Porsche 911 GT3 with Weissach Package Shatters Nürburgring Manual Car Record by 9.5 Seconds
The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3, equipped with a manual transmission, has achieved a groundbreaking lap time at the Nürburgring, officially making it the fastest stick-shift production car to ever lap the legendary track. Porsche’s latest performance beast clocked an impressive 6:56.294 on the full 12.94-mile layout, surpassing the previous record by a remarkable 9.5 seconds.
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How the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Broke the Record
Porsche’s commitment to refining every aspect of the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 paid off in this record-setting lap. Driven by Jörg Bergmeister, the car benefited from insights learned from the development of the GT3 RS, resulting in superior stability over bumps and curbs. One of the major upgrades is the eight percent shorter gear ratio, which allows more power to reach the rear axle, improving acceleration dynamics.
Despite its naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing 502 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque—significantly less than the Dodge Viper ACR’s V10-powered 645 horsepower—the GT3 proved that lightweight construction and precision engineering can triumph over brute force.
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The Tire and Differential Setup
Adding to the car’s achievement, the manual 911 GT3 was running on road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N1 tires. Unlike the PDK-equipped version, which offers an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the manual GT3 uses a mechanical limited-slip differential. This means the car did not have the benefit of electronic precision through corners, making its lap time even more impressive.
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The Legacy of Manual Transmissions
In an era where automatic transmissions dominate motorsports, Porsche’s success with a manual transmission at the Nürburgring is a testament to the enduring appeal of stick-shift performance cars. While dual-clutch transmissions offer lightning-fast gear changes, this achievement proves that manual transmissions still have a place among record-breaking supercars.
Porsche’s dedication to keeping the manual transmission alive has given driving enthusiasts a reason to celebrate. With this record, the 911 GT3 demonstrates that true driving engagement and technical mastery can coexist in today’s high-performance automotive world.
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