Porsche 911 GT3 Shines

Blazing Speed

Porsche is turning heads with its latest achievement: the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 has set a record for the fastest lap around the Nurburgring using a manual transmission. Clocking an impressive 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, this facelifted GT3 with a six-speed manual leaves its predecessor in the dust. This lap time is not just quick; it beat the previous generation’s PDK automatic by a significant 3.6 seconds. Now imagine the satisfaction of doing that with a stick shift.

Breakthrough Performance

Behind this accomplishment is Joerg Bergmeister, a Porsche ambassador and former race car driver. On April 8th, with mild weather boosting both morale and traction, he piloted a 911 GT3 equipped with the Weissach Package and street-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N1 tires. Temperatures hovered around 54°F for the air and 80°F for the track. On paper, these numbers don’t just signal a victory—they showcase an evolution in what’s achievable with a manual transmission.

Manual vs. Automatic

This manual GT3’s triumph extends beyond just beating Porsche’s own automatic version. The Dodge Viper ACR held the previous manual record with a time of 7:05.8 over the full 12.94-mile circuit. Porsche’s GT3 surpassed this by a staggering 9.5 seconds. While the manual version of the GT3 can reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds—half a second slower than its PDK sibling—the analog charm and engagement of a manual stick can’t be beat. According to Bergmeister, who finds the manual more engaging, the driving experience is simply rewarding.

Feel and Drive

The driving feel in the new GT3 is worth highlighting. The shorter 8% gear ratio and chassis enhancements were immediately noticeable. Derived heavily from the GT3 RS, these chassis improvements foster a sense of stability and confidence, even at heart-thumping speeds. Porsche has clearly prioritized enhancing driver engagement; it wasn’t just about speed, but the entire visceral experience. As mortals, if given the chance, taking this car for a spin would likely be unforgettable with the precise and fluid gearbox feeling like an extension of the driver’s own limbs.

Why It Matters

Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Director of GT Cars, sums up why this milestone matters. A keen focus on the manual GT3 was in response to customer demand—people want to feel connected to their car, not isolated by technology. Sure, the PDK is technically quicker, but the purists? They’re taking the long way home, rowing through gears and loving every second. This isn’t just a car. It’s a statement that driving is still about passion and skill, not just getting from point A to B.