- Manthey is marking its 30th anniversary with 30 specially tuned track cars.
- The 911 GT3 Cup MR 30 gets a 560 hp, 4.2-liter flat-six and ’30 Years’ logos.
- 718 GT4 RS Clubsport MR30 also has the graphics, but sticks with a 4.0 engine.
Manthey’s name has gone mainstream over the last few years for its performance upgrade packages that helped Porsche set multiple Nurburgring production car lap records. But motorsport fans know Manthey built its reputation over three decades of racing, and now the company is celebrating those 30 years with 30 special examples of the 911 and 718.
The 30 cars are split evenly between the 911 GT3 Cup MR 30 and 718 GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30. Both are reserved for track work only, though there’s one big reason why the GT3 is bound to get all the attention, and it’s not just that it’s a 911.
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Manthey explains that back when it was modifying 996- and 997-generation 911s for racing in the 1990s and 2000s, engine modifications were an important part of its upgrade program. That changed in more recent years as the focus shifted entirely to aerodynamics, suspension and cooling, but for the 911 GT3 Cup MR 30, the flat-six went back on the operating table.
And by the time it climbed off again, the GT3 Cup’s 992.1 engine had grown from 4.0- to 4.2 liters. Oh yes, a 4.2.-liter GT3. One that makes 552 horsepower (560 PS) instead of 503 hp (510 PS). This being a race car where every millisecond counts, that power is shipped to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission, rather than a six-speed manual. Now if only you could get that motor in a street-spec GT3.
Anniversary Graphics
Most of the other aerodynamic, cooling and lightening modifications Manthey talks about seem to be already available on the existing 911 GT3 Cup MR, though only the anniversary Porsche gets ‘30 Years of Manthey’ graphics on the rear wing end plates and seats.
The Cayman 718 GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30 also gets the ‘30 Years’ logos, but not the 4.2-liter engine upgrade. It sticks with 4.0 liters and 500 hp, and it has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the 911’s dog ’box. Being built for GT4, rather than GT3 racing, it’s a far less exotic machine, but still plenty of fun, we’re sure.
Porsche has obviously been having so much fun with Manthey that the automaker has increased its stake in the motorsport outfit from 51 to 67 percent. From this week Manthey becomes part of Porsche’s new Performance vertical, one of three pillars the company has established to organize its business. The others are Exclusiveness (covering Sonderwunsch “special wish” and Exclusive Manufaktur personalization divisions), and Heritage. Don’t be surprised if you see an increase in Porsche and Manthey road car collabs over the next few years.
