Limited to 1963 units, the new Porsche 911 S/T pairs the GT3 RS engine to a manual transmission.
Porsche has revealed the 911 S/T, its latest Heritage Edition model that follows the Sport Classic and Targa Heritage Edition in the series. The new S/T has been created to celebrate the 911’s 60th anniversary, but is limited to 1963 units globally and comes priced from $660,500 before on-road costs in Australia, with deliveries due by mid-2024.
In contrast to the Turbo-based Sport Classic, the new S/T takes its lead from Porsche’s GT models, and is named after the rare 1969 911 of the same name. As a result, it offers a unique combination of the top-spec naturally aspirated engine from the GT3 RS with a manual transmission and a road-biased chassis setup.
The highly-strung 4.0-litre flat-six engine produces a peak power of 386kW and a relatively limited 465Nm of torque. But this engine is about motorsport levels of responsiveness, coming with the ability to rev right up to 9000rpm. The six speed manual transmission has been re-engineered for the S/T, so features shorter gear ratios and a new lightweight clutch that’s 10.5kg lighter than that used in a GT3. Its 0-100km/h time is rated at 3.7 seconds, and tops out at 300km/h.
The body itself is shared with the GT3 and the GT3 Touring, but features extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panels. These include unique front wings that fit carbon door skins borrowed from the GT3 RS, giving the S/T traditional door handles in contrast to a normal 911’s flush units as well as a crease formed off its leading edge. This joins other carbon parts, including the bonnet and roof, with the wingless tail featuring only the smallest of gurney flaps.
Otherwise, the S/T is defined by a number of other design elements including the staggered 20- and 21-inch magnesium wheels so far only available on the Weissach Pack-enhanced GT3 RS, and the unique mesh pattern found on the rear engine cover and front grille opening.
Weight saving is a critical factor of the S/T, with other measures including lightweight glass, a lithium-ion battery, reduced sound deadening and carbon-ceramic brakes all standard fit. All this makes the S/T the lightest 992-generation 911 yet, with Porsche claiming a weight of just 1380kg – 40kg less than a GT3 Touring.
It’s also the only 911 to combine a double-wishbone front suspension system derived from Porsche’s GT models without the rear-steer system, giving engineers the job of totally reworking the suspension tune. This calibration has focused on road, rather than track driving in comparison to the more circuit focused GT3 RS.
Yet being a Heritage Edition model, there’s also a focus on high-end design. The cabin features a unique combination of lightweight elements like a carbon fibre roll cage and extensive use of leather and high-quality materials. The carbon fibre bucket seats are finished in a combination of retro-inspired fabric inserts and high-quality leather, while other retro touches like the green backlighting on the gauges and perforated headlining also feature.
This extends to an optional Heritage Design package that combines unique colour options for the exterior body and wheels with custom decals. For those wanting to go fully custom, Porsche’s expansive Paint to Sample program is also available.