With the resounding success of the 911 (992) Targa 4S Heritage, Porsche continues its program of limited series. The Sport Classic this time honors the late 1960s with a “ducktail” spoiler. But more than that, it hides a mechanic of its own.
Porsche launched a limited series based on the 911 Targa 4S (type 992) in the summer of 2020, shortly after its official presentation. Called Heritage, it offered a unique configuration for a significantly increased price. The 911 Sport Classic is therefore the second of the four collector’s items planned by the brand, but does not take exactly the same direction. The aesthetic nods to the past now accompany in-depth modifications to offer an unprecedented compromise: Turbo power to the rear wheels only and a manual gearbox.
Details make perfection
One of the current stylistic trends is unquestionably neo-retro. Referring to the past, or rather playing on the nostalgic rope by applying certain codes of yesteryear to the latest productions, is fashionable but it is not new. Porsche is accustomed to the fact since a 911 Sport Classic had already seen the light of day in 2010, on the basis of a 911 type 997. This one already proposed at the time, the change of modern Porsche crests by an oldschool version and the painting of several body parts in high-gloss black.
The theme of this Sport Classic encompasses the 1960s and the early 1970s. The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur department, in charge of these limited series, was for example inspired by the Fashion Gray color of the 356 to create the Sport Metallic Gray paintwork of the new Sport Classic. For an exemplary finish, the bands and the starting number are hand-painted. We also notice a slight dent in the hood and the roof in ” harmony with the double painted bands “.
Bestial but refined
If you hadn’t noticed it yet, the 911 Sport Classic 2022 uses the widest bodywork of the 992 range, namely that of the Turbo and Turbo S models. But no air intakes on the rear fenders, Porsche reworked the cooling system on purpose for this special edition to give it a more sultry look. The air is thus sucked in via ducts located under the rear spoiler and according to Porsche, the loss of support is minimal compared to a classic Turbo.
The two main visual elements of the preparation are inspired by the first generation of 911. First of all, the rims are polished and 20 inches in size at the front, 21 at the rear. Their design is directly inspired by the legendary Fuchs, which appeared on the 911 S from 1967. A detail almost as visible as the new rear spoiler. ” It refers to the shape of the legendary “ducktail” spoiler of the 911 RS 2.7 from 1972. The third brake light is integrated into it. “, explains the manufacturer.
Inside, it’s time for luxury and total customization. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has chosen a “ two-tone semi-aniline leather upholstery in classic black/cognac “. This leather and this brown color cover almost entirely the interior (pack normally optional and here as standard), from the steering column to the lower part of the dashboard. A “Pepita” houndstooth motif is reproduced on the upholstery and the door panels, as was proposed in 1965 on the 911.
The best of the current 911?
Frank-Steffen Walliser, vice president of the 911 and 718 model ranges, says: ” these numerous technical modifications are among its most striking features “. The 992 Sport Classic indeed has a very special place in the range. It takes over the mechanics of the Turbo version, deflated for the occasion, namely the flat-6 3.7 developing 550 hp here. The novelty is that this power is only directed to the rear wheels, which was normally reserved for less powerful (Carrera) or more sporty (GT3, etc.) models.
The second point to note is none other than the presence of the 7-speed manual gearbox. Porsche dedicates this special version to the purest driving pleasure and thus allows buyers to play with the gear lever. It’s simple : ” the 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 available to date “. Note that the sports suspension, the PASM system and the exhaust were also taken from the Turbo but modified by the engineers. The 2022 Sport Classic will be available in dealerships from July 2022 at a price close to €275,000. As a reminder, a 992 Turbo is displayed at €197,488, or almost €80,000 less! Porsche did not communicate on the number of copies in production in order to avoid speculation on the prices of its limited series.
