Porsche at last offers GT3 owners in North America access to the Manthey Performance Upgrade and hands-on experience.
Manthey Racing offers a significant performance upgrade for the Porsche 911 GT3, aimed at unleashing its true potential on the racetrack. The enhancements are substantial, with the Manthey GT3 lapping the Nurburgring 4.19 seconds faster than the standard GT3, showcasing the effectiveness of the modifications.
While the details of the upgrades are not explicitly outlined, the focus appears to be on chassis tweaks and improved aerodynamics rather than boosting power. The 992 GT3, even in its factory setting, is already known for its impressive performance.
The Manthey Kit was initially available for European customers, and after a year of consideration, Porsche has decided to bring it to the United States. The article highlights the significance of the Manthey upgrades and poses the question of whether it’s worth opting for the Manthey Kit to enhance the existing GT3 or considering the more powerful 992 GT3 RS.
With the Manthey Performance Kit, the Porsche 911 GT3 achieved a Nurburgring lap time of 6:55.737, over four seconds faster than the standard 911 GT3. Initially available for European customers, Porsche has now introduced the Manthey Performance Kit to customers in the United States. Despite its impressive performance, the package comes at a considerable cost.
The upgrades focus primarily on chassis tweaks and aerodynamic improvements. The front of the car features a larger splitter and canards, working with the reworked underbody to generate increased downforce over the front axle. The rear showcases a wider swan-neck wing with a Gurney flap, larger end plates, and a steeper wing angle. Additionally, the Manthey Performance Kit includes an extended carbon fiber rear diffuser and aerodiscs on the rear wheels, contributing to enhanced aerodynamic efficiency compared to the standard GT3.
In terms of the chassis, Porsche and Manthey have created a special four-way coilover suspension. These are specifically designed for the circuit and have four-position adjustable struts with rebound and compression settings that don’t require any special tools. Additionally, you receive updated spring rates, which are 7% lower in the back and 10% higher in the front.
In addition, a towing loop, unique racing brake pads (optional), and steel braided brake lines are included with the Manthey kit. A set of lightweight forged rims that are spaced 20 and 21 inches apart, door projectors, and illuminated door sill guards emblazoned with the Manthey logo are additional aesthetic enhancements. In case you were wondering, the warranty will not be voided by the kit.
For $60,000, the Manthey 911 GT3 receives no power upgrades.
The Manthey GT3 retains the same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, which is a revised and homologated version derived from the GT3 race car. The engine produces 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. The option to pair the engine with Porsche’s six-speed manual gearbox is available at no extra cost, providing enthusiasts with a traditional and engaging driving experience. However, for those preferring a swift dual-clutch unit, Porsche offers a seven-speed PDK automatic as an alternative.
The GT3’s engine is known for its impressive performance, revving up to 9000 rpm, delivering a thrilling experience. While the manual gearbox enhances engagement, some argue that the 4.0L engine is better suited to the PDK for optimal performance. The Manthey GT3 experience, with its enhancements, comes at a significant cost, underlining the premium associated with these performance upgrades.
The Manthey performance package is available for $57,300 as its starting MSRP. Before factoring in the extra $15,500 for the lightweight forged wheels, that is. If you couldn’t tell already, the car is obviously not included in this. That will cost an additional $180,000, making the price of a 992 Porsche 911 GT3 outfitted with Manthey more than $250,000. This raises the question: should you spend nearly the same amount of money on a GT3 RS as you would on an upgraded GT3?
Porsche’s Strategy To Encourage Americans To Upgrade To The Manthey GT3
Porsche is offering enthusiasts the chance to experience the Manthey GT3 for a fee of $1,675 at the Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles. During a 90-minute session, participants can compare the performance of a standard 911 GT3 with and without the Manthey Performance Kit. The session includes modules that highlight the upgrades, providing insights into their impact on performance. Additionally, those opting for the Los Angeles experience center have the option to extend the program to a four-hour session.
Addressing the question of GT3 RS vs. Manthey GT3, the article suggests that the Manthey upgrade brings the GT3 closest to the RS level without carrying the RS moniker. Notably, Porsche does not offer RS models with a manual gearbox, making the Manthey kit an appealing option for enthusiasts who prefer a manual transmission. Despite the significant cost associated with exclusive Porsches, demand for GT models remains high, and securing an allocation is often a challenging endeavor.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS honors the Carrera RS package with an external rear-quarter view.Through: Porsche Without a doubt, the Manthey GT3 would be an incredible vehicle on the racetrack and a very interesting option for daily driving. Where Porsches outperform their competitors is in this duality. One of the most adaptable vehicles in its class is the 911 GT3. The GT3 is more than capable of accompanying you on your weekend shopping excursions and is as good as any hot hatch when in comfort mode.
The flawless refinement and captivating driving experience of the GT3 are enough to win over anyone. The Manthey upgrade is one way to make things look nicer if you want to take it a step further. That is, of course, prior to the Manthey GT3 RS.
Who Is Manthey Racing?
Olaf Manthey founded Manthey Racing in 1996 after a successful racing career in the DTM series. The company, continuing Olaf Manthey’s legacy, achieved numerous victories in various endurance racing events, gaining international recognition through its participation in the VLN Endurance Championship Nurburgring and the WEC world championship, among other competitions.
Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, emphasized Manthey Racing’s reputation for performance on the racetrack, highlighting their competitiveness in motorsport and expertise in aerodynamics and vehicle setup. Since 2013, Manthey Racing has been responsible for running the GT Works competition for Porsche Motorsport. Porsche holds a 51 percent share in Manthey Racing, which is headquartered in Meuspath near the Nurburgring and employs approximately 200 people.
