29.07.2025Grello in the DTM: Legendary design meets German motorsport history

With the "Grello," Manthey-Racing has created an iconic design for the Porsche 911 in racing. The color scheme, featuring a mix of bright yellow and green tones, first appeared on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2005 and has since adorned seven winning cars at the 24-hour race there. Since 2023, Manthey-Racing has also fielded the "Grello" in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) and promptly clinched the championship title with Thomas Preining.

The car was driven by Porsche's latest GT3 model generation, the 911 GT3 R (992). Developed for customer racing, the race car features a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated engine and approximately 565 hp. It is based on the 992 road version, but has been significantly revised in terms of aerodynamics, chassis, and ergonomics. With an extended wheelbase, improved downforce, and modern technology such as LED headlights, the 911 can be driven consistently, quickly, and efficiently, which is crucial in both sprint and endurance races.

As the reigning DTM champion, Thomas Preining experienced a significantly more disappointing 2024 season following his title win compared to 2023. It was already clear at the season opener in Oschersleben that the competition was not sleeping. Preining managed to score a few points in the Saturday race, but remained without a point on Sunday. His hoped-for title defense was thus shaken early on, but giving up was not an option.

The reigning champion showed his class at the second race weekend at the Lausitzring. In a chaotic Sunday race in changeable conditions, the Austrian took his first (and only) win of the season from pole position. This catapulted Preining back into the title race, temporarily taking second place in the overall standings.

At the end of the season, Thomas Preining finished fifth in the championship with 158 points. The grand title defense thus failed to materialize.

The "Grello" Porsche from the 2024 DTM is now available as a model in scale 1:43 from Ixo at ck-modelcars. The car was produced in the usual high Ixo quality and reflects the original as accurately as possible. Furthermore, the model is officially licensed by Manthey-Racing.

Porsche 911 GT3 R #91 DTM 2024 Thomas Preining Manthey Grello 1:43, RRP €39.95, item-no.: MG-I-911-DTM-24-4391

Products

Porsche 911 GT3 R #91 DTM 2024 Thomas Preining Manthey Grello 1:43 Ixo

39,95 €