Anniversaries are a big deal in 2021 it seems. Porsche has added another to the pile with a silver jubilee version of the 911 GT2 RS.
Volkswagen is celebrating 45 years of the Golf GTI in 2021, Hennessey Performance has turned 30, and Manthey-Racing has been around for a quarter of a century.
Founded in 1996 by Olaf Manthey, the team that wears his name has become one of the top endurance outfits in the world.
Since being established, Manthey-Racing has formed a formidable partnership with Porsche. Along with running the factory Porsche 911 RSRs in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Manthey has collected multiple wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans have also been achieved by the German team.
To help celebrate the successes, Porsche has produced a limited-edition version of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. Somewhat unimaginatively, the new model is simply branded as the 911 GT2 RS 25.
Thankfully, more effort has been put into upgrading the GT2 RS. Many elements have been borrowed from the reborn Porsche 935, including the 700 hp version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.
Aerodynamic components from the 935 have been fitted too, such as the flared wheel arches and gigantic rear spoiler. The centre-lock 18-inch wheels are also taken from the 935, along with various suspension components.
Manthey has been responsible for the bespoke rear diffuser, designed to accommodate the new exhaust system. The green and yellow detailing is a tribute to the ‘Grello’ colour found on Manthey’s 911 GT3 R race cars.
On the inside, Porsche has carried over much of the hardcore interior found in the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. An FIA-approved roll cage, and a celebratory plaque, are the key highlights.
There will be no hitting the roads in the Clubsport 25, however. The limited-edition model is intended strictly for circuit use, limiting it to being a high-end track day tool.
Porsche will produce 30 examples, each priced at €525,000 (£445,000) before taxes. Deliveries are expected to begin in January 2022.
