Faster Than Viper? Porsche 911 GT3 Breaks Manual Lap Record

Porsche just broke another Nürburgring record, and this one is for the purists. The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual transmission has officially set the fastest lap ever recorded at the Green Hell for a manual-transmission vehicle. Factory driver Jörg Bergmeister clocked an incredible lap time of 6:56.294 around the full 12.94-mile course, pushing the limits of what a manual gearbox can really do on one of the toughest circuits in the world.

This shatters the previous record held by the Dodge Viper ACR, which stood unchallenged for 8 years with a time of 7:01.3. What is even more impressive is that the GT3 also outpaced the older 992 GT3 model, which was equipped with the faster dual-clutch automatic gearbox. On the older, shorter 12.8-mile version of the course, the new GT3 managed a blistering 6:51.764—over 10 seconds faster than the Viper, despite giving up about 140 horsepower.

Bergmeister commented on how the chassis updates taken from the GT3 RS made a real difference, especially with stability through bumpy sections and when riding the curbs. He said that although the seven-speed PDK would have made the lap a few seconds quicker, the six-speed manual made the drive far more engaging.

The record-setting car featured Porsche’s optional Weissach Package, which brings carbon-fiber body parts and other weight-saving upgrades. It was also riding on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the stickiest street-legal tires Porsche offers for the GT3.

Porsche has once again proven it can blend raw performance with true driving involvement. If you are a fan of three pedals and lap times that leave jaws on the floor, this 911 GT3 might be your new dream car.