Porsche continues to push the boundaries of track performance with the latest iteration of the 911 GT3, now augmented by an aggressively effective Manthey kit. While the engine remains untouched, the aerodynamic and suspension upgrades deliver a staggering 2.76-second reduction in lap times at the Nürburgring – a testament to marginal gains adding up to significant results. The kit, available next spring in the US, doesn’t even void the factory warranty, which speaks to Porsche’s confidence in Manthey’s engineering.
Aerodynamic Domination
The most visible change is the rear wheel aero discs, creating a striking asymmetrical look while actually using identical forged wheels underneath. The lightweight wheel set sheds 13.2 pounds over the standard configuration, a classic race-inspired weight reduction. Beyond that, Porsche and Manthey have reworked the entire underbody of the car.
The revised underbody now functions as a massive aerodynamic element. New turning vanes stretch almost five feet, an increase of over three feet compared to the previous kit, and a cover smooths the cargo area to maximize airflow. The rear wing is wider with an added gurney flap, and the diffuser is extended for even greater downforce.
Track-Ready Hardware
The suspension is fully adjustable via four-way coil-overs, tweakable without tools. Braided steel brake lines improve pedal feel and consistency under heavy use. Optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (255/35 ZR20 front, 315/30 ZR21 rear) provide extreme grip. These additions aren’t just cosmetic; the kit generates up to 1,190 pounds of downforce in a track-focused setup – nearly double the road-friendly setting.
Nürburgring Proof
Driven by DTM champion Ayhancan Güven, the updated 911 GT3 with the Manthey kit clocked a 6:52.9 lap at the Nürburgring. This confirms the effectiveness of the upgrades in real-world conditions. Porsche’s majority stake in Manthey since 2013 shows a commitment to factory-level track enhancement without the need for aftermarket modifications.
Cost and Availability
The Manthey kit will be available through over 40 certified Porsche dealers in the US next spring. Pricing is yet to be announced, but the previous 992.1 kit started at $57,300 (plus $15,500 for the wheels). The Manthey kits for the GT3 RS and older GT2 RS models are even more expensive, at $116,160 and $113,140 respectively, excluding taxes and installation. These figures underscore the premium placed on extreme performance.
The Manthey kit isn’t just about faster lap times; it’s about Porsche demonstrating that there’s always more performance to extract from a platform already considered near perfection.
