To mark the 60th anniversary of the 911, Porsche has produced the lightest model of the 992 generation yet… The 911 S/T – with the high-revving engine from the 911 GT3 RS, a manual ‘box and a lightweight clutch – is the quintessential driver’s car.

Anoraks will recognise that the 911 S/T’s nomenclature harks back to 1969, when Porsche produced a special race version of the original 911 S (internally, this vehicle was called the 911 ST). Modifications to the chassis, wheels, engine and body improved the S’ acceleration, braking, traction and cornering grip.

The 911 S/T takes up the spirit of the original 911 S (ST) and transfers it to the 992-generation Porsche 911 model. The Zuffenhausen-based firm describes its special model (of which only 1 963 units will be produced) as a “highly purist sports car dedicated to sheer driving enjoyment”, but those might be one of those few occasions that a car brand’s NOT exaggerating when describing its latest model release.

That’s because this special model combines the 911 GT3 RS’ naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-6 engine, which produces 386 kW at 8 500 rpm and 465 Nm of torque at 6 300 rpm, with the body of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and incorporates lightweight components specially developed for the 911 S/T.

The bonnet, roof, front wings and doors are made of lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The same applies to the roll cage, rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (stiffening element on the rear axle). Furthermore, the Porsche 911 S/T is fitted with 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) centre-locking magnesium wheels, the PCCB system, a lithium-ion starter battery and lightweight glass as standard.

With reduced insulation, the omission of rear-axle steering and weight savings in the powertrain, the 911 S/T achieves an astonishingly skinny DIN kerb weight of 1 380 kg (that’s including all fluids). This makes the 60th-anniversary 911 even 40 kg lighter than a manual 911 GT3 Touring.

Also, a new lightweight clutch was developed exclusively for the 911 S/T. In conjunction with a single-mass flywheel, it reduces the weight of the rotating mass by 10.5 kg. “This noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness,” Porsche claims, “which builds revs with (extraordinary) speed and directness.”

Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox with a shorter gear ratio than on the 911 GT3, the Porsche 911 S/T is said to rocket from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 300 kph…

However, the low kerb weight is truly the highlight of the special model because the reduction of rotating mass in the engine, wheels and brakes facilitates heightened dynamic responsiveness. The 911 S/T is said to respond to driver inputs “instantaneously” and deliver particularly agile, direct handling.

The 911 S/T is the only 992-generation 911 to combine a double-wishbone front-axle design with a multi-link rear axle without rear-axle steering. The dampers and control systems were tuned accordingly, a lightweight sports exhaust system is standard and a Gurney flap is fitted to the extending rear spoiler.

Standard equipment also includes 255/35 ZR 20 (front) and 315/30 ZR 21 (rear) tyres, CFRP full bucket seats (4-way-adjustable Sports Seat Plus is available at no extra charge). The instrument cluster and the clock of the Sport Chrono package are finished in a classic green Porsche colour scheme.

The 911 S/T is offered with an optional exclusive Heritage Design Package, which includes the Shoreblue Metallic exterior- and Ceramica wheel rim colours, which are exclusively available for this special model. On the doors, a starting number from 0 to 99, as well as a decorative foil can be applied on request. What’s more, the classic-design Porsche crest from the original 911 that adorns the front, the hub caps, the steering wheel, the headrests and the car key underscores the historic roots of the 911 S/T.

The interior also features cloth seat centres in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes, which are another homage to heritage. Two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac leather with extensive leather surrounds, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur round out the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation are in Gold.

Porsche 911 S/T price in South Africa

The new model retails for R6 326 000, which includes a 5-year maintenance plan

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