Photo credit: Porsche
The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 has set a new record for the fastest production car with a manual transmission at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Driven by Porsche brand ambassador Joerg Bergmeister, the vehicle completed the 12.94-mile (20.832-kilometer) circuit in 6:56.294 minutes. This time was officially validated by an independent notary and is more than nine and a half seconds quicker than a previous record held by a competitor using the shorter 12.8-mile configuration. It also beat the earlier generation 911 GT3 (992.1) equipped with a dual-clutch transmission by approximately 3.6 seconds.
The record-setting car was a 502-horsepower 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual gearbox and the optional Weissach Package. The lap was completed under clear weather conditions, with an ambient temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit and asphalt temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The car was fitted with road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires—255/35 R 20 in the front and 315/30 R 21 in the rear.
According to Porsche’s Director of GT Cars, Andreas Preuninger, more customers have been choosing the manual transmission variant of the 911 GT3. He stated, “More and more customers of the 911 GT3 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.” He explained that although the PDK version is quicker due to automated gear changes and an electronically controlled differential, the manual variant showed improved handling and performance in almost every corner.
Bergmeister noted that the updated chassis, inspired in part by the 911 GT3 RS, played a significant role in achieving the faster time. He added, “We learned a lot from the 911 GT3 RS, especially with the chassis. The car is even more stable on bumps and over the curbs.” The eight percent shorter gear ratio also contributed to improved acceleration, delivering more power to the rear axle without increasing engine output.
The achievement underscores the continued development of Porsche’s manual transmission models and the brand’s focus on performance and driver engagement, even when measured against more advanced automated systems.