Porsche Plans to Set Nürburgring Record for Manual Cars With GT3

The lap record for manual cars, held by the Dodge Viper ACR, has stood for over six years.

Photo by: YouTube / Porsche

By: Brian Silvestro

Jan 31, at 2:56pm ET

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Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche's sporty GT division, told us last week keeping the manual transmission was a "super important" part of his business. That makes sense, considering about half of all GT3s sold in the US come with three pedals. As a way to further commit to purists, Preuninger revealed plans to set the record for manual cars at the Nürburgring using the new GT3, launched this year.

“What I would think is interesting, to make a new record for shifted cars, for manual cars," Preuninger told Henry Catchpole of Hagerty. "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.”

Up until now, Porsche has used a PDK dual-clutch automatic-equipped car to set its official Nürburgring laps with the GT3.

“We think we’re going to take a manual car this time to see how fast it can go on the track,” Preuninger added.

Unlike the overall record, which has sunk into the mid-6-minute territory, the record for manual production cars at the Nürburgring has stood at just over 7 minutes for the past six years. The 7:01.3 lap time, held by a Dodge Viper ACR, was set in September 2017 through a crowdfunded effort of Viper enthusiasts.

Breaking that record shouldn't be difficult for the new GT3. The last-gen car, equipped with the PDK, was able to run a sub-7-minute lap. With the chassis upgrades and shorter gearing, we suspect this latest car should be able to keep up, even if the six-speed manual doesn't shift as quickly.

We won't have to wait long to find out. The Nürburgring opens its doors for the 2025 season on March 8.