What's all this about?

The Porsche 911 turns 60 this year, and to celebrate, Porsche has revealed a new special-edition car. It’s called the S/T and it’s inspired by the race-prepared 911 S models Porsche built in the late 1960s, but under the skin it’s essentially a modified GT3 Touring.

What was so special about the 1960s 911 S?

Back in 1969, Porsche decided to strip out the 911 S to create a race car. Internally known as the 911 ST, the resulting model came with modified suspension and a tweaked engine, as well as an updated body and chassis. Now, Porsche claims it has instilled the modern 992-generation GT3 Touring with the same spirit to create the S/T models.

So what has changed?

Starting at the back, the S/T gets a revamped version of the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine fitted to the GT3 and the Cayman GT4 RS. With an extra 15hp over the GT3, taking the total to 525hp, and a single mass flywheel to let it rev more freely, it sends its power to the rear wheels via a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox.

Porsche has tuned the suspension, too, allowing for the fact Porsche has removed the GT3 Touring’s rear-axle steering. In fact, this is the only 992 with a double-wishbone front axle design and a multi-link rear axle, but no rear-axle steering.

So will this thing be quick?

It certainly will. Porsche has put great focus on weight-shedding, stripping soundproofing from the stock GT3 Touring, while fitting magnesium wheels and a lithium-ion starter battery, as well as lightweight glass. The bodywork is mostly made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the roll cage and rear-axle anti-roll bar, while Porsche has fitted an aerodynamic Gurney flap on the extending rear spoiler.

Lightweight bucket seats are fitted as standard, though four-way adjustable sports seats are offered as a no-cost option, and that means the S/T weighs just 1,380kg – almost 40kg less than a standard GT3 – and less than any other 992-generation 911. In turn, that means the dash from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds before topping out at 186mph.

What about the styling?

Porsche is offering the S/T with a Heritage Design Package that allows customers to choose Shoreblue Metallic paint (other colours are still available) and the Ceramica wheel rim colour, as well as decals with a starting number from 0 to 99. The package also includes a classic Porsche logo on the nose and wheel centres, as well as gold exterior lettering. Inside, meanwhile, there’s a classic Porsche logo on the steering wheel and cool three-tone upholstery with Classic Cognac cloth seat centres with black pinstripes, Classic Cognac leather and some black leather.

And, of course, Porsche will sell you a watch, too. Called the 1-911, the titanium-cased timepiece costs almost €12,000 in Germany.

Speaking of money, how much is it?

S/T prices start at £231,600 plus options, with the first deliveries expected at the tail end of this year. Customers will have to place their order soon, though, because just 1,963 examples will be built.

James Fossdyke - 2 Aug 2023