No Added Power: How Manthey Built The Fastest GT3 RS

It might seem like a paradoxical statement, but it’s not inaccurate.

Our friends at Manthey-Racing are obviously not strangers to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but their latest achievement has been catching attention around the globe. In recent years, Nürburgring times have become less and less exciting, as manufacturers blur the lines of what’s considered a production car or even resort to some dubious methods of recording an ‘official’ lap time. Understandably, the doubt which follows means that fast times don’t quite feel as significant as they once did.

This particular time is interesting though on a couple of levels. First, the lap was recorded by renowned German magazine, Sport Auto, which used its own test driver, Christian Gebhardt. By having ‘outsiders’ as such drive and record a time, it lends a lot of credibility to the result of 7m10s (00:07:09.59). When the same outfit tested the Porsche 918 Spyder, it lapped at 7m13s, three seconds slower than this GT3 RS MR, which should put the time in perspective. The Sport Auto lap times are largely considered as the most trustworthy lap times recored at the ‘Ring.

It’s worth adding that this is a full Nordschleife lap, and not just a Bridge to Gantry time.

2017 Manthey Racing GT3 RS MR Lap Record Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-1

The eagle-eyed amongst you might recognise the car as being the very same GT3 RS that we shot last year during a heavenly visit to the Nürburgring. Truth be told, we weren’t aware at the time of the ultimate purpose of the car, although we were informed that it was under development and it certainly wasn’t a stock GT3 RS.

The most impressive part (for me, at least) is that this record-setting car was developed and improved upon without making any engine or gearbox modifications. It’s running the same power (500hp) as any other production 991 GT3 RS. Instead, Manthey-Racing focused on chassis development and setup to get more of the iconic Porsche. Working with KW Suspensions, they developed a 3-way adjustable coilover setup with remote reservoirs and front and rear adjustable top mounts. This kit has been specifically tuned for the 991 GT3 Rs to make the most of the chassis. They’ve taken some weight out, in the form of their magnesium wheels which removes just over 12kgs or 26lbs of rotational mass.

2017 Manthey Racing GT3 RS MR Lap Record Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-8

Other changes include an uprated street-legal brake pad, an optimised underbody cover for improved aero flow, an extended roll cage and some rather nice seat cushions in Pepita design.

You can’t not be impressed by that. They’ve not tried to reinvent the wheel, but rather just focused the performance of what was already an awesome car. During that memorable afternoon last year with Michael Grassl, I asked him if the GT3 RS could even be improved upon from factory. Well, I think we have the answer.

Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Twitter: pmcgphotos
paddy@speedhunters.com

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1

Welp back to the work table I just got schooled on how to make fast things faster hard. I'm even a add lightness kind of guy but I have no words but magic.

2

We have come a long way from "yellow bird" sliding around the 'ring. It looks real clinical now. Pretty impressive nonetheless.

Author3

It's such a neat lap.

4

In Rhode Island there's a restaurant called the Coast Guard House. The owner frequently parks his purple gt3, brand new (i believe) viper, and ferrari in the valet section lol. Not really important lol.

What's the word on that Lamborghini performante lap time?

Author5

A lot of people still consider it questionable.

6

This is nice, but you guys are SLEEPING. Please look into the Viper record run on the 'ring. Since Dodge didn't think it was worth doing, these guys home-brewed a attempt at it and so far, they only got ONE lap in that is even faster than the Manthley. And the driver says he can get 4-6 more seconds out of it. You don't get a more Speedhunter article than this story.

Author7

If we had the man power, would love to have covered this attempt. It's probably the last of the all manual supercars that will be able to even attempt a record run.

8
Christian Clark

Totally understand, but maybe you guys could get an interview via email or something. It's too good a story and I like how you guys present things :)

9

They are hoping to go back soon as well. The cars look and sound amazing.. could be the final act of the Viper story too.

10
Christian Clark

They are back this week, aiming for the 918's time, 6:57. The story is beyond amazing, and unlike the Lambo Performante's time, R&T is third-party witness. They also have both cars and drivers prepped, jacked and ready to go. Godspeed guys!

11

Stick shift too

12

Damn, I guess purple is the fastest color..

13

Good lord, one day I'll get into the Porsche game, but until then Subaru. The GT3 certainly is an end goal for me.

14

"underbody cover for improved aero flow" Can you elaborate on that?

15

Out of interest, is there a comparable stock time? How many seconds did they shave off?

Author16

Here's SportAuto's complete lap times - http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/rundenzeiten/supertests/

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