Get ready to feel the rush, because the Porsche 911 GT3 is not just a car; it’s a relentless beast on the track, and the GT3 RS version amplifies that experience to unimaginable heights. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more exhilarating, Manthey Racing—masters of transforming Porsches into uncontainable adrenaline machines—has unveiled an awe-inspiring kit aimed at elevating the GT3 RS to dizzying new levels of performance. With a wealth of racing experience, Manthey is poised to deliver the most exhilarating rendition of the GT3 RS yet, creating an electric buzz among enthusiasts. With Porsche holding a significant stake in Manthey Racing, this high-octane upgrade comes with the manufacturer’s full support, co-developed by the ingenious minds at Porsche's Weissach facility and Manthey's dream team in Meuspath. The anticipated price? An eye-watering €120,000 for the Manthey Kit alone, added to the already impressive starting price of around €224,000 for a brand-new 911 GT3 RS. For those in pursuit of thrill, this upgrade could launch the car from its current fourth position in the Nurburgring lap time roster. While the winter chill may delay track testing for now, the excitement is palpable.
Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing, has emphasized that the team has rigorously tested this beast over thousands of kilometers on Europe’s most challenging tracks, including the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife. “Our data indicates a remarkable enhancement in lap times compared to the standard GT3 RS, although the weather has thwarted our attempts to secure an official lap time so far. We are eager to seize the next opportunity,” Raeder shared enthusiastically.
So, what do you actually receive for that significant investment? Begin with an astonishing downforce of over a ton (at 285 km/h), engineered magnificently through a new front spoiler lip crafted from high-quality carbon-fiber, complete with innovative wheel arch ‘Gurney’ flaps and dive planes. And as if that were not ample, the rear window has been omitted in favor of a sleek, 25% lighter carbon-fiber panel. The rear fin mirrors the aerodynamic prowess of the victorious 963 race car that claimed glory in the 2024 World Sportscar Championship. To maximize airflow management, six meticulously positioned roof fins shepherd warm air away from the radiator. Moreover, the formidable rear wing now boasts a Formula One-style drag reduction system (DRS) that pairs seamlessly with a redesigned rear diffuser. Transitioning to the side of this engineering masterpiece, the hallmark ‘aerodisc’ wheel cover stands out, purposefully designed to reduce air resistance.
But Manthey Racing’s brilliance goes beyond just aerodynamics! Numerous enhancements lurk beneath the surface. The GT3 RS boasts ‘semi-active’ coilover suspension with recalibrated spring rates tailored for the newly acquired downforce; front springs are now 30% stiffer, while rears boast a 15% increase in stiffness. What's more, each wheel hosts new wheel-acceleration sensors, fine-tuning damper adjustments, paired with innovative shock absorbers that feature twin valves for seamless compression and rebound phases. In the realm of braking, Manthey has equipped the car with 'racing' brake pads optimized for track performance, complemented by steel-braided brake lines for a thrilling and immediate pedal response, assuring unwavering performance across a wide temperature range.
For those seeking more than performance enhancements, exquisite stylistic flourishes are available, such as illuminated carbon-fiber sill guards embellished with the Manthey logo, additional branding on the LED puddle lights, stylish decals for the doors and wheels, plus a towing eye for those must-have moments during track days. Despite the remarkable enhancements in aerodynamics and handling, the heart of this beast remains unchanged. The GT3 RS’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine pumps out an impressive 520 horsepower paired with a robust 630 Nm of torque, routed to the rear wheels through a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The standard model reaches a breathtaking top speed of 296 km/h, but with the added downforce from the Manthey Kit, we anticipate this machine will be slightly limited to a thrilling ‘mere’ 285 km/h. So, strap in tight, because the adventure of the 911 GT3 RS is on the brink of soaring to extraordinary new heights!