It’s safe to say that Porsche has a version of the 911 for everyone. Currently, there are 21 versions of the iconic rear-engine sports car available, and that’s before we get to the special editions like 911 Speedster or anything Porsche can cook up for you, through their “Sondewunsch” program. But apparently, this isn’t enough and Porsche is coming up with more special versions – three of them to be exact – and here’s what we know about them.
The information comes from our colleagues at MotorTrend and states that Porsche’s special editions will blend high performance and nostalgia. The three retro-inspired models are as follows: Porsche 911 Sport Classic, Porsche 911 ST, and Porsche 911 RS 50th Anniversary.
Porsche 911 Sport Classic
This one is said to be much different than the 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic, based on the 997-generation. That one was produced in 250 copies and was based on the 997 GTS, which meant it came with a 3.8-liter normally-aspirated flat-six that made 408 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm).
The new Sport Classic, however, will turn things up a notch, as it will be based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S. Moreover, MotorTrend says that, unlike the Turbo, which is exclusively all-wheel-drive and can only be had with a PDK gearbox, the new Sport Classic will also come with a manual transmission. We also expect Porsche to bring power up to about 650 horsepower. With this in mind, the upcoming Sport Classic sounds more like a 911 GT2 RS.
While the Sport Classic test mule we saw a few months ago did not have air ducts like on a Turbo S, it still has the 911 wide body. Moreover, other turbocharged 911 models don't feature side air intakes, so it may not be indicative of the base car. That, or the test mule could have been the next model on the list.
Porsche 911 ST
The second retro-inspired model is a nod to the 1970 race-bred 911 ST. The ST will be based on the current 911 GT3, which means it will be motivated by the 4.0-liter normally-aspirated flat-six. In the ST, the rev-happy flat-six is expected to get a slight improvement over the GT3’s 503 horsepower and 347 pound-feet (470 Nm). If that’s true, we may get an idea of what power the 2022 911 GT3 RS would make.
On paper, the upcoming Porsche 911 ST seems to follow the same formula as the 2016 Porsche 911 R. That one was based on the 991 GT3 and had the RS version of the 4.0-liter flat-six that made 493 horsepower and 338 pound-feet (458 Nm). Like the 991 R, the 911 ST will come with a manual and rear-wheel drive. In addition, the ST will feature “swollen” fenders, just like on the 1970 199 ST. Essentially, the ST is going to be a wider, crazier GT3.
Porsche 911 RS 50th Anniversary
This one is probably the most nostalgic of the three, as will celebrate 50 years of the iconic 1973 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, when it comes out, in 2023. The spiritual successor to the 1970s homologation-special will be based on the Porsche 992 GTS, which means it will have a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six with 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm).
In addition, the 50th Anniversary will feature significant weight reduction, compared to the GTS and, of course, the iconic ducktail rear spoiler. While not yet confirmed, we expect power to go to the rear wheels, through a six or seven-speed manual gearbox.
Porsche has a history of giving us exciting special versions of the already-exciting 911 and these three promise to keep this tradition alive. Are you excited about the new batch of special 911s? I definitely am.