Porsche 911 S-T
Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 911 with a special edition built for maximum driving enjoyment: in a limited run of 1,963 examples, the Porsche 911 S/T offers resolutely lightweight design and a purist driving experience. The exclusive anniversary model unites the strengths of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and the 911 GT3 RS and delivers a unique combination of agility and driving dynamics. It combines the naturally aspirated, 386 kW (525 PS) 4.0-litre flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 RS with a short-ratio manual transmission. This is complemented by resolutely lightweight construction down to the tiniest detail and a running-gear setup optimised for agility and drivability. The 911 S/T weighs just 1,380 kg (DIN kerb weight), making it the lightest model of the 992 generation. The optional Heritage Design Package underscores a lineage that goes back to the racing version of the 911 S, which posted a string of motorsport triumphs in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The design of the anniversary model incorporated a high level of GT and motorsport expertise from Porsche. This is reflected in its particularly nimble and agile handling, which is designed for maximum driving enjoyment on winding country roads. The reduced inertia of the rotating masses ensures a particularly instantaneous response to all inputs from the driver. Every steering movement, every ounce of pressure on the accelerator or brake is implemented immediately. Unlike the 911 GT3 RS, the focus of the development of the 911 S/T has been not on track use, but rather on driving on public roads.
The name marks out the new 911 S/T as the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first 911 generation. From 1969, Porsche offered a special racing version of the 911 S. Internally, these vehicles were called 911 ST. Modifications to the chassis, wheels, engine and body significantly improved their performance and handling. Large spoilers and other aerodynamic enhancements were not yet used in these models. The new Porsche 911 S/T takes up the spirit of the original 911 S (ST) and transfers it to the current generation of the Porsche 911. The anniversary model combines elements of the 911 GT3 RS with the body of the 911 GT3 and supplements it with exclusive components. The result is a unique driving experience within the GT portfolio of the 911 range.
Lightweight construction from the wings to the clutch
Among other measures, the Porsche 911 S/T achieves its particularly agile and direct handling through consistent lightweight design. The front bonnet, the roof, the front wings and the doors with their striking inlets are made of lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the roll cage, rear anti-roll bar and shear panel. Porsche also fits the anniversary model with magnesium wheels, the PCCB system, a lithium-ion starter battery and lightweight glass, all as standard. With reduced insulation, the deletion of rear-wheel steering and weight savings in the powertrain, the 911 S/T achieves a DIN kerb weight of just 1,380 kg. This means it weighs nearly 40 kg less than a 911 GT3 Touring with a manual transmission.
Porsche 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 10.5 kg. This noticeably improves the responsiveness of the naturally aspirated flat-six engine, which revs with decisive speed and directness. Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission with shorter gear ratios than the 911 GT3, the high-revving engine in the 911 S/T delivers an even more instantaneous response. It propels the 911 S/T to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (limited). 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, but without rear-axle steering. The dampers and control systems have been tuned accordingly. The standard lightweight sports exhaust system enriches the driver experience with a distinctive soundscape.
The aerodynamic features on the 911 S/T also focus on road rather than track use. The 911 S/T is equipped as standard with a Gurney flap on the retractable rear spoiler. In combination with the modifications on the front end and underbody, the new Porsche 911 S/T is optimally balanced aerodynamically. Standard equipment also includes 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) lightweight centre-locking magnesium wheels. Ultra-high-performance 255/35 ZR 20 tyres ensure a high level of mechanical grip on the front axle. On the rear, the 911 S/T features 315/30 ZR 21 tyres. CFRP full bucket seats come as standard. The four-way-adjustable Sports Seat Plus is available at no extra charge. The instrument cluster and clock of the Sport Chrono package are finished in a classic green Porsche colour scheme.
The Porsche 911 S/T is offered with an optional exclusive Heritage Design Package. The new exterior colour Shore Blue Metallic and the wheel rim colour Ceramica are exclusively available for this particularly elegant variant. On the doors, a starting number from 0 to 99 and a decorative foil can be applied on request. The classic-design Porsche crest from the original 911 that adorns the front of the car, the wheel centre caps, the steering wheel, headrests and car key underscores the historic roots of the 911 S/T. Two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac with extensive leather trim, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur are also part of the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation on the rear of the car are finished in Gold.
