A modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS, enhanced with the Manthey performance package, has achieved a new benchmark lap time at Road Atlanta, decisively surpassing the previous record by more than two seconds. This impressive feat underscores the transformative impact of Manthey's specialized upgrades on Porsche's already high-performance 911 models.
While a standard Porsche 911 is recognized globally as a formidable and engaging sports car, the pinnacle models, identified by the 'GT' designation, represent the zenith of Porsche's engineering. However, even these top-tier vehicles possess further untapped potential, which Manthey Racing — a firm with partial ownership by Porsche, specializing in racing and tuning — aims to unlock.
Manthey offers bespoke kits for various high-performance 911 trims. These modifications focus not on increasing engine power or reducing weight, but rather on refining the vehicle's suspension and aerodynamic properties. The result is a substantial enhancement that transforms an already track-focused machine into an even more potent and precise instrument for circuit driving. This strategy was vividly demonstrated when Porsche brought three Manthey-equipped 911 GT cars to Road Atlanta, where they collectively reset performance expectations.
During the testing session, professional racing driver Joerg Bergmeister piloted a 2019 911 GT2 RS fitted with the Manthey Kit to an astounding lap time of 1:22.649. This time was 2.2 seconds quicker than the prior record, which was set by an unmodified GT2 RS. Bergmeister lauded the car's capabilities, remarking on its extraordinary downforce, cornering speeds comparable to GT-class race cars, exceptional suspension absorption over track curbs, and superior braking performance.
To further highlight the efficacy of the Manthey upgrades, Porsche also deployed a 911 GT3 and a GT3 RS, each equipped with their respective Manthey kits. Both vehicles recorded significantly faster lap times compared to their standard counterparts. Notably, the 2025 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Kit achieved a lap time of 1:23.032, establishing it as the quickest naturally aspirated production car to conquer the demanding circuit.
The Manthey Kit represents a considerable investment for owners of an already high-priced automobile, with costs ranging from approximately $70,000 to $150,000, depending on the specific 911 model and the extent of the chosen upgrades. For enthusiasts dedicated to achieving incrementally faster lap times and for whom financial considerations are secondary, this upgrade path offers a clear route to elevating their track performance from highly skilled amateur to an elite competitor.
