with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires clocked 6:44.848 with Jorg Bergmeister behind the wheel.
Regarding the 6:49.6 lap time of the Manthey-infused 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, one cannot deny that it's one hell of a lap time for a free-breathing machine with no hybrid assistance whatsoever. The current record holder is the F1-infused and hybrid-assisted Mercedes-AMG ONE. With Maro Engel in the driver's seat, the V6-engined hypercar lapped the Green Hell in a staggering 6 minutes 30 seconds.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News