Upon acquainting yourself just briefly with what Porsche has just pulled the covers off, you may be forgiven for wondering if you've suddenly been thrust back an era or two.
After all, 543 horses from a three-pedalled 911 - meaning that this is the most powerful manual transmission 911 ever - doesn't sound like something that should debut in 2022. Not when the Taycan has been flying the electric flag proudly and successfully.
The new 911 Sport Classic drew inspiration most heavily from the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 Still, on that point of confusing eras, you would be half-correct. For Round 2 of its four-act Heritage Design strategy, Porsche - or more specifically, its in-house Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur - has announced that it is bringing back the Sport Classic moniker and giving it to the current-gen 911. The result is this: Arguably the most captivating 992 yet, both visually and in terms of power (fight us, Targa and GT3-fanboys).
This 911 Sport Classic is meant to "revive the style of the 1960s and early 1970s", which in Porsche language, means that inspiration was drawn from the first ever model of the 911 from 1964 to 1973, and in particular, the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972.
An analogue rev counter - with a proper needle too! - is paired to two hi-res, seven-inch displays A modern take on vintage elements was clearly the theme: The iconic ducktail spoiler is made out of lightweight CFPR (as are the bonnet and boot), the 21 (or 22-inch) rims pay homage to light alloy wheels made with Otto Fuchs back in the day, and the new, exclusive Sports Grey Metallic paintwork is supposed to reference the Fashion Grey (Modegrau) coat first worn by the Porsche 356.
On the inside, part-leather, part-fabric pepita houndstooth-patterned seats add a subtle old-school touch, while the instrument cluster pairs two hi-res, seven-inch displays to an analogue rev counter with a physical, white needle. The clock mound on the centre of the dash is analogue too.
Back on the outside, the brand's deep ties with motorsports are highlighted with the double stripes running from bonnet to boot, as well as graphics flanking the car's body (the number in that 'lollipop outline' can be personalised from 0 to 99 to individual drivers).
For further personalisation, owners can opt for a number between 0 to 99 in the car's 'lollipop outline' To further distinguish the Sport Classic visually, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has also given it a 911 Turbo-esque wide body, but without the 911 Turbo-esque side air inlets normally piercing the rear wheel arches. Instead, air is drawn into the engine exclusively via an opening below the rear wing.
Powering the 911 Sport Classic is a 3.8-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine that has been specially tuned to 543bhp. Most thrillingly, however, this will be paired exclusively to a seven-speed manual gearbox, promising some serious heel-and-toe fun. With rear-wheel drive added in, Porsche says that the result is a powertrain "unique in the Porsche portfolio". Exciting stuff.
The 911 Sport Classic raises a glass - and a proper gear shifter - to the good old 1960s As mentioned, the Sport Classic is coming under Porsche's Heritage Design strategy, a clever campaign that has seen the marque mining its history from the 60s, 70s and 80s to flex a few iconic design cues that helped set it apart within the automotive scene.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, which broke ground as the first of the series, was inspired by design elements from the 50s and 60s, and also came with a two-tone interior and an exclusive paintwork colour (Cherry Metallic).
Returning briefly to an earlier point, those old enough to recall it will know that this actually isn't the first time Porsche has brought out the 'Sport Classic' moniker.
Only 1,250 units of the this 992-generation 911 Sport Classic will be made Back in 2009, the 997 had also been given the same treatment - ducktail spoiler, stick shifter and all. It was also very exclusive, with a production run of only 250 cars. Thankfully, that number has risen for this 992 Sport Classic, but still, don't expect this to be your run-of-the-mill Carrera since only 1,250 will be made.
Like the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is tacking its name everywhere less owners forget the folks behind the 911 Sport Classic.
Golden badges can be found on the side wings and on the rear of the car, while the centre armrest has its name embossed on it. With the 911 Sport Classic now on sale, deliveries to the first global customers are expected by July.
Sgcarmart has been informed that the price of the 911 Sport Classic is $1,234,488 (without COE), and that a small number of cars have been earmarked for our shores as with all special edition Porsche models. These are scheduled to arrive by 2023. Interested customers may contact their preferred Sales Consultants at Porsche Centre Singapore for more information.
After all, 543 horses from a three-pedalled 911 - meaning that this is the most powerful manual transmission 911 ever - doesn't sound like something that should debut in 2022. Not when the Taycan has been flying the electric flag proudly and successfully.
This 911 Sport Classic is meant to "revive the style of the 1960s and early 1970s", which in Porsche language, means that inspiration was drawn from the first ever model of the 911 from 1964 to 1973, and in particular, the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972.
On the inside, part-leather, part-fabric pepita houndstooth-patterned seats add a subtle old-school touch, while the instrument cluster pairs two hi-res, seven-inch displays to an analogue rev counter with a physical, white needle. The clock mound on the centre of the dash is analogue too.
Back on the outside, the brand's deep ties with motorsports are highlighted with the double stripes running from bonnet to boot, as well as graphics flanking the car's body (the number in that 'lollipop outline' can be personalised from 0 to 99 to individual drivers).
Powering the 911 Sport Classic is a 3.8-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine that has been specially tuned to 543bhp. Most thrillingly, however, this will be paired exclusively to a seven-speed manual gearbox, promising some serious heel-and-toe fun. With rear-wheel drive added in, Porsche says that the result is a powertrain "unique in the Porsche portfolio". Exciting stuff.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, which broke ground as the first of the series, was inspired by design elements from the 50s and 60s, and also came with a two-tone interior and an exclusive paintwork colour (Cherry Metallic).
Returning briefly to an earlier point, those old enough to recall it will know that this actually isn't the first time Porsche has brought out the 'Sport Classic' moniker.
Like the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is tacking its name everywhere less owners forget the folks behind the 911 Sport Classic.
Golden badges can be found on the side wings and on the rear of the car, while the centre armrest has its name embossed on it. With the 911 Sport Classic now on sale, deliveries to the first global customers are expected by July.
Sgcarmart has been informed that the price of the 911 Sport Classic is $1,234,488 (without COE), and that a small number of cars have been earmarked for our shores as with all special edition Porsche models. These are scheduled to arrive by 2023. Interested customers may contact their preferred Sales Consultants at Porsche Centre Singapore for more information.
