What is the Porsche 911 S/T?
The 60th anniversary special edition is the lightest 992 yet
Porsche 911 S/T in Shore Blue Metallic on driveway
Consumption and emission information 911 S/T (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 13.8 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 313 g/km; CO₂ class: G.
Limited to just 1963 units, the Porsche 911 S/T combines the strengths of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and the 911 GT3 RS for outstanding agility and driving dynamics
The Porsche 911 is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2023 with a global series of events and celebrations. And one of the highlights of this special year for the legendary sportscar is the release of the new limited edition Porsche 911 S/T. The name is a nod to the special race versions of the 911 S produced from 1969 – internally called the 911 ST. The new car, which is based on the current 992 model, shares the same high-performance focus of its illustrious ancestor.The 911 S/T is an extremely lightweight model – in fact, it’s the lightest 992 produced yet. Developed by Porsche engineers at its Weissach facility near Stuttgart, just 1963 versions will be made available. Here’s what you need to know.
Front on view of Porsche 911 S/T Heritage Design Package
Birthday present: the Porsche 911 S/T with Heritage Design Package
What does 911 S/T stand for?If you think you’ve heard something similar to the name 911 S/T from Porsche before, then you’d be correct. From 1969, Porsche produced a race-oriented version of the Porsche 911 S which was internally known as the 911 ST (the name stood for Sport Touring) for use in endurance racing. Just like the new 911 S/T, the 911 ST was focused on reducing weight to improve performance, as well as enhanced suspension, brakes and engine compared to the then standard 911. One of the differences with the all-new car was that the original 911 ST was very much a track-focused car. It would go onto enjoy success in endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.The new 911 S/T captures elements of the spirit of that original 911 ST with its focus on reducing weight combined with high performance, but it is very much designed for the thrill of the open road. With just 1963 models being made of this special limited edition model – that number that reflects the year that the 911 was first launched – it’s set to become a future icon in its own right.
Side view of Porsche 911 S/T in black
Wonder year: the 911 S/T is limited to 1963 examples. The number corresponds to the year that the iconic Porsche sportscar was first launched
Exterior design of the 911 S/TAcross the 60 years of the 911, the technology used in making Porsche cars has, as you would expect, evolved. And yet the classic, flowing lines of its silhouette have maintained their familiarity. Compared to the original 911 ST, the 911 S/T is longer, wider and faster. Much faster, as we will later discover. And that’s down to the technology, engineering and materials used. The 911 S/T combines many of the standout elements of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and the 911 GT3 RS. For example, you’ll notice that it shares the same bonnet design as the GT3 Touring with its trademark, motorsport-inspired integrated air outlets. It’s made from strong yet lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – the same material is also used in the bespoke front wings of the 911 S/T.CFRP is further deployed in the construction of the doors – shared with the 911 GT3 RS – which are considerably lighter than the lightweight aluminium doors on other 911 models. And it’s not just the materials used in the bodywork that helps keep weight down in the 911 S/T. Its striking magnesium lightweight wheels – 20-inch on the front wheels, 21-inch on the rear – are unique to this car.While the car shares a lot of its DNA with the track-focused GT3 RS, it’s very much designed for enjoyment on the road. Outstanding aerodynamics means that it’s suited for taking on twisty lanes – the kind of driving that really gets you involved. The air inlets seen in the bonnet are also incorporated in the front lip of the 911 S/T, while it also shares the innovative wheel arch design of the GT3 RS, which helps dramatically improve air flow.The sporty-looking rear diffuser is another standout, but it’s more than just a design touch – it helps channel air flow and sucks the car onto the road even more powerfully and efficiently to reduce drag. Keeping at the rear of the 911 S/T, the extending rear spoiler is subtle but hugely effective, popping up at a speed of 120km/h and down again at 105km/h. Another subtle but effective feature is the tear-off edge, or Gurney flap, that runs along the full length of the spoiler. It’s a further measure that increases the downforce to help improve the traction and grip of the vehicle. Its efficiency is the reason why the spoiler only extends at 120km/h.Interior design of the 911 S/TLightweight is very much the word inside the Porsche 911 S/T too, with CFRP full bucket seats (four-way adjustable Sports Seats are available at no extra charge) and the carbon fibre-style pull handles also seen in the GT3 RS with Weissach package. In the rev counter and on the Sport Chrono clock you will see a throwback to the early 911 sportscars in the form of the green dial numerals that were a feature of those early vehicles. When it comes to exterior colour, Black or White paint is available as standard. There is also a choice of five optional colours – Ruby Star Neo, Gentian Blue Metallic, Shade Green Metallic, GT Silver Metallic and Ice Grey Metallic. There is also the Paint to Sample option as well as an all-new colour developed for the 911 S/T, Shore Blue Metallic, as part of the Heritage Design Package.
