Latest news with #PorscheDoppelkupplungsgetriebe
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Porsche 911 GT3 secures Nürburgring record
Porsche has set a new benchmark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with its latest 911 GT3 becoming the fastest production car fitted with a manual transmission to lap the legendary circuit. Behind the wheel of the record-setting vehicle was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who completed the 20.832km course in a remarkable 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, eclipsing the previous best by more than nine and a half seconds. The achievement underscores Porsche's commitment to driver-focused engineering, particularly at a time when fully automated systems and dual-clutch gearboxes dominate the performance car landscape. This record is especially significant considering the vehicle was equipped with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox rather than the brand's quicker, seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission. The 911 GT3, fitted with the Weissach package, delivered a performance that exceeded its predecessor's PDK-assisted lap by 3.633 seconds, illustrating the substantial improvements made across key performance areas. Among the developments contributing to the enhanced pace were revisions to the suspension setup and chassis, largely influenced by insights gained from the more extreme 911 GT3 RS. The new model also features a revised gear ratio, shortened by eight per cent, which provides improved acceleration characteristics despite maintaining the same power output of 510PS. Track conditions during the record attempt were ideal, with ambient temperatures at 12°C and the asphalt warmed to 27°. The vehicle ran on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres – street-legal yet track-capable – with sizes 255/35 R20 at the front and 315/30 R21 at the rear, the same configuration used during the official lap of the earlier GT3 model. This attempt was conducted under notarial supervision to validate the timing, and the focus was clear from the outset: to demonstrate the true potential of the manual transmission variant. Porsche engineers had closely analysed the current lap leaderboard, noting that the previous record holder completed the shorter 20.6 km version of the circuit in 7 minutes and 1.300 seconds. When translated to the full track, that performance equated to approximately 7 minutes and 5.800 seconds – a target the new GT3 surpassed with confidence. Andreas Preuninger, who leads Porsche's GT model development, explained that customer demand for manual variants has grown significantly. Many owners have expressed curiosity about the capabilities of a manual-equipped GT3 on the Nordschleife. Porsche's decision to pursue this lap time was, in part, a direct response to that enthusiasm. Although a PDK version would likely have been marginally quicker, the manual car's record lap showcased not only its competitive performance but also the rewarding engagement it offers. Bergmeister, reflecting on his experience, noted that the car was noticeably more stable over undulations and kerbs, inspiring confidence and allowing for higher cornering speeds. He added that the effort required to manage gear changes manually made the lap all the more exhilarating. With this new lap time, the Porsche 911 GT3 has not only reclaimed a coveted title but also reaffirmed its role as a modern-day performance icon – one that embraces tradition without compromising on technological advancement. The manual transmission, far from being obsolete, continues to provide a visceral and rewarding experience that resonates with purists and enthusiasts alike.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Porsche Sets Nurburgring Record With 911 GT3 Manual
New Porsche 911 GT3 masters the Nordschleife in 6:56.294 minutes The traditional standard gearbox has captured the spotlight and earned new respect with the news that Porsche has set a new lap record for the fastest production car with a manual transmission on Germany's challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Piloted by 49-year-old Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche brand ambassador and celebrated professional racer, a factory-stock 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 with a 6-speed manual gearbox circled the 12.94-mile 'Ring' in 6:56.294 minutes—beating the previous record for a manual gearbox vehicle by over 9.5 seconds. Manual, or standard, gearboxes have been around since the dawn of automobiles, when the operator was required to shift the transmission into different gears to drive the vehicle at various speeds. Engineers have spent more than a century attempting to engineer automatic transmissions that are smoother, faster, more efficient, and more convenient than a manual transmission. While early automatics, such as GM's Hydramatic four-speed hydraulic automatic introduced in 1939, reduced the driver's workload, they were slow to shift. Later iterations were quicker, but the 'slushbox' (a reference to the fluid in the torque converter) still had faults—driving enthusiasts preferred a manual gearbox. The innovative dual-clutch automatic transmission, fitted to passenger cars since the early 2000s, solved nearly all complaints. Lightning-fast shifts and full electronic integration with the engine ensured performance that no human could match. The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (translated to "Porsche dual-clutch transmission"), or PDK, has been offered with all of Porsche's highest-performing sports cars since its introduction in 2008. And it has been the performance-leading gearbox when pitted against the traditional manual in every instance. The Porsche team celebrating the record at Nurburgring Yet many driving enthusiasts refuse to let go of the manual, citing more driver involvement and engagement. While many automakers have dropped the option, Porsche—acknowledging consumer demand—continues to offer it on many of its models, including the 911 GT3 sports car. 'More and more customers of the 911 GT3 are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife', Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Cars, said. 'We have now answered this question and—although we know that the variant with PDK is significantly faster—drove our lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK and with a mechanical instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 takes around 3.6 seconds off its predecessor with PDK.' The previous record for a production vehicle with a manual gearbox was held by the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR, with a time of 7:01.3 minutes (timed on the shorter 12.8-mile track layout). The Dodge was fitted with an 8.4-liter V10 engine with 645 hp. In comparison, the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 features a 4.0-liter flat-6 with 518 hp—the Germans accomplished a much faster lap with smaller displacement, fewer cylinders, and less power. The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 'The new 911 GT3 inspires even more confidence at the limit than the previous model. I was faster in almost every corner,' Bergmeister said, describing the handling of the sports car. 'We learned a lot from the 911 GT3 RS, especially with the chassis. The car is even more stable on bumps and over the curbs. And thanks to the eight percent shorter gear ratio, there is noticeably more power on the rear axle when accelerating with the same engine power.' The lap record is another accolade for Porsche, but it is also a win for driving enthusiasts who stand behind the manual gearbox. Bergmeister readily admitted that the human involvement and engagement made the effort even more enjoyable. 'Even if it would have been a few seconds faster with the seven-speed PDK – with the six-speed manual gearbox I definitely had more to do on the fast lap and thus also a bit more fun.'
