Porsche is making a bold move to thrill driving purists by attempting to set a new Nürburgring lap record for manual transmission cars. Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT division, confirmed that the company is committed to keeping the manual gearbox alive, especially since around 50% of GT3s sold in the U.S. come with three pedals.
The Nürburgring lap records for production cars have been dominated by PDK-equipped (dual-clutch automatic) Porsche GT3s, but this time, Porsche is taking a different approach—using a manual transmission GT3 to challenge the existing record.
Porsche’s Commitment to the Manual Gearbox
During a recent interview, Preuninger emphasized the importance of manual transmissions, stating:
“What I would think is interesting, to make a new record for shifted cars, for manual cars. We have high hopes that we’re going to set a very good lap time on the winged car with a manual, which is available. In some markets, it’s 50 percent share, go figure. People want to have fun.”
This statement underlines Porsche’s commitment to driving engagement over outright speed. While modern automatics are faster, many enthusiasts still prefer the connected feel of a manual gearbox.
The Manual Nürburgring Record Porsche Wants to Beat
The Nürburgring manual transmission record has stood since September 2017, when a Dodge Viper ACR set a lap time of 7:01.3 minutes. The record was set through a crowdfunded effort by Viper enthusiasts, making it a unique achievement in the history of the Nürburgring.
However, with the latest Porsche 911 GT3’s improvements, breaking this record should not be too difficult.
Why the New GT3 Has a Strong Chance
The previous-generation Porsche 911 GT3 (992 model), equipped with a PDK automatic, was able to complete a lap of the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes. Given that the new GT3 features:
- Chassis upgrades for better handling
- Shorter gearing for quicker acceleration
- Improved aerodynamics with its large rear wing
…it has a strong chance of beating the manual record, even if the six-speed manual isn’t as quick to shift as the PDK automatic.
When Will Porsche Attempt the Record?
The 2025 Nürburgring season opens on March 8, so we won’t have to wait long to see if Porsche’s manual-equipped GT3 can take the title as the fastest manual production car on the track. Enthusiasts and collectors will be eagerly watching as Porsche challenges a record that has stood unbroken for nearly six years.
Porsche’s plan to set a manual Nürburgring lap record is a strong statement about their commitment to driving purity. While PDK automatics are faster, Porsche understands that many enthusiasts still crave the thrill of shifting gears manually.
If the new GT3 can beat the 7:01.3-minute record, it will solidify its place as the ultimate driver’s car. Stay tuned for the results as Porsche takes on this exciting challenge in 2025!
FAQ’s
What is Porsche trying to achieve at the Nürburgring?
Porsche aims to set the fastest Nürburgring lap time for a manual transmission production car using the new GT3.
What is the current Nürburgring record for manual transmission cars?
The current record is 7:01.3 minutes, set by a Dodge Viper ACR in September 2017.
Why is Porsche using a manual transmission for this record attempt?
Porsche wants to celebrate driving engagement and appeal to enthusiasts who prefer manual transmissions over automatic PDK gearboxes.
Can the new Porsche GT3 beat the manual lap record?
Yes, the new GT3 has chassis upgrades, better aerodynamics, and shorter gearing, making it highly likely to beat the current manual record.
When will Porsche attempt the Nürburgring manual record?
The Nürburgring opens for the 2025 season on March 8, so the record attempt could happen soon after.