Porsche 911 GT2 RS sets new lap record on Nurburgring
Porsche does it again! After creating headlines with a performance version of the Cayenne on the Nurburgring circuit, it has now dethroned the Mercedes-AMG GT Black, the erstwhile record holder for the fastest lap by a production car around the Green Hell. The 911 GT2 RS piloted by Porsche test driver Lars Kern set a record lap time of 6:43.300 minutes on the 20.8km long Nurburgring Nordschleife, beating the previous best time of 6:48.047 minutes by 4.747 seconds at an average speed of 185.87 kmph.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS that set this record was equipped with a Manthey Performance Kit with specifically designed components. Before we go any further, it is worth mentioning that the Manthey Performance kit is currently only available to customers in Europe, with plans to enter the US market as well. However, this kit is available at Porsche dealerships much like any other optional extra would be and it doesn’t void the manufacturer warranty, not to mention the fact that Porsche owns a majority stake in Manthey racing. Which is what allows Porsche to claim this time to be set by a production car.
The Manthey Performance Kit increases downforce from 49kg to 70kg at the front, and from 93 to 200kg on the rear at the speed of 200kmph. This is achieved by the specifically designed aerodynamic components such as the carbon underbody, additional air flaps on the front spoiler, air guides near the front wheels, a new rear spoiler, aero discs on rear wheels and a modified diffuser. In addition to all this, the Manthey Performance Kit also includes the Weissach’s Package light magnesium alloy wheels.
The coilover suspension of the GT2 RS has been altered by Porsche and Manthey for a better track experience, with the shock absorbers on the GT2 RS now adjustable to three different settings for the front, and four different settings for the rear. The kitted-out Porsche 911 GT2 RS wore Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres, and had a PCCB ceramic brake system with special brake pads to improve precision and responsiveness.
Speaking of the engine, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six unit which churns out 690bhp and 750Nm of torque. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS gets a 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission, and it nails the 0-100 in just 2.8 seconds ultimately reaching a top speed of 340kmph.
Currently, Porsche has the 911 GT3 listed on its website with prices yet to be announced. The 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S and the 911 Carrera Turbo S are priced at Rs 1.63 crore, Rs 1.84 and Rs 3.0 crore respectively.
