The Manthey Kit: Porsche’s Ultimate Weapon
For decades, Porsche has built some of the most balanced and thrilling performance cars on the planet. But for a special breed of driver—those who eat apexes for breakfast and know every bump at the Nürburgring—“fast” is never fast enough.
Enter the Manthey Kit: a factory-backed, track-optimized performance package that elevates Porsche’s GT cars from world-class to record-breaking. If you’re new to the Manthey name or wondering what makes this upgrade so revered, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
🔍 Who Is Manthey?
Manthey Racing is no ordinary tuning shop. Based at the Nürburgring and majority-owned by Porsche, Manthey is Porsche Motorsport’s elite development partner. Their deep expertise comes not just from engineering, but from winning—including multiple class victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Le Mans, and beyond.
Think of Manthey as Porsche’s in-house pit crew for the most demanding racing enthusiasts.
🛠️ What Is the Manthey Kit?
The Manthey Kit is a comprehensive performance upgrade package designed to enhance Porsche’s GT road cars for serious track use—while remaining fully street legal.
It focuses on four core areas:
Aerodynamics
Suspension
Braking
Weight reduction (via wheels and materials)
Rather than increasing horsepower, the Manthey Kit sharpens everything around it: handling, braking, grip, and consistency under pressure. It’s about extracting every ounce of potential from an already world-class car.
📦 What’s Included in the Manthey Kit?
The specific parts vary slightly between models (like the 911 GT3 vs. GT2 RS), but generally, the kit includes the following:
1. Aero Upgrades
Larger front splitter
Dive planes (canards) to increase front-end grip
Rear wing enhancements, including larger end plates and adjustable settings
Optimized underbody and rear diffuser
These elements create significantly more downforce without disrupting road legality. The effect is felt instantly in corners: more grip, better stability, and a planted feel that invites more confidence at the limit.
2. Suspension Enhancements
4-way adjustable coilover suspension co-developed with KW Automotive
Settings for compression and rebound damping, optimized for both road and track
This allows drivers to tailor the car’s behavior for different tracks or even high-performance street driving, achieving a fine balance between agility and compliance.
3. Magnesium Wheels (Optional but Popular)
Lightweight forged magnesium wheels
Offered in exclusive designs for Manthey-spec cars
Reduces unsprung mass by up to 10 kg (~22 lbs)
Lower unsprung weight translates to quicker steering response, more precise handling, and better suspension performance over rough surfaces. They’re not just for bragging rights—they’re for serious lap time savings.
4. Brake Upgrades
High-performance brake pads
Steel-braided brake lines for improved feel and reduced fade
Track-ready brake fluid options (if requested)
Braking is one of the most critical areas on track, and Manthey ensures that fade resistance, pedal feedback, and durability are all elevated to match the suspension and aero upgrades.
5. Other Enhancements
Tow loops for track use
For turbocharged models like the GT2 RS, larger water tank for intercooler spray
Special calibration of the stability management and track telemetry systems
🏁 What’s the Real-World Impact?
Performance-wise, the Manthey Kit is transformative. For example:
The Porsche 911 GT3 (992) equipped with the Manthey Kit lapped the Nürburgring in 6:55.7—over 4 seconds faster than the standard GT3.
The GT2 RS with Manthey Kit once held the production car lap record at the Nürburgring.
Even without increasing engine power, the enhancements deliver faster lap times, better consistency over long sessions, and a more rewarding feel at the limit. The result isn’t just more speed—it’s more confidence and connection.
🚦 Is It Road Legal?
Yes—despite its aggressive track focus, the Manthey Kit is TÜV-approved in Europe and street legal in most global markets. This makes it ideal for owners who want to:
Drive to the track in the same car they lap in
Retain warranty and serviceability through Porsche Centres
Avoid the downsides of aftermarket tuning that may void warranties or compromise reliability
In many cases, Porsche even allows Manthey Kit installations to be rolled into a Porsche-approved financing or leasing plan.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by region and model, but here are rough estimates:
Manthey Kit for 911 GT3 (992): ~$45,000 USD (fully equipped with wheels)
GT2 RS / GT3 RS kits: Can range from $30,000 to $60,000+, depending on options
While it’s not cheap, the value lies in its factory-backed integration, warranty retention, and the genuine performance edge it delivers.
🔧 Can I Install It Myself?
No—the Manthey Kit must be installed by authorized Porsche Centres or Manthey-approved workshops. The complexity of the suspension setup, stability system tuning, and aero calibration requires factory-grade expertise.
Many owners opt to have the kit installed when the car is delivered new, or as a performance upgrade later in the ownership journey.
👤 Who Is the Manthey Kit For?
The Manthey Kit is built for a specific type of driver:
Track-day regulars who want a GT car that can keep up with full race cars
Motorsport enthusiasts who value feel, precision, and lap time consistency
Collectors and performance purists who want factory-developed upgrades with Porsche’s DNA
It's not for everyone. But if you're the kind of driver who’s more interested in lap deltas than lap of luxury, the Manthey Kit might be the single most effective upgrade you can buy for a Porsche GT car.
🚗 Models That Support the Manthey Kit
As of now, official Manthey Kits are available for:
Porsche 911 GT3 (992)
911 GT3 (991.2)
911 GT3 RS (991.2)
911 GT2 RS (991.2)
More kits may be introduced for future RS or hybrid GT models as Porsche continues to evolve.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Porsche Engineering, Turned Up to 11
The Manthey Kit represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s dual commitment: race-bred performance and road-ready usability. It’s not just an aftermarket kit—it’s an invitation to experience your Porsche at its fullest potential.
For those who understand the rhythm of racetracks and the physics of grip, the Manthey Kit isn’t just worth it—it’s essential.
Because when you’re chasing seconds, confidence matters.
And Manthey delivers it, corner by corner.
