Porsche 911 GT3 Sets Nürburgring Record for Manual Transmission Cars
Porsche has redefined performance for purists, with the 2025 911 GT3 (manual, Weissach package) officially becoming the fastest production car with a manual transmission around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Driven by Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, the 510 hp GT3 clocked an incredible 6:56.294 minutes on the full 20.832-km circuit—over 9.5 seconds quicker than the previous manual lap record set by a more powerful rival.
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Even more impressive, it beat the previous-gen 911 GT3 (992.1) with PDK by 3.633 seconds, despite using a conventional limited-slip differential and manual six-speed gearbox.
“Customers kept asking how fast a manual GT3 could go on the Nordschleife. Now we’ve answered,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line. “Even though PDK is quicker, the new manual still shaved off serious time.”
Bergmeister tackled the record lap under ideal conditions—12°C ambient, 27°C track temp—on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tyres, using the same spec as Porsche’s previous official runs.
The car’s tighter eight-per-cent shorter gear ratios and chassis tweaks borrowed from the GT3 RS contributed to the blistering pace and improved confidence through corners.
“The new GT3 is more stable over bumps, more precise, and just more fun,” said Bergmeister. “Sure, the PDK would’ve been quicker—but doing it with the manual was way more rewarding.”
This run not only secures a new benchmark for manual transmission cars, but also reinforces Porsche’s ability to blend performance with driver engagement—even in a world increasingly dominated by dual-clutch speed.
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