In a jaw-dropping display of engineering precision and driving prowess, the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 has set a new Nürburgring-Nordschleife record for a production car with a manual transmission. Clocking in at an astonishing 6:56.294 minutes, the GT3 outpaced its predecessor by 3.6 seconds and crushed the previous manual-gearbox lap record by more than 9.5 seconds—even against a competitor with significantly more horsepower.
Behind the wheel was Porsche brand ambassador Joerg Bergmeister, who piloted the 502-hp GT3—equipped with the optional Weissach Package—around the 12.94-mile (20.832 km) track under ideal conditions: 54°F ambient and 80°F track temperatures. The lap was officially timed and validated in the presence of an independent notary.
The lap was completed using road-approved Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, matching those used during the official time for the previous-generation GT3. Notably, this new GT3 didn’t rely on the faster PDK transmission or electronically controlled differentials. Instead, it showcased raw mechanical precision—making the result all the more impressive.
“More and more customers of the 911 GT3 are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife”, Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Cars said. “We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK is significantly faster – drove our lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK and with a mechanical instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 takes around 3.6 seconds off its predecessor with PDK.”
“The new 911 GT3 inspires even more confidence at the limit than the previous model. I was faster in almost every corner,” Bergmeister said, describing the handling of the sports car. “We learned a lot from the 911 GT3 RS, especially with the chassis. The car is even more stable on bumps and over the curbs. And thanks to the eight percent shorter gear ratio, there is noticeably more power on the rear axle when accelerating with the same engine power. Even if it would have been a few seconds faster with the seven-speed PDK – with the six-speed manual gearbox I definitely had more to do on the fast lap and thus also a bit more fun.”
With this feat, Porsche once again redefines what’s possible on the Nordschleife—this time, with three pedals and a stick shift.