Interior of Porsche 911 S/T with Heritage Design Package
The interior of the 911 S/T with Heritage Design Package features a Black and Classic Cognac two-tone leather trim
As well as this head-turning new colour, the Heritage Design Package offers a new wheel rim colour called Ceramica, exclusive to this variant. The interior leather trim, meanwhile, is a two-tone design in Black and Classic Cognac. Another feature that underlines the roots of the 911 S/T is that the design of the Porsche crest seen on the bonnet, hub caps, steering wheel, headrests and car key is the same as the original 911. The S/T badges, meanwhile, are in a standout gold colour. Despite the number of weight-saving measures made on the 911 S/T, there is no compromise when it comes to the kind of sporty elegance and equipment levels that you expect from Porsche. As with the exterior, it’s an example of timeless classic design – a reflection of the qualities that have marked the 911 out across its six decades.
View of rear roll cage in Porsche 911 S/T interior
The rear seats have been removed in the 911 S/T – one of several decisions that help save weight. In its place is a rear roll cage
What’s it like to drive the 911 S/T?The 911 S/T has already been highly acclaimed by the world’s motoring media as one of the greatest 911 cars yet – which is considerable praise given that Porsche has 60 years of history when it comes to its famous sportscar. Put simply, this is a pure sports car with GT genetics. Every aspect of it has been developed to make it a brilliant driving car, one that has captured the attention of the media and public already.When it comes to the suspension, like the 911 GT3, the 911 S/T has a double-wishbone set-up at the front and a multi-link rear axle. And, just like its 911 ST ancestor, it is also only available with a manual gearbox. A lightweight clutch (which allows the 911 S/T to be 10.5kg lighter than the GT3 Touring with manual transmission) and a single-mass flywheel makes it incredibly responsive. A gear stick shortened by about 1cm allows for the kind of short, quick throws that reward you on roads where bends and curves dominate.
Rear view of Porsche 911 S/T driving on coastal road
At an unladen weight (EC) of just 1455kg, the 911 S/T is the most lightweight 992 model released yet (as of October 2023)
How fast is the 911 S/T?With such an emphasis on saving weight in order to optimise performance, it should come as no surprise that that the Porsche 911 S/T is very fast indeed. It uses the same, much-celebrated 4.0-litre boxer engine seen in the 911 GT3 RS. Naturally aspirated, it produces 525PS and revs up to an astonishing 9000rpm. The 911 S/T accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.7sec and has a top speed of 300km/h. Such power is always there for you, but it’s for the sheer joy of driving on twisting, winding roads that the 911 S/T has been designed. A memorable way to celebrate a special birthday.How big is the Porsche 911 S/T?These are the dimensions and weight of the 911 S/T:Length 4573mmWidth (mirrors folded) 1852mmWidth (including mirrors) 2027mmHeight 1279mmWheelbase 2457mmUnladen weight (EC) 1455kg
Close up of name badge on rear of Porsche 911 S/T
The 911 S/T has already wowed the world’s motoring media, with Top Gear magazine saying “This is one of the all-time great 911s”
How much is the 911 S/T?The price of the 911 S/T varies according to the market. Here is a selection of the prices in a range of countries:
USA From $291,650Germany From €292,187UK From £231,600Canada From $384,599Italy From €314,839Prices correct as of October 2023. Changes may possibly occur.
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