Chris Harris Drives the Rather Insane Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR

No one would ever accuse the Porsche 911 GT2 RS of being slow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it much faster.

The latest iteration of the legendary Porsche 911 GT2 RS is, like the original, a complete monster. But that’s what happens when you strap a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six producing 700 horsepower into a 3,241 pound, rear-wheel drive car. But as with any factory creation, we’re always left wondering – how much faster can a reputable tuner make it? And thanks to Manthey Racing, we now know the answer to that question as it relates to the Porsche GT2 RS.

First, they went out and set a new modified road-legal auto record at the Nürburgring. And now, Chris Harris of Top Gear (and others) fame gets his crack at this ravenous machine. So how does he sum up the MR version of the ultimate Porsche? “Manthey makes the RS, well, even more RS,” he exclaims.

“Hypothetically, you’ve gone out in a GT2 RS. And I’ve said to you, as a friend, you need to make that car a bit faster around the lap. Of course, your brain would say, ‘shut up mate, that’s ridiculous. I’m still clearing up the mess from my undercrackers after what that car just did to me.'”

In all fairness, yes, it does sound ridiculous. But Manthey’s additions aren’t in the power department – they’re focused on chassis, brake, and aero upgrades. And according to Harris, it simply works. “This is the best car, based on a road car, that you can take on a race track, that I’ve driven,” he says. “It is sensational.”

Make no mistake, however. The MS-ified Porsche is still a wild animal, sliding around corners with ease. Still, after setting a best lap, Harris comes away absolutely slack-jawed. “That’s two-and-a-half seconds quicker than I’ve ever gone around here. In a 918 or a P1 or anything.”

Hypercar performance in an “old” Porsche? Now that’s what we call impressive.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
Foote has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles and every other type of automobile, Foote had spent several years running parts for local dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.