The Porsche range of products is impressively crowded for a manufacturer that only makes performance vehicles. Its most iconic model is the 911 sports car which is offered in a multitude of variants depending on the body style and powertrain. The latest addition is the return of the Sport Classic treatment for the 992-gen 911.
As the name implies, the Sport Classic takes inspiration from some of the best parts of 911’s long and illustrious history. It’s not going to be the faster version or the best handling version or the most luxurious version. The point of this particular variation is to connect old school driving experiences with the best that Porsche has to offer today.
The 911 Sport Classic is said to take styling inspiration from the original 911 of the 60s and the 70s. In particular, it takes after the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1972. That’s why it has that modern interpretation of Porsche’s iconic ducktail spoiler on the back, complemented by a mildly visible double-bubble roof to complete the retro-inspired look. It’s even got the same widebody treatment as the current-gen 911 Turbo models for a suitably aggressive road presence. Like the original Porsche sportscar, the 911 Sports Classic has been debuted in a metallic grey shade with go-faster stripes over the top.
Porsche seems to have decided not to dilute the specialness of its GT-line products by offering the new Sport Classic with one of its naturally-aspirated engines. Instead, it gets something more unique in the form of the 3.7-litre twin-turbo flat-six that is mated to a 7-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels only. At an output of 550hp, it’s the most powerful manual Porsche 911 you can buy today.
Other mechanical goodies for the all-new 911 Sport Classic include a specially tailored exhaust system. It also gets the same suspension as the 911 Turbo with active suspension management which also lowers the ride height by 10mm compared to a regular 911.
The only “classic” aspect of the cabin is the feel and finish with its two-tone, semi-aniline leatherette upholstery and the Pepita pattern on the seats and door panels. Everything else looks pretty modern with all the screens and touch interfaces for all the comforts of a modern-day 911. But the most prized component of this car sits in the middle of it all: a 7-speed manual shifter with the classic H-pattern markings on the top.
There are also a handful of special badges to highlight the fact that this is no ordinary 911. It is the second in the planned line of four retro-inspired collector’s cars that Porsche is making as part of its Heritage Design strategy. Each of these is built under the umbrella of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. Only 1,250 units of the new 911 Sport Classic will be built.
That’s nowhere near as limited as the 250 units of the previous 911 Sport Classic based on the 997-gen model. Still, it’s a collector edition Porsche which will no doubt go up in value and prices are reported to start north of USD 250,000.
Would you pick the 911 Sport Classic over a 911 GT3 Touring? Do you find it to be more appealing than the revered 911R? Let us know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Auto Loons blog for more cool updates from the car world.
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