Skip to main content

Porsche GT2 RS MR Destroys Lamborghini’s Record on the ‘Ring

It honestly hasn’t been that long. Maybe a few months? I can still remember picking my jaw up off the floor when Porsche announced the Nurburgring production car record it smashed with the marque’s all-new 911 GT2 RS. Then, I distinctly remember Lamborghini, Porsche’s sister from another mister, raining fire and brimstone upon “The Green Hell” and smiting the GT2 RS’ time with the frighteningly savage Aventador SVJ. Apparently, nobody told the Germans both Lamborghini and Porsche are on the same team because Porsche is back with another balls-out record smash in the newly coined Porsche GT2 RS MR.

In September 2017, Porsche announced that the 911 GT2 RS had scalded the Nurburgring in a barely believable 6:47.30. A time that, at its announcement, was five seconds quicker than the previous record set by Lamborghini’s Huracan Performante. Then, in July 2018, Lamborghini posted a 6:44.97 lap time that smoked the Porsche’s.

New record: 911 GT2 RS MR laps the Nürburgring Norschleife in 6:40.3 minutes.

Now, with the Ring-Ready GT2 RS MR, the ballsiest 911 ever, shaved another four seconds off its time to return to the starting grid in just 6:40.3. That is a time we don’t think will be challenged any time soon. Though, now that we look at the rivalry in the House of Volkswagen, it could be sooner than we think.

How Porsche beat the record is down to one variable: Manthey Racing. Using a Nurburgring-specific upgrade and optimization kit, Porsche and the engineers at Manthey Racing were able to essentially set the 911 GT2 RS MR to do one thing and one thing only, dominate the Nurburgring’s ballistic track. The modifications, however, were fairly limited and mostly consisted of optimizing the supercar’s chassis and aerodynamics. The driver, Lars Kern, who’s one of Porsche’s development driver’s, also only had a single session to set a time adding to just how truly quick this car is when built with a singular goal.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Porsche’s head of motorsport and GT Cars, said, “In this test drive, we simply wanted to assess the potential of the vehicle once more. The result is quite impressive. It really is a fabulous time. This shows again very clearly the exciting possibilities of this sports car.”

Better yet, Porsche’s partnership with Manthey Racing and this record produced parts that can be ordered for customer GT2 RS’ right now. That means you too could have a ‘Ring demolishing super beast so long as you have the cash and the chutzpah to take it to the ragged edge.

Your move, Lamborghini.

Editors' Recommendations

Jonathon Klein
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jonathon is a former contributor to The Manual. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments…
Honda is selling a $995 drivable suitcase-size electric scooter we can’t tell if we love or hate
The Honda Motocompacto wants to solve last-mile e-mobility
Two people riding Honda Motocompacto escooters on a city street.

Honda has been slower than many manufacturers to sell battery electric vehicles in the U.S., only recently announcing the 2024 Honda Prologue EV. In an interesting but somewhat bewildering twist, Honda has introduced a second vehicle to the EV arena, an electric scooter. The Honda Motocompacto is a collapsible ride-on electric scooter you can order online today for $995. The orders will be fulfilled at select Honda and Acura dealers beginning in 2024.

If you first see Honda's new e-mobility device on the street, you might wonder if someone put a motor in a folded card table. If you ride one, you'll notice that there are no pedals. Despite first appearances, the Motocompacto isn't an e-bicycle; it's an e-scooter. The foot pegs are there to give you a place to rest your feet, not to propel the scooter.

Read more
2024 Audi Q8 SUV flagship updates exterior and lighting technology
New features help differentiate Audi's flagship from the rest
2024 Audi S Q8 in Waitomo Blue left front three-quarter view on pavement near the ocean shore - European Model Shown..

Audi pulled off a pretty neat trick updating its flagship Q8 SUV. How do you differentiate an automotive brand's flagship from the rest of the model lineup? It's imperative to balance significant brand identity clues with distinctive touches that signal the flagship's specialness.
The Audi Q7 three-row mid-size SUV packs sufficient luxury for many buyers, so Audi needed to add unique features to the Q8 to provoke desire and loosen budgets. The most significant changes in the 2024 Audi Q8 are in exterior styling, blending boldness with elegance, to use Audi's terms. Audi rolled out additional standard driver assistance technology in the Q8, but the drive trains carry over unchanged for the Q8 and the sporty SQ8.

The 2024 Audi Q8's updated design
The 2024 Audi Q8 styling changes emphasize the existing roofline slope, frameless doors, and broad wheel arches. The Q8's octagonal front grille incorporates new design features, including L-shaped sections on the Q8 with the S Line style option and on the SQ8.

Read more
Indian Motorcycle has a new limited-edition, carbon fiber-laden bike starting at $18,999
Classic cool with modern flare — we love it
Motorcycle rider out of focus carrying helmet toward Indian Motorcycle 2024 FTR x 100% R limited edition

Indian Motorcycle and the 100% motocross apparel and rider equipment brand announced its collaboration in the 2024 Indian FTR x 100% R Carbon motorcycle. The top trim of Indian FTR performance bikes, the FTR x 100% R Carbon, is a limited edition, with only 400 motorcycles available worldwide, with prices starting at $18,999.

The FTR x 100% R Carbon adds 100% styling, finish elements, and additional bodywork to the premium FTR R Carbon model. A single colorway is available: Blue Candy with white stripes and the distinctive red 100% logo. A glossy white trellis frame and red accents on the wheels and chin fairing add to the visual appeal. The trellis frame is the visible structure of metal tubular segments that connect the motorcycle's steering head with the swing arm, the section that connects to the rear wheel.

Read more