2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Becomes The Fastest Car With Manual Transmission Around The Nurburgring

German sports car and SUV manufacturer Porsche has shared that the 2025 911 GT3, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and Weissach Package has set a new Nurburgring lap record for manual cars at 6:56.294 minutes.

This record was achieved by the company's ace driver, Jorg Bergmeister, surpassing the previous record held by the Dodge Viper ACR by over 9.5 seconds. The 911 GT3's performance gain over its predecessors can be attributed to chassis tuning, aerodynamics, and weight reduction.

The lap was completed by Porsche development driver and brand ambassador Jorg Bergmeister, who has previously set multiple lap records at the Nordschleife. The new record surpasses the previous manual-transmission benchmark of 7:01.3 minutes set by the Dodge Viper ACR in 2017 on the earlier 12.8-mile configuration of the circuit. Porsche estimates that the Viper's lap would equate to approximately 7:05.8 on the current 12.94-mile layout, putting the GT3 ahead by over 9.5 seconds.

In a secondary timing pass, the new GT3 posted a 6:51.764-minute time on the older, shorter layout, more than 10 seconds quicker than the Viper despite a lower power output.

Compared to the previous generation GT3 equipped with a dual-clutch PDK transmission, the new manual GT3 is 3.6 to 3.7 seconds quicker. The performance gain is attributed to upgrades in chassis tuning and aerodynamics, along with reduced vehicle weight thanks to the optional Weissach Package.

The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 continues to use a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine producing 502 bhp. Torque has dropped slightly to 450 Nm, compared to 470 Nm in the previous version, due to regulatory adjustments. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph (0-96 kmph) time of 3.7 seconds with the manual and 3.2 seconds with the PDK, while top speed stands at 194 mph (312 kmph) with the 6-speed manual transmission.

With a base price of $222,500 for the GT3 and GT3 Touring models, the Weissach Package adds $19,330. It includes multiple carbon-fibre components such as the hood, roof, rear wing, underbody panel, anti-roll bar, and coupling rods. It also features a shortened manual shifter, Race-Tex dashboard materials, and forged magnesium wheels. The package contributes to a 22 kg weight reduction.

The 2025 model year marks the first time the Weissach Package is offered on the GT3, previously reserved for the GT3 RS and GT2 RS. However, the availability of a manual transmission in future models is uncertain. Porsche has indicated that the GT3's current powertrain may not comply with upcoming Euro 7 emission norms without electrification or turbocharging.

With this lap time, the 992.2-generation GT3 sets a new standard for driver-focused performance on road-legal tyres, and raises questions about what Porsche may achieve with future GT2 RS or hybridised variants.

Sharing his views on the Porsche 911 GT3 Manual setting the new lap record at Nurburgring, Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line said, "More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife. We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK is significantly faster – we drove our official lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK, and with a conventional instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 shaved around 3.6 seconds off the time of its predecessor with PDK”.