Play nice, kids.
Are there any rivalries between German automakers. Yes, there is. There’s a rivalry among all automakers. But we have noticed an extra intensity from Germany at times. This is a good thing as it keeps automakers alert and pushing the limits. For those on the other side, it can sometimes be a source for amusement.
This hot-off the-press social media posting from Mercedes_AMG on setting a new Nurburgringproduction record is a case-in-point. A 911 GT2RS with Manthey Racing components broke the previous record held by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. But that’s the problem with the AMG folks. The Porsche vehicle was equipped with extras, but the Merc was stock.
Although AMG’s post is generally positive, they clearly feel the need to make some comments about the 911’s inaccessibility as showroom stock. Although we suspect that there are others who feel the exact same way, technically speaking the Manthey 911 GT2 RS can be driven on roads and is available to European customers via Porsche’s Tequipment accessory line. It also comes with a Porsche warranty. Mercedes-AMG may have missed these points in Porsche’s announcement about the new record.
Still, we get it. The AMG GT Black Series’ all AMG is the GT2 RS, but it isn’t all Porsche. The front-engined Merc excels at tackling the Green Hell in a sea of rivals with engines in the middle and back. The AMG is the fastest production-spec front engined car, clocking in at 6:43 seconds for the Nordschleife. To beat the closest competitor, you’ll need to get back in the Dodge Viper ACR at 7:01 to make it to the AMG. The crew from Affalterbach has nothing to be ashamed.
Porsche is an extraordinary driver, able to complete the Nordschleife in just 6:38 seconds using a road-legal vehicle. This is the 991-series GT2 RS. Porsche could raise the bar with the arrival of the next model.