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Porsche 911 S/T: Limited anniversary edition

Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911 with a limited-edition, first-of-its-kind 518-hp 911 S/T model. The car combines elements of the 911 GT3 RS with the body of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and supplements it with specially developed lightweight components. It is quick, nimble, and a dream ride for many a Porsche aficionado. Unlike the track-focused 911 GT3 RS, the 911 S/T is meant for journeys on public roads.

Porsche considers the new 911 S/T to be "the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first-generation 911." From 1969, Porsche offered a special race version of the 911 S. Internally, these vehicles were called 911 ST. Modifications to the chassis, wheels, engine, and body significantly improved acceleration, braking, traction, and cornering grip. Large spoilers and other aerodynamic aids were not yet used in these models. The new 911 S/T takes up the spirit of the original 911 S (ST) and transfers it to the current model generation of the Porsche 911.

Limited to a run of 1,963 cars, the 911 S/T achieves its particularly agile and direct handling through consistent lightweight design. Reduced rotating mass in the engine, wheels, and brakes was a primary concern for the designers.

The hood, roof, front fenders, and doors (which feature striking inlets) are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (stiffening element on the rear axle). Porsche also fits the anniversary model with magnesium wheels, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, a lithium-ion starter battery, and lightweight glass, all as standard. With reduced insulation, the omission of rear-axle steering and weight savings in the powertrain, the 911 S/T achieves a curb weight of just 3,056 lb. This makes the car 70 lb lighter than a manual 911 GT3 Touring.

Porsche says its engineers developed a new lightweight clutch exclusively for the 911 S/T. In conjunction with a single-mass flywheel, it reduces the weight of the rotating mass by approximately 23 lb. This noticeably improves the responsiveness of the naturally aspirated boxer engine, which now builds revs with especially bracing speed and directness.

Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission with a shorter gear ratio than on the 911 GT3, the high-revving flat-six engine in the 911 S/T responds readily to input. It propels the 911 S/T to 60 mph in 3.5 sec and can achieve a top track speed of 186 mph, with the standard lightweight Sport Exhaust system providing a heady auditory backdrop. The 911 S/T is the only 911 of the current generation 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.

The 911 S/T special edition is equipped as standard with a Gurney flap on the extending rear spoiler. Standard equipment also includes 20-in. (front) and 21-in. (rear) lightweight center-locking magnesium wheels. Ultra-high-performance 255/35 ZR 20 tires ensure a high level of mechanical grip at the front. On the rear, the 911 S/T features 315/30 ZR 21 tires. CFRP full bucket seats come standard. The four-way-adjustable Sports Seat Plus is available at no extra charge. The instrument cluster and the clock of the Chrono package are finished in a classic green Porsche color scheme.

The 911 S/T is offered with an optional exclusive Heritage Design Package (a $20,360 upgrade). The new exterior color Shore Blue Metallic (a $4,220 add-on) is also exclusively available. On the doors, a starting number from 0 to 99 as well as a decorative foil can be applied on request. The classic-style Porsche crest from the original 911 that adorns the front, the center caps of the wheels, the steering wheel, the headrests, and the car key underscores the roots of the 911 S/T.

The interior also features cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes, which are another homage to heritage. Two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac 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 on the rear of the car are in Gold.

The new Porsche 911 S/T sports an MSRP of a whopping $290,000. Add-ons escalate the price quickly. U.S. deliveries are expected to begin in Q2 2024. Learn more at porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-st/911-st/.

Source Porsche

Published August 2023

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