Porsche Motorsport has celebrated the 25th anniversary of long-time racing partner Manthey-Racing with a special edition model. With a production run of just 30 cars, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 has been designed and developed by Porsche and Manthey for track days and circuit racing.
Like the Porsche 935 which was unveiled in 2018, the vehicle is also based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. Powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine producing 515kW (700ps). Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch gearbox (PDK).
“Porsche Motorsport and Manthey have won many races and championships since the team was founded 25 years ago – for example, seven times the 24 hours at the Nürburging. Since 2013 the two companies have been closely affiliated. With the unique special edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, this successful partnership has moved to the next level,” explained Matthias Scholz, director, GT Racing Cars, Porsche.
“The 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 benefits from the motor racing experience that Manthey and Porsche Motorsport have gained around the world. It is the perfect circuit racing car for ambitious private drivers, and it’s an impressive example of engineering skill.”
The inspiration for the Clubsport 25 came from Manthey’s 911 GT3 R, which Nürburgring fans fondly dubbed “Grello” because of its distinctive green and yellow livery. Grant Larson from Style Porsche, responsible for the design of racing cars such as the 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R as well as the modern 935, was responsible for the overall appearance.
“The design of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 expresses the long-standing collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and Manthey,” noted Larson. “It amalgamates the respective strengths of each partner into one racing car, and at the same time bridges the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911. Manthey contributed the basic concept and the technical ideas, with Porsche providing the final design. We used the characteristic color scheme of Manthey’s ‘Grello’ to specifically highlight certain functional areas of the vehicle.”
Like the modern Porsche 935, the GT2 RS Clubsport from the previous 991 model generation forms the basis for the new car. The centrally positioned radiator is one of its defining features. This, says Porsche, provides several advantages, not least providing consistent airflow to the radiator, keeping engine temperatures stable over a wide speed range, while the repositioning of the radiator ensures better protection against collision damage. The completely redesigned front apron also features a central inlet to ensure optimal airflow.
The carbon fiber front hood has also been revamped and, as on the 911 GT3 R, its two large vents, separated by a center divider, funnel hot air over the roof to the rear wing. A centrally-positioned NACA duct supplies fresh air to the cockpit.
Thanks to the new cooling concept, Porsche could dispense with the radiators in the wheel arches, improving airflow to the front brakes. Like with the modern 935, the flared wheel arches open into vertical vents for hot exhaust air. The rear of the Clubsport 25 has also received extensive modifications. The wing features new side plates and swan-neck support brackets, which ensure uninterrupted flow. New ventilation openings in the rear lid below the rear window expedite air circulation in the engine bay of the special model.
