Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Kit: Holy fuck!

Porsche sells an extreme version of its 911 GT3 RS naturally aspirated engine with the Manthey label from one of its racing teams.

When talking about Manthey to a motorsport enthusiast, they will immediately think of the “Olaf the Sorcerer.” Named after the founding father (with the famous beard) of the eponymous German team which holds the record for victories on the Nordschleife, the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring circuit. The green hell made popular by the video game Gran Turismo in the early 2000s.

To pay tribute to this historic collaboration between Porsche and Manthey, here comes an extreme version of the 911 GT3 RS (flat 6 4.0-liter from 525 horsepower). It is evident that the effort was mainly focused on aerodynamics, but also suspension and braking. One might think that the original version was already exceptional, but Manthey pushes even further.

This 911 GT3 RS Manthey Kit is primarily designed for track use, but it is still homologated for road use. Moreover, its purchase, which attaches to the series car and is offered as an accessory several months after the initial purchase, is distributed through the official Porsche network.

Over a ton of downforce at 285 km/h!

The Manthey kit for the 911 GT3 RS immediately stands out thanks to numerous improvements made to its aerodynamic components. The spoiler lip, now equipped with a new wing profile, has been significantly widened and reinforced with carbon fiber elements. Coupled with redesigned Gurney flaps at the wheel arches and two lateral deflectors on each side of the front bumper, this spoiler lip increases front axle downforce.

The rear window has been replaced with a carbon fiber panel, reduced weight by 25%. This panel features a rear wing also made of carbon fiber, inspired by the 963, champion in endurance racing. This wing improves stability in corners. Paired with six additional spoilers on the roof, it helps divert hot air from the radiator outward, while directing cooler intake air towards the rear, even in extreme conditions.

The carbon fiber rear wing, equipped with a DRS system and flanked by wider redesigned side flaps, increases rear axle downforce. The widened rear diffuser features longer carbon fiber fins, boosting downforce without compromising aerodynamics. The aerodynamic wheel covers, made of carbon fiber, help reduce drag and integrate seamlessly with all aerodynamic modifications, optimizing airflow and maximizing overall vehicle efficiency.

In summary, downforce has been significantly increased without adding drag. At 285 km/h, the 911 GT3 RS fitted with the Manthey kit generates over 1,000 kg of downforce, allowing it to handle fast and middle-speed curves at higher speeds, while offering increased vehicle stability.

Semi-active spring suspension

The spring rates of the semi-active suspension have been recalibrated to adapt to the increased downforce. They have been increased by 30% at the front and 15% at the rear. This new balance is reinforced by the addition of four acceleration sensors on the wheels and three on the chassis, connected to a state-of-the-art control unit. This guarantees extremely fast and highly precise automatic shock absorber adjustments.

The new shock absorbers include two separate valves, dedicated respectively to compression and rebound phases, controlled independently. This system allows for ultra-precise settings tailored to driving conditions, optimizing stability, especially on circuit. Three driving modes – Normal, Sport, and Track – offer specific configurations to adjust the fundamental characteristics of the dampers. In Track mode, drivers can also manually fine-tune basic settings using rotary controls located on the steering wheel.

The brake components of the Manthey kit are specially designed to meet the demanding requirements of circuit racing. The steel-braided brake hoses provide a more precise and direct pedal feel while reducing response time. For vehicles equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, optional racing brake pads are also available.

These pads, developed specifically for heavy track use, minimize fade and improve responsiveness and braking precision. They maintain consistent performance over a wide temperature range and are highly resistant to wear, both for the pads and discs, ensuring optimal durability under extreme conditions.

Are performance metrics really improving?

“With the Manthey kit, the 911 GT3 RS has clearly outperformed itself on track, especially through medium-speed corners,” states Jörg Bergmeister, Porsche brand ambassador. “The car sits less, sways less, and rolls less, creating a much more stable aerodynamic platform. This ensures very consistent contact pressure, regardless of driving conditions.”

“For two years, we collaborated with Porsche engineers to develop this new Manthey kit for the 911 GT3 RS, which we tested over several thousand kilometers across European circuits and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” explains Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH. “Our data shows a clear improvement in lap times compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS. However, weather conditions have yet to allow us to set an official time on the Nordschleife. We hope to do so soon.”

The Manthey kit for the 911 GT3 RS is now available for order. Its market launch will begin in January 2025 in the EU and in March 2025 outside the EU. Its price is set at 76,911 euros excluding VAT and specific installation fees in each country (about 100,000 euros in France), to be installed at an authorized Porsche Center. The original manufacturer’s warranty of the 911 GT3 RS remains unchanged.

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