Porsche has created a sports car dedicated to purists to commemorate the special anniversary of the classic 911 sports car: The 911 S/T.
The moniker distinguishes the new 911 S/T as the offspring of a first-generation 911 model that was especially performance-focused. Porsche began offering a unique race-specific 911 S in 1969. These vehicles were referred to as 911 ST internally. Acceleration, braking, traction, and cornering grip were all greatly enhanced by changes to the chassis, wheels, engine, and body. These versions did not yet make use of large spoilers or other aerodynamic aids.
The special anniversary edition offers a rare blend of agility and driving characteristics by combining the capabilities of the 911 GT3 Touring and the 911 GT3 RS. It pairs a short-ratio manual gearbox with the naturally aspirated, 525PS, 4.0-litre boxer engine from the 911 GT3 RS.
Complementing this is a running-gear configuration and a design that is deliberately lightweight. The 911 S/T is the lightest model of the 992 series, weighing just 1,380kg (including all fluids). This results in a car that is 40 kg lighter than a manual 911 GT3 Touring and is tuned for fast roads.
Lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the front bonnet, roof, front wings, and doors with their inlets. The roll cage, rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (a rear axle strengthening component) all follow the same specifications. Porsche also includes the PCCB system, lightweight glass, magnesium wheels, and a lithium-ion starting battery as standard equipment for the anniversary model.
It lightens its rotating mass by 10.5 kg when used with a single-mass flywheel. The naturally aspirated boxer engine now develops revs with a particularly startling speed and directness, which substantially enhances its responsiveness.
The high-revving engine of the 911 S/T is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox with a lower gear ratio than that of the 911 GT3. It takes the 911 S/T just 3.7 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h and a top speed of 300km/h. The 911 S/T is the only 911 of the current generation to include both a multi-link rear axle without rear-axle steering and a double-wishbone front axle. Accordingly, the dampers and control mechanisms have been adjusted.
A Gurney flap on the extended rear spoiler is a standard feature of the anniversary model. 20-inch front and 21-inch rear lightweight centre-locking magnesium wheels are also included as standard equipment. The front ones are wrapped in ultra-high-performance 255/35 ZR 20 tyres while the rear features 315/30 ZR 21 tyres.
The cabin features CFRP complete bucket seats as standard. Additionally, the four-way-adjustable Sports Seat Plus is offered with no extra cost. The Sport Chrono package’s instrument panel and clock are finished in a traditional Porsche shade of green.
There is an optional premium Heritage Design Package available for the 911 S/T. For this particular version only, the new exterior paint Shoreblue Metallic and the wheel colour Ceramica are offered.
A starting number from 0 to 99 and a decorative foil can be placed on the doors upon request. The 911 S/T’s historic origins are further highlighted with the traditional Porsche crest from the first 911, which is present on the front, hub caps, steering wheel, headrests, and the car key.
Another nod to tradition is the interior’s Classic Cognac-colored fabric seat centres with black pinstripes. A roof lining made of perforated Dinamica, two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac leather with large leather surrounds, and additional components from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur completes the set. On the back of the car, the 911 S/T model designation and the Porsche emblem are both in gold.
This is a limited run of 1,963 cars. And further to that, Porsche has also released a similarly unique watch but this is reserved for customers of the 911 S/T, who are the only ones who may purchase the Chronograph 1 – 911 S/T from Porsche Design. This luxury watch capitalises on the lightweight design strategy of the new purist 911 special edition with a titanium casing that is uncoated and blasted to save weight.
The starting price is $291,650 (RM1.3 million), and deliveries are anticipated to commence in March 2024.
