Manthey’s e-Fuel Porsche Cayman Tackles Nürburgring 24h
Manthey and the Griesemann Group will field a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport M in the alternative-fuel class at this year’s 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. The Manthey-developed coupé features extensive use of recycled carbon-fibre components. It runs on methanol-derived drop-in synthetic e-fuel, proving that top-level motorsport can embrace sustainability without sacrificing speed.
The team will debut the Cayman during the second round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie on April 26, then return for NLS3 and the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers before tackling the endurance classic from June 19 to 22.
Brothers Björn and Georg Griesemann join Dirk Adorf and Yves Volte in a lineup rich in Nordschleife mileage. Adorf and the Griesemanns claimed third in the alternative-fuel class in both 2023 and 2024 with a Toyota Supra GT4, while Volte added fresh impetus last season. Away from modern GT4 racing, the Griesemanns guided a 1974 Porsche 911 RSR on e-fuel to victories in the ADAC 24h Classic and the Nürburgring 1000 km, and Adorf’s triple VLN title further strengthens the crew. Volte complements their experience with recent outings in the GTC Race and the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring.
Manthey based the ‘M’ variant on the global GT4 Clubsport platform, yet stripped weight through the use of recycled carbon-fibre wings, bonnet, doors, bumpers, diffuser, rear lid, and wing. A lightweight wheel set and brake-cooling ducts derived from the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport EVO enhance performance. Engineers developed the car to ADAC SP-Pro regulations, guaranteeing full Nordschleife eligibility.
The DeCarTrans project at TU Bergakademie Freiberg supplies methanol-sourced e-fuel, which technicians have certified for use in conventional combustion engines without modification. Running this fuel places the Cayman in the AT class dedicated to alternative-energy entrants.
Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director, Manthey Racing GmbH, stated: “I’m happy and also proud that we’re entering the race with a vehicle that is partly made of recycled carbon fibre and runs on synthetic fuel. We have been examining the topic of sustainability and, in this context, renewable fuels for some time, and we are pleased to have found a strong partner for this project in the Griesemann Gruppe. What’s also special about this project is that it has been developed and is being realised across our divisions, from the development of the vehicle through to its racing entry. This is precisely the kind of collaboration that defines us as a company.“
Patrick Arkenau, Head of Racing Division, Manthey Racing GmbH, added: “We’re thrilled to double our presence this year at both the 24-hour race and selected NLS rounds by fielding a second car alongside the Grello. This not only expands our racing activities but also enables us to promote topics such as sustainability and new technologies, including alternative fuels and recycled carbon fibre. We also aim to demonstrate that motorsport remains a key driver of innovation, and this project is a prime example. Of course, we also have our eyes on sporting success: our goal is to win the AT-class. We’re looking forward to the challenge and the entire project!“
Jan-Helmut Brackhage, Head of Motorsport Parts & Services Division, Manthey Racing GmbH, observed: “The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport M is a great example of the commitment we invest in developing new vehicles and concepts. I am delighted to see that, after numerous tests and simulations, we now have a finished vehicle in front of us, and I am looking forward to the upcoming races. Fielding a new car always presents challenges, especially when you're racing it in endurance events, but I'm confident that we've put together a great package. I hope that we can reward everyone involved with strong results and show them that their hard work has paid off."
Björn Griesemann of the Griesemann Gruppe reflected: “Motorsport and sustainability are not mutually exclusive – and together with Manthey, we’re taking the next step this year. Our experience with eFuels, combined with the motorsport expertise of the entire Manthey team, demonstrates that performance without compromise is achievable while maintaining the same racing atmosphere. The trust of our partners means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled with our new vehicle. Driving a Manthey Porsche on the Nürburgring is the realisation of a childhood dream.“
Georg Griesemann concluded: “The data from the last two years is precise: eFuels present no disadvantages. With Manthey, we’ve found a partner who shares that belief. Together, we aim to demonstrate at the 24-hour race that a vehicle powered by climate-friendly fuels is a perfectly competitive option. We were particularly impressed by the fact that Manthey is consistently thinking ahead in terms of sustainability in motorsport and is prepared to break new ground, as demonstrated by the use of recycled carbon in our vehicle. The potential for further CO2 reduction is there. I look forward to proving how performance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand at the 24h race.“