As a special extra, Porsche exclusively offers customers of the 911 S/T the Chronograph 1 - 911 S/T. Like the car, the watch is also limited to 1,963 examples. Featuring a titanium case, uncoated and blasted for weight-saving reasons, this exclusive timepiece goes all in on the lightweight design principle of the purist new 911 special edition. The heart of the chronograph is the Porsche Design WERK 01.240 with its COSC certification and flyback function. It is operated with a rotor in the design of the magnesium wheel of the 911 S/T.
The lightest Porsche 911 of the 992 generation
On-road performance might be the focus of the new Porsche 911 S/T, but its origins are in motorsport. Like all other GT vehicles from Porsche, it exemplifies the maxim of intelligent lightweight design. The car's weight has a significant influence on the driving experience: every gram saved does not need to be accelerated, braked or steered. For the Porsche engineers, lightweight design was therefore paramount in the development of the 911 S/T. They achieved a sensationally low total weight for the car of just 1,380 kg (DIN empty).
"With consistent weight reduction, we achieve an enormous gain in dynamism that you notice in every bend," says Andreas Preuninger, Director of Porsche GT Cars. "The 911 S/T is noticeably the lightest model from the current 911 series."
In the 911 S/T, particular attention was given to reducing the rotating masses around the crankshaft drive in the boxer engine. This allowed engineers to enhance the responsiveness. They developed a lightweight clutch based on the double-disc principle specifically for the 911 S/T. In combination with the standard single-mass flywheel, the weight of the components positioned directly on the crankshaft was reduced by 10.5 kg. This, in turn, made the powertrain more responsive. Coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, the result is an incomparably active, thrilling driving experience.
For a sports car, the weight of the unsprung masses is also of fundamental importance. A reduction of this mass has a direct and immediately noticeable effect on driving behaviour. Porsche has therefore equipped the 911 S/T with magnesium wheels and carbon ceramic brakes (PCCB) as standard. In addition, the rear anti-roll bar is made of lightweight CFRP rather than steel. Rear-wheel steering has also been dispensed with in the 911 S/T. Overall, weight is significantly reduced in all the areas relevant to vehicle responsiveness. The result is particularly agile and precise handling.
As is common in the racing world, the body of the Porsche 911 S/T saves weight through the use of CFRP components. The front wings are made of this lightweight material, as is the front bonnet - which has been adopted from the 911 GT3 Touring. The CFRP doors from the 911 GT3 RS are even lighter than the lightweight aluminium doors on other 911 models. The use of CFRP in structural components further reduces the overall weight of the car. The material is used for the roof roll cage, the anti-roll bar and the shear panel (used in the rear to add stiffness between the axle pivot points and the floorpan).
Many of the weight-reduction measures used in the special-edition 911 S/T have a long history in the 911. As is customary for GT and RS models, the engineers of the 911 S/T have reduced the amount of insulation in order to shave off weight and intensify the connection to the road. Its windows are made of thin glass, similar to the windscreen in the 1967 911 R. The door handles in the interior are pared down to distinctive loops, a measure that Porsche introduced in the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 in 1972. As with the 911 Carrera RS of the 993 series, a lightweight starter battery is fitted. In the 911 S/T, the lithium-ion 'track' battery has a capacity of 40 Ah and weighs only 9.5 kg. This makes it 3 kg lighter than the lithium-ion battery in the 911 GT3 Touring.
Naturally aspirated engine, lightweight clutch, manual transmission
The emotive and technological highlight of the 911 S/T is its powertrain. The naturally aspirated, 4.0-litre, 386 kW (525 PS) flat-six engine is based on a motorsport development only minimally modified for use on the road. The familiar six-cylinder engine from the 911 GT3 RS has six individual throttle valves, a dry-sump lubrication system, a 9,000 rpm rev limit and an incomparably intense character. For the first time - and exclusively in the 911 S/T - the engineers have coupled the engine to a manual six-speed transmission. In doing so, they have heightened the connection between the driver and the vehicle and created a particularly direct driving experience. They also equipped it with a lightweight clutch and a single-mass flywheel.
Porsche has developed the clutch and flywheel exclusively for the 911 S/T. Compared to the corresponding standard components, they save 10.5 kg. Engineers have used these measures to increase the rotational speed of the powertrain: this weight-loss regime in the bell housing reduces the overall inertia in the drivetrain. It allows the flat-six engine to rev up more freely and easily. The 911 S/T has also taken its six-speed manual transmission from the 911 GT3 Touring. For the new, road-focused GT sports car, Porsche has cut the final drive ratio by eight per cent. With the modified gear ratio and the reduced rotating masses, the result is greater responsiveness in every gear. The car accelerates more quickly and with noticeably enhanced dynamics.
