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As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, Porsche enthusiasts are witnessing a changing landscape in the iconic 911 lineup. With the imminent discontinuation of the ICE 718 and the electrification of the new 911 range, it's the time for Porsche's ICE vehicles to shine as they become more sought after for collectors and enthusiasts alike. One model that stands at the very top of this rarity and exclusivity table is the 911 S/T.
Inspired by the classic Porsche 911 S/T, a lightweight competition package from the late 60s and early 70s, the new-age revival of the 911 S/T takes the concept of a driver-focused sports car to new heights. It's a car that gets rid of all unnecessary frills, anything that comes between the driver and pure analog driving feel, and focuses on delivering an unfiltered driving experience, a symphony of mechanical feedback and raw emotion.
At the heart of the 911 S/T lies a 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine, the same unit found in the 911 GT3 RS. This powerplant, with its 525 PS and 465 Nm of torque, is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering a linear powerband and an intoxicating exhaust note that resonates with driving enthusiasts.
Porsche 911 S/T Key Stats and Facts:
- Lightweight Champion: Lightest 911 of the 992 generation, weighing just 1,380 kg.
- Pure Driving Experience: 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Exclusive Limited Edition: Limited to 1,963 units, commemorating Porsche's founding year.
- Heritage-Inspired Design: A nod to the classic Porsche 911 S/T of the late 60s and early 70s.
- Walter Röhrl's Influence: Developed in collaboration with the legendary rally driver.
- Collector's Dream: High demand and limited availability make it a prime collectible.
- Unfiltered Performance: A purist's delight, focused on maximizing driving pleasure.
But the 911 S/T is more than just its engine. It's a meticulously crafted package of lightweight components, cutting-edge technology, and a purist-focused design philosophy. From its carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels to its lightweight glass and magnesium wheels, every aspect of the car has been optimized for performance and agility.
The 911 S/T's lightweight construction translates to a curb weight of just 1,380 kg, making it the lightest 911 in the current generation. This not only enhances the car's acceleration and handling but also contributes to its unique character and feel on the road.
Furthermore, the 911 S/T features a standard six-speed manual transmission with a lightweight clutch and single-mass flywheel. This transmission, combined with the high-revving engine, not only delivers the tried and acclaimed driver involvement that the famed 911 GT cars are known for but in this package, everything is dialed up to eleven.
The 911 S/T's Connection to Porsche Heritage
The 911 S/T's allure extends beyond its impressive performance and lightweight construction. It also pays homage to Porsche's rich racing heritage, drawing inspiration from the 911 S/T of the late 60s and early 70s. This classic model, a lightweight and agile variant of the 911, achieved numerous motorsport victories and became a symbol of Porsche's racing pedigree.
The new 911 S/T shares the same name and philosophy as its predecessor, emphasizing a pure and unadulterated driving experience. The car's minimalist design, with its focus on functionality and performance, is a nod to the original S/T's stripped-down aesthetic.
Moreover, the 911 S/T's six-speed manual transmission and high-revving engine hark back to the golden era of analog driving. This combination provides a level of driver engagement that is increasingly rare in modern sports cars, making the S/T a true driver's car.
Porsche's decision to limit the production of the 911 S/T to 1,963 units further adds to its exclusivity and collectability. This number pays tribute to the year the 911 was first introduced, further emphasizing the model's historical significance.
Walter Röhrl's Seal of Approval
The 911 S/T's development was overseen by none other than Walter Röhrl, a legendary figure in the world of rallying and a long-time Porsche test driver. Röhrl's involvement in the project is a testament to the car's focus on driving purity and performance.
Röhrl, a two-time World Rally Champion, spent countless hours behind the wheel of the 911 S/T, fine-tuning its chassis and suspension to perfection. His expertise and feedback were instrumental in creating a car that delivers an unparalleled driving experience.
In a recent interview, Röhrl described the 911 S/T as "the best street-legal car I've ever driven." He praised its agility, responsiveness, and the raw, unfiltered connection between the driver and the road. Röhrl's support for the 911 S/T shows how capable it is and how it has the potential to become a highly sought-after collector's item.
The 911 S/T is an Experience with a Porsche Badge
The 911 S/T is not just a car; it's an experience, a celebration of the analog driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare in the age of electrification. With its manual transmission, high-revving engine, and lightweight construction, the S/T offers a level of driver engagement that is hard to find in modern sports cars.
It's a car that demands your attention and rewards you with a symphony of mechanical feedback. The engine's roar, the precise click of the shifter, the feel of the road through the steering wheel – all these elements combine to create a driving experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding.
The 911 S/T is a car for purists, for those who appreciate the simple joys of driving. It's a car that reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place. As Porsche continues its journey towards electrification, the 911 S/T stands as a reminder of the brand's rich heritage and unwavering commitment to driving pleasure.
Image Source: Porsche Newsroom
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