Porsche’s new 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual transmission has set a new lap time record at the Nordschleife, shaving off nearly 9.5 seconds from its predecessor model equipped with the PDK automatic gearbox. According to Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Model Line, the new model’s improved performance is due to its more stable chassis and better rear axle drive.
On a sunny afternoon, driver Patrick Bergmeister lapped the 20.832-kilometer track in the 375 kW (510 hp) 911 GT3 with Weissach package. Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tyres, the car achieved an impressive lap time of 6:56.294 minutes, beating its predecessor’s record by a significant margin.
Despite having less power than the PDK-equipped model, Bergmeister praised the handling of the sports car, saying he was faster in almost every corner. He credited the chassis from the 911 GT3 RS for improving stability on bumps and over curbs, as well as the shorter gear ratio, which provided more drive to the rear axle when accelerating with the same engine power. This combination made for a more engaging driving experience, even if it meant not achieving the PDK’s potential speed advantage.
Source: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2025/products/porsche-911gt3-nordschleife-nuerburgring-39264.html