Porsche 911 GT2 RS “Clubsport 25”

Time has shown us that Porsche is very conservative regarding partnering with outside firms. So, who they chose to collaborate with reveals much about the partner, as is the case with Manthey Racing. Manthey Racing GmbH is a company with more than 250 employees and came to international attention thanks to its activities in the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring, the WEC sports car world championship, and other racing events. The company has been responsible for running GT works competition for Porsche Motorsport since 2013.

After years of a successful partnership with Porsche, it was time to create something special to commemorate the relationship. In 2022, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Manthey-Racing. Only 30 units were produced, and still to this day, it was a true masterpiece.

Origins

As mentioned above, the origin of this car came from 25 years of success on race tracks worldwide. But the proximity to the “Green Hell” shouldn’t be ignored. The 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 looks up to its big brother and Nürburgring overall winner: the green-yellow Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R “Grello”. The starting point for the anniversary model is, as with the modern Porsche 935, the 911 GT2 RS – the most powerful road-approved sports car from Weissach at the time.

Performance

The 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 continues to prove itself among even the most demanding of Porschephiles. Its setup is ideal: its 3.8-litre and 515kW (700PS) strong six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine with twin turbochargers in the rear ruthlessly unleashes the car onto the race tracks of the world. The unrestrained power is guided to the rear wheels by the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), tested in motorsport. The experience of a winning team and untamed performance point the anniversary model in the right direction: always straight ahead.

Aerodynamics

An aerodynamic overall concept that unites over 25 years of research on the race track with the latest technology. In focus: the center radiator design. Inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3 R, the design immediately offers several advantages. The constant optimum flow ensures that the engine can function in the ideal temperature window for a long time. The new radiator position also protects it better from unwanted contact on the track. The completely redesigned front apron with a central inlet also improves airflow. Double-layered flicks on the outer sides are also reminiscent of the “Grello” and increase downforce on the front axle. On the redesigned front carbon fiber bonnet, the outlets separated by a center bar direct the hot exhaust air over the roof to the rear wing, the same as the 911 GT3 R. The vehicle also has a closed underbody. The central NACA duct, combined with the Porsche Crest, supplies the cockpit with fresh air.

Safety

Safety is always a benchmark: the interior, including the welded-in safety cell in accordance with FIA standards, is based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. The rear rain light meets the latest requirements and is also used in the latest generation of the 911 GT3 Cup (992). In addition, the limited special edition also features a removable escape hatch in the CFRP roof, an extinguishing system, a RECARO racing seat with fore/aft adjustment and customizable padding system, a six-point seat belt, a 115-litre FT3 safety tank and front and rear towing loops ex works.

Design

Individual elements in the distinctive design of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 pre-empt the future of racing cars. At the same time, specific color elements draw attention to the long-term partnership. The Manthey color “Grello” was used as an accent color by the designers to emphasize the connection between Porsche and Manthey. The new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is also a bridge between the Porsche 911 model generations 991 and 992. Other design elements call back to past and current race cars: the particularly wide rear spoiler extends into the body, just like on the modern 935. The optimized diffuser frames the redesigned exhaust system, which is a real design highlight.

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Summary

While racing has never been friendly to “last year’s car,” the limited-edition Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS “Clubsport 25” continues to be revered as one of the most special 991 series cars ever built. With thousands of miles of testing over the “green hell,” one could say the evolution of all the car’s components has combined to say one thing loud and clear: race ready!