Porsche 911 GT3 RS boosted by new Manthey Kit
The best just got better
How could you possibly improve a Porsche 911 GT3 RS on track? Well, the answer may be the new Manthey Kit.
Designed to enhance on-track performance even further with aerodynamic efficiency, modified suspension and optimised braking components, the new kit makes one of the best track day cars even better.
The new kit was developed between the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach and the Manthey engineers in Meuspath. These track-focused components will be made available via Porsche Centres.
Performance Improvements
Aerodynamics
A new spoiler lip profile with carbon-fibre elements together with redesigned wheel arch Gurney flaps with dive planes give the 911 GT3 RS an immediate improvement in downforce on the front axle.
The rear window gets replaced by a 25% lighter carbon fibre panel with a mounted carbon fibre shark fin derived from the World Sportscar Championship winning 963. This is all done to increase cornering stability, along with six additional roof fins with the rear aero diverting warm air away from the radiator.
An F1 style split carbon fibre DRS wing element increases downforce on the rear axle as well as larger, redesigned end plates.
The previous top speed of 184mph is reduced to 177mph due to more than 1,000 kg of downforce. This, however, enables higher speeds on fast and medium-speed corners and increases stability.
Upgraded Suspension
The spring rates of the semi-active coilover suspension have been adjusted to account for the increased downforce, increasing by 30% on the front axle and 15% on the rear. The Manthey Kit also comes with new wheel-acceleration sensors for each wheel to ensure improved damper tuning and new shock absorbers with two separate valves for the compression and rebound stages of movement.
These changes increased stability on the track and different damper characteristics can be selected when switching between Normal, Sport and Track driving modes
Uprated Brakes
Track day optimised racing brake pads have been added and reduce fading while also increasing responsiveness and control precision. These have consistent performance over a wide temperature range and better wear resistance for both the pads themselves as well as the discs.
Visual Changes
Along with the performance changes, the Manthey Kit adds several visual differences.
These include illuminated door sill guards in carbon fibre with red and white Manthey lettering, LED door projectors with white Manthey lettering as well as lettering on the car doors.
A towing eye in red, black or yellow is available for when driving on the racetrack, and can be used on the front or rear, although this has to be removed when taking it on public roads.
Chasing the Nürburgring lap time leaderboard
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is currently fourth on the Nürburgring lap record leaderboard, although it looks like the aim is to improve that with the addition of the Manthey Kit.
“Over a period of two years, we worked together with Porsche engineers on the new Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS and tested it over several thousand kilometres on European racetracks and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” says Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH. “Our data promises a significant improvement in lap times compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS. So far, weather conditions have prevented us from achieving an official lap time on the Nordschleife. We want to make up for this at the next possible opportunity.”
How much and how to order?
The Manthey Kit can be yours for £99,999. Add this to the initial £192,600 price tag of the 911 GT3 RS and you’re looking at truly eyewatering figures.
It is available to order now, first hitting EU markets in January before becoming available to the rest of the world in March.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Porsche