Porsche aims to set Nürburgring manual transmission record with new GT3

Porsche aims to set Nürburgring manual transmission record with new GT3

Porsche’s GT division is doubling down on its commitment to driving purists. Andreas Preuninger, head of the brand’s sporty GT department, recently emphasized the importance of manual transmissions, revealing plans to set a Nürburgring lap record for manual cars using the newly launched 2025 Porsche 911 GT3.

In an interview with Hagerty’s Henry Catchpole, Preuninger explained that Porsche’s decision to stick with three-pedal setups is backed by demand. “In some markets, it’s 50 percent share—go figure. People want to have fun,” he said. “What I would think is interesting is to make a new record for shifted cars, for manual cars.”

Historically, Porsche has used PDK-equipped GT3s to set official Nürburgring lap times, capitalizing on the dual-clutch transmission’s lightning-fast shifts. But this time, Preuninger wants to see how fast a manual GT3 can go.

The current Nürburgring record for manual production cars stands at 7:01.3, a time set by a Dodge Viper ACR in 2017 through a crowdfunded effort by Viper enthusiasts. That record has remained untouched for more than six years, despite overall lap times at the ‘Ring dropping into the mid-six-minute range.

However, given that the previous-generation GT3 with a PDK transmission was already capable of sub-seven-minute lap times, it seems likely that the new model—boasting chassis upgrades and shorter gearing—could match or even surpass that benchmark, even with a six-speed manual.

Porsche won’t have to wait long to put its theory to the test. The Nürburgring opens for its 2025 season on March 8, giving the company an opportunity to make history with the new GT3.

If successful, the lap record could serve as further proof that manual transmissions still have a place in high-performance driving—at least for those who value engagement over outright speed.

Jay Dinesh
A car guy with retail experience in the automotive industry and a home mechanic during off days. Jay is living his childhood topgear dreams working with Cars of Malaysia