For the first time ever, Porsche USA is offering 911 GT3 customers the option of a factory-backed Manthey-Racing performance kit. The kit was already made available to 992 GT3 owners at the end of December, but only now has it been offered to American buyers.
Like Porsche itself, Manthey-Racing is aware that increasing engine output is not the only way to make a car better. As a result, the 4.0-liter flat-six engine has been left untouched and still produces 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, a Manthey-fettled GT3 can complete the Nurburgring's Nordschleife circuit in just 6:55.737, 4.19 seconds quicker than a standard GT3 could do it.
Best of all, the kit retains the new vehicle warranty provided by Porsche, so you can use the car exactly as intended.
"Manthey stands for performance at the racetrack, pure and simple," said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "They are not only fierce competitors in motorsport, but revered experts in aerodynamics and vehicle setup."
The changes made reflect that, with a larger front spoiler joined by canards on the bumper. These work in tandem with redesigned underbody air guides to increase front-axle downforce. To ensure a balanced aerodynamic load, the swan-neck rear wing has been widened and now features a Gurney flap. At each extremity, the end plates have also been enlarged, and the wing's angle is more aggressive. The aero upgrades are completed with new fins for the rear diffuser that are longer and now made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, as well as aerodiscs for the rear wheels.
Four-way coilover suspension, co-developed by Porsche and Manthey, is also offered and can be adjusted without tools, providing the ability to increase spring rates by 10% on the front axle and 7% at the rear. Braided steel brake lines help guarantee repeatable and reliable stopping ability, and you can order special brake pads too. Finally, lightweight forged wheels that save some 16 pounds can be ordered. So what does all of this cost?
The kit without the wheels has a base MSRP of $57,300, and the wheels will set you back an additional $15,500. If you're not sure about spending that much dosh in one go, Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles offer 90-minute sessions for potential buyers to compare a regular GT3 with a Manthey-Racing-equipped variant. The experience costs $1,675, and if you're still not convinced, you can book an extended four-hour session.
It's a great opportunity for regular track goers, and we echo the sentiments of Gruner in saying that we "hope to see examples this September at Laguna Seca for Rennsport Reunion 7."