2018 Porsche 911 GT3 shaves 12.3 seconds off its predecessor’s record Nürburgring lap

It didn’t manage to beat the Mercedes-AMG GT R or the Nissan GT-R Nismo, though

We suspected the recently-updated Porsche 911 GT3 (991.2) was quicker than its predecessor, but we didn't expect it to beat the 991-based model so categorically on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The new 911 GT3 has posted a lap time of 7 minutes 12.7 seconds on the legendary track, making it 12.3 seconds quicker than its forerunner. It's a remarkable lap time also because it was posted by a 493 hp (500 PS) car.

If you look at the list of similar lap times, they were posted by much more powerful cars like the 592 hp Nissan GT-R Nismo (7min08.679s), 577 hp Mercedes-AMG GT R (7min10.92s), or 600 hp Dodge Viper ACR (7min12.13s).

"A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred racing cars with slick tires. The new GT3 can now achieve this with comparatively modest power, but is still fully suited to everyday use."

Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Product Line.

The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3's lap time was set at an air temperature of 8 degrees Celsius and an asphalt temperature of 14 degrees Celsius — conditions deemed ideal for racing by Porsche test driver Lars Kern.

The car used in the Nürburgring lap record attempt was in standard trim, equipped with rear-axle steering, the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), and Michelin Sport Cup 2 N1 tires. Finally, the road-approved, rear-wheel drive 911 GT3 set its best time under notarial supervision so that there would be no discussions about the integrity of the attempt.

As a reminder, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat six gasoline engine (shared with the 911 GT3 Cup racing car), that delivers 494 hp (500 PS) and 458 Nm (338 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated as standard with a seven-speed PDK double-clutch automatic specifically-tuned for the GT3, while a six-speed manual transmission is available as an option. You can watch the amazing onboard footage of the lap record below.

Onboard from Porsche AG on Vimeo.