Designed for those who wish to extract every ounce of track capability, here’s how Manthey Racing sharpens the already formidable RS into a Nürburgring-dominating machine.
by Khris Bharath on January 17, 2025, 10:00The 992.2 update for the Porsche 911 has been an interesting case. Earlier this year, we saw the first-ever production hybrid 911 with the GTS. Then came the 992.2 GT3, which strangely enough did not receive a power bump, marking a first for Porsche. As the 992.2 lineup continues to evolve, the next-gen GT3 RS is expected to feature slightly more power from its signature 4.0-liter flat-six. But for those who don’t want to wait, Manthey Racing, the Nürburgring-based Porsche Super Cup veteran, offers a comprehensive kit to upgrade the 992.1 GT3 RS, NOW. This package delivers much-needed aerodynamic and chassis enhancements that might make the upcoming 992.2 GT3 RS seem like an unnecessary upgrade. I recently got to take a close look at the Manthey kit in person, at the Icons Of Porsche event in Dubai, and here’s how it compares to the standard GT3 RS.
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing Kit
Porsche’s GT3 RS lineup has always emphasized lightweight engineering, but the Manthey Racing version sheds even more pounds with extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials. The 911 GT3 RS has always been the winged track weapon in the 911 lineup, and the 992 is no exception.
Manthey’s kit for the 992.1 GT3 RS took two years to develop. While it doesn’t include powertrain enhancements, it focuses purely on aerodynamic and handling upgrades. The kit consists of 17 elements that improve the GT3 RS’s handling, high-speed stability, downforce, and stopping power, all while shedding weight and adding visual flair. Here’s what the Manthey kit includes:
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Semi-active coil-over suspension with aluminum body and adaptable valve control for adjustable rebound and compression
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High-performance brake pads, suitable for road and track use
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Brake lines with stainless-steel woven braid for superior brake response
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Carbon-fiber front splitter add-on and wheel-arch air guide
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Carbon-fiber front-bumper canards/air flaps
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Revised carbon-fiber front apron
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Underbody cover/flat bottom (front section)
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Carbon-fiber rear diffuser
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Two-piece, carbon-fiber DRS wing blade
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Carbon-fiber rear-wing end plates with Manthey logo
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Carbon-fiber shark fin with window insert
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Carbon-fiber roof fins
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Carbon-fiber aero discs for the rear wheels for improved rear-end downforce
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Titanium-steel front and rear tow loop (available in black, yellow, and red)
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Carbon-fiber door sill trim with Manthey logos
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LED Manthey door projectors
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Manthey decal set (available in black, gold, and red finishes)
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS VS. 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing: Features
The 911 GT3 RS and its Manthey Racing counterpart, while built upon the same platform, offer distinctly different driving experiences. The standard RS is already renowned for its razor-sharp handling, naturally aspirated powerplant, and lightweight construction. The Manthey package amplifies these traits, adding bespoke upgrades like a race-tuned suspension and enhanced braking systems for even greater confidence on the track.
With these aerodynamic upgrades, downforce increases by approximately 20%, achieving 2,204 pounds compared to 1,895 pounds at 177 mph. Combined with increased spring rates (30% at the front axle and 15% at the rear), these enhancements reduce dive, pitch, and roll during cornering, providing a more stable platform at high speeds.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing | |
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Exterior Features | Lightweight CFRP hood, roof, and DRS-enabled rear wing for optimized airflow. Massive swan-neck rear wing generates significant downforce. Vented fenders and front splitter enhance aerodynamics. | Features a redesigned aero kit, including larger endplates on the rear wing and a new splitter design. Includes optional lightweight magnesium wheels. Enhanced underbody aerodynamics for superior stability. |
Interior Features | Full bucket seats with carbon fiber shells for weight reduction. Stripped-down dashboard emphasizes critical gauges and real-time data. Optional Weissach Package adds comfort touches like Bose audio and navigation. | Similar to the standard RS but adds exclusive Manthey Racing trim options. Race-tuned suspension settings can be configured via driver controls. Focused on ultimate weight reduction while maintaining essential driver information. |
Options | Weissach Package for further weight savings and track-oriented touches. Magnesium wheels optional. | Offers a bespoke Manthey Racing package, including aero and suspension upgrades, enhanced braking systems, and exclusive design elements. |
Ground Clearance | 3.9 Inches | Similar but with optional adjustable suspension for track-specific tuning. |
Tires | Front 325 MM Rear 345 MM | Manthey-specific tire options optimized for track grip and durability. |
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS VS. 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing: Performance
Under the hood, both versions of the GT3 RS are powered by the same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine. Delivering 518 horsepower and a redline at 9,000 RPM, the engine is a masterpiece of engineering. However, where the Manthey Racing edition truly shines is in its handling dynamics and aerodynamics, fine-tuned for ultimate lap times. The standard GT3 RS produces up to 1,895 pounds of downforce at 177 mph, while the Manthey version surpasses this with even greater aerodynamic efficiency and balance.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing | |
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Engine | 4.0-liter NA flat-six | 4.0-liter NA flat-six (identical) |
Horsepower | 518 horsepower | 518 horsepower |
Torque | 343 lb-ft | 343 lb-ft |
Transmission | 7-speed PDK dual-clutch | 7-speed PDK dual-clutch |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.2 seconds | Slightly faster due to improved traction |
Top Speed | 184 MPH | Similar but with improved stability at high speeds |
Weight | 3,268 lbs | Estimated 3,200 lbs with Manthey upgrades |
Downforce | 1,895 pounds at 177 mph | 2,204 pounds at 177 mph |
Starting MSRP | $241,300 | Additional cost for Manthey package |
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS VS. 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing: Price
Manthey’s comprehensive kit for the Porsche 992.1 GT3 RS comes at a price. In Europe, it costs €78,000, which translates to just over $82,000. Adding this to the base price of the 911 GT3 RS ($241k), you’re looking at a car costing just over $320,000, not including dealer markups. Manthey also offers kits for the standard 992 GT3 and GT3 Touring models, but these are less aggressive compared to the track-optimized 992.1 GT3 RS kit.
Manthey’s goal for the 992.1 GT3 RS is to maximize performance while improving vehicle control at the limit. Drawing on decades of Porsche racing experience, Manthey has fine-tuned each component for ultimate track capability. I caught up with Micheal Grassl Sales director for Manthey Racing, at Icons Of Porsche, Dubai, and he informed me that a Nürburgring time hasn’t been attempted yet, but with the upgrades, expect a time in the 6:30s… For context, the 991.1 GT2 RS MR is currently the quickest production Porsche at the ‘Ring with a time of 6:43.30 minutes and the quickest overall production car remains the Mercedes AMG One with a time of 6:29.09 minutes.
The choice between the 911 GT3 RS and its Manthey Racing iteration boils down to your priorities. The standard GT3 RS provides a raw, track-ready experience with incredible balance and usability. The Manthey Racing version, however, is for those seeking the absolute fastest lap times and cutting-edge performance. If ultimate track dominance is your goal, the Manthey kit is worth the investment.
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio