Not changing a great deal over the years is an accusation often levelled at the Porsche 911 by its detractors, and it’s fair to say the way it looks doesn’t alter very much at all. However, what does change is the way this legendary sports car performs, and the latest 2018 version of the 911 GT3 really does appear to be a big step forward for the Porsche. Setting a new lap record for itself at the Nürburgring Nordschleife might be what we’d expect from a new version of such an iconic performance car, but knocking more than 12 seconds off its previous best is enough to make even the most seasoned observers sit up and take notice.

The latest 2018 911 GT3 celebrated making its debut on the legendary German track by clocking a lap time of 7 minutes 12.7 seconds, which is a stunning 12.3 seconds better than the best its predecessor managed.

What perhaps makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact although this is undoubtedly a track-bred car, it’s not some hardcore race car with slick tires that’s not designed for a daily driver. The new GT3 does make use of more pure racing technology than the previous GT3, but its power ratings are relatively modest when compared to the output of some rivals offering similar levels of performance.

The 2018 model has the same 4.0-liter 500 horsepower engine as its predecessor, which is the high-revving, non-turbo flat-six also seen in the 911 GT3 Cup race car. It’s the way the Porsche handles the power that makes all the difference here though. The GT3 that was used to set the new lap time employs rear-axle steering, a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission, and Michelin Sport Cup 2 N1 tires, so that means it took to the track in its production specifications.

Andreas Preuninger, Porsche Director of the GT Product Line, said of the new car, “A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred race cars with slick tires. The new GT3 achieves this with comparatively modest power, and is still fully suitable for everyday use.”

The AMG GLS 63 is already rather striking as far as SUVs go, thanks to Mercedes‘s own tuning arm, AMG, going over its exterior, engine bay and interior with a fine-tooth comb. However, they’ve still left plenty of room for customization, as far as Mansory is concerned. The car now has larger front air intakes, integrated into a completely new front bumper that gets a lip spoiler to reduce front axle lift at higher speeds.

The hood’s also been reimagined in carbon fiber to reduce weight and further improve engine breathing, while the front wheel arches extend a further 25mm and those at the rear by some 40mm. One of the key features of a proper SUV is serious ground clearance, but as that gets in the way of aerodynamic efficiency, Mansory has given the car side skirts, a second rear spoiler and a diffuser — an aerodynamic item usually found on potent sports coupés.

Still, that extra space between the road surface and the car’s underside has enabled the company to fit the GLS with massive 23-inch forged alloys. The standard GLS 63 comes with a 5.5-liter V8 that sends 585hp to all four wheels along with 760Nm of torque. That’s enough to send the 2580kg car from rest to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited 250km/h top speed.

After Mansory’s aesthetic, mechanical and electronic upgrades, the car is now capable of outputting 830hp, 1150Nm of torque and of hitting 295km/h. However, it hasn’t confirmed the car’s 0-100km/h time. And, while thanks to the new body kit, the car should be able to use all of that extra power on the straight and in the bends, it’s doubtful that it will be able to handle rockier terrain due to the reduced ground clearance.