Porsche has once again shown its racing spirit by setting a new lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 completed the famous 12.94-mile German racetrack in just 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, becoming the fastest production car with a manual transmission on this track.
Racing Legend Joerg Bergmeister Behind the Wheel
The record-breaking lap was driven by Joerg Bergmeister, a 49-year-old Porsche brand ambassador and professional racer. The car used for the run was completely stock, just like what customers can buy from the showroom. With this record, Porsche beat the previous manual transmission lap time by over 9.5 seconds.
Why Manual Transmission Still Matters in 2025
Manual gearboxes have existed since the beginning of cars. Drivers manually change gears to control speed and performance. Over the years, automatic transmissions have become faster and more efficient. Porsche even introduced its PDK dual-clutch system in 2008, which is quicker than any human-driven manual.
Yet, many car lovers still prefer manuals. Why? They say it gives them more connection to the car and the road. Porsche understands this passion and still offers manual options for drivers who crave full control.
Porsche Listens to Drivers Who Love the Stick Shift
Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Cars at Porsche, explained that more and more GT3 buyers are choosing the manual version. Many fans were curious: how fast can the manual GT3 go on the Nürburgring?
Now they have the answer. Even without the speed of the PDK gearbox or an electronic differential, the 911 GT3 still beat its predecessor by around 3.6 seconds on the same track. That’s a big win for manual fans.
A Surprising Comparison With the Dodge Viper ACR
Before this, the fastest manual car on the Nürburgring was the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR, which completed the lap in 7:01.3 minutes. It had a massive 8.4-liter V10 engine with 645 horsepower.
In contrast, Porsche achieved its faster lap with a smaller 4.0-liter flat-6 engine producing 518 horsepower. That’s less power, fewer cylinders—but more precision and balance.
Celebrating the Old-School Gearbox in a Modern World
This record is more than just a fast lap. It’s a celebration of the manual transmission. Even in the age of high-tech automatics, Porsche proves that tradition still has a place in high-performance driving.
With this achievement, the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 becomes a dream machine for purists—those who want excitement, control, and connection every time they shift gears.
Porsche 911 GT3 Manual Highlights
- Engine: 4.0-liter flat-6
- Power: 518 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Lap Time: 6:56.294 at Nürburgring Nordschleife
- Driver: Joerg Bergmeister
- Lap Length: 12.94 miles
Is Manual Still the Real Driver’s Choice?
This record proves something many enthusiasts already believe—manual isn’t dead, and it can still shine on the world’s toughest track. Porsche has shown that passion and performance can go hand-in-hand, even with fewer gears and no fancy electronics.
Would you still choose a manual over an automatic today?
