Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing Unveiled

At first glance, it may seem like a generous helping of racing-inspired design cues sprinkled across the car, but form does follow function. The extreme aerodynamics package generates more than one tonne of downforce at 177mph, thanks in part to a new rear spoiler with an updated wing profile, and an enlarged rear diffuser. These work in tandem with redesigned wheel arch Gurney flaps and four dive planes on the front bumper. Another striking change with the Manthey Racing kit is the replacement of the rear window. Instead, there’s a carbon fibre panel with a shark fin that is 25% lighter than the window it replaces. The shark fin works alongside six roof fins to enhance cornering stability and divert warm air from the front radiator.

In addition to the aerodynamic changes, Manthey has retuned the semi-active coilovers to manage the extra downforce; the spring rate has been increased by 30% on the front axle and 15% on the rear. To assist the active elements of the GT3 RS suspension, four wheel sensors and three body-acceleration sensors ensure the dampers adapt even more precisely than before. The kit also includes new shock absorbers with two separate valves for rebound and compression, allowing independent control. In track mode, the driver can adjust the suspension via rotary dials on the steering wheel.

Stopping power has been enhanced with steel-sheathed brake lines to increase responsiveness under braking. For cars equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), racing brake pads designed for track-day use are available. Further personalisation options include carbon fibre illuminated door sills, Manthey puddle lights and carbon fibre aero discs for the rear wheels. Towing eyes, available in red, black or yellow, are offered as an accessory for track use.

While the suspension and aerodynamics upgrades improve circuit performance, the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine remains untouched. Based on the soon-to-be-facelifted 992 GT3 RS, Manthey Racing variants will still develop 517bhp and 343lb-ft (465Nm) of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Development cars have been spotted at the Nürburgring for some time, with the upgrade kit the result of two years’ work by Manthey Racing. So far, there has been no official lap record attempt by Manthey on the Nordschleife, with the current yardstick set by the Mercedes-AMG One. Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing, said: “So far, weather conditions have prevented us from achieving an official lap time on the Nordschleife. We want to make up for this at the next possible opportunity. Our data promises a significant improvement in lap times compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS.”

For context, the standard car lapped the ‘Ring in 6 minutes and 49.328 seconds. Could we be seeing the next contender for the lap record? It has 20 seconds to make up to match the AMG One but needs only four seconds to eclipse the time set by the 991 GT2 RS, also enhanced by Manthey Racing. We expect a timed lap attempt in early 2025 to coincide with the first customer deliveries.

Order books are already open, with the upgrade package priced from £99,000 – significantly more than the Weissach Package for the “standard” GT3 RS. As the kit has been engineered in collaboration with Porsche, it does not affect the manufacturer warranty. Until the facelifted 992 GT3 gets the RS treatment, Manthey Racing’s creation stands as the most track-focused 911 available.