"The 911 S/T moves forward with tremendous power and verve. It feels even faster than it already is," says motorsport legend Walter Röhrl. The 911 S/T reaches 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h.
The iconic naturally aspirated engine reaches its maximum torque of 465 Nm at 6,300 rpm and its maximum power output of 386 kW (525 PS) at 8,500 rpm. High engine speeds of up to 9,000 rpm mean high demands on the engine's valvetrain. Unlike most series production engines, the motorsport-inspired engine in the Porsche 911 S/T therefore dispenses with hydraulic valve clearance compensation. Porsche uses rigid rocker arms and adjusts the valve clearance once during production of the unit with interchangeable shims. Later correction is not necessary. This allows the four-valve cylinder heads to withstand the high engine speeds. Furthermore, forged pistons, titanium connecting rods and dry-sump lubrication with a fully variable pressure pump, seven suction stages and an additional oil supply via the crankshaft ensure stability at high piston and cornering speeds. A plasma coating on the cylinder walls reduces internal engine friction. The lightweight stainless steel exhaust system contributes a rich and powerful sound. The auto start/stop function is also omitted in the 911 S/T.
Porsche equipped the 911 S/T with double-wishbone front suspension for optimal cornering performance and ideal braking precision. The design, familiar from the 911 GT3 Touring and 911 GT3 RS models, originated in the motorsport arena and is characterised by high camber stability during compression. In addition, it reduces the pitching movements of the body during sharp braking manoeuvres and therefore noticeably improves the car's handling characteristics, especially in the upper limits of the car's performance envelope. In the 911 S/T, Porsche has combined the double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear axle without rear-wheel steering for the first time.
"The aim of the 911 S/T was to establish as direct a connection to the road as possible and to implement a unique driving experience," says Frank Moser, head of the 718 and 911 model lines. "That's why the car takes a lot of elements from motorsport while at the same time having a stripped-down equipment level." In addition to saving weight, engineers targeted traditional, purist handling by dispensing with rear-wheel steering. With the use of uniball bearings on the front suspension (complete) and on the LSA five-link rear suspension (inside and outside on the lower wishbone), they also achieved increased driving precision. With all this in mind, the 911 S/T received a specific damper and steering tuning set-up that took all the individual parameters into account and gave the 911 S/T its unique character.
Porsche has equipped the 911 S/T with the lightweight and resilient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) as standard. It includes brake discs with a diameter of 410 millimetres on the front and 390 mm at the rear. As in the 911 GT3 Touring, the range of driver assistance systems is adapted to the purist character of the 911 S/T. The agility-tuned Porsche Stability Management (PSM), for example, can be deactivated completely or with the exception of Traction Control (TC).
Numerous references to 911 history and motorsport characterise the Porsche 911 S/T. The focus of its exterior design is on its dynamic and aerodynamic capabilities, which Porsche achieves here with a pared-down, purist approach. This emphasises the model's character as a sports car designed for spirited driving on the roads. The omission of external design features of other, more track-focused, 911 GT models, in combination with the high-revving engine, is the standout feature of the 911 S/T. Porsche has also put together an exclusive colour selection: Black or White paint are available as standard, while customers have 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 the Shore Blue Metallic colour of the Heritage Design Package.
The lightweight magnesium forged wheels were designed by Porsche with a central lock and wheel hub cover, which bears the 'S/T' logo. The wheels are 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear. They are available in Matt Black, Brilliant Silver and Dark Silver.
The Porsche 911 S/T has a dark grey painted grille on the front, while a Silver Porsche logo down each side provides a sporty accent. At the rear of the 911 S/T, Porsche complements the retractable rear spoiler with an air intake grille in the colour of the front grille and a 60 years of 911 badge.
Compared to other sports cars in its performance class, the 911 S/T has been deliberately outfitted with subtle measures that ensure perfectly balanced aerodynamics. In contrast to the 911 GT3 RS, Porsche designed the car without wing-top wheel arch ventilation louvres, opting to ventilate the wheel arches with side blades instead.
A tear-off edge (Gurney flap) complements the retractable rear spoiler. Porsche regularly uses Gurney flaps to improve the aerodynamics of GT sports cars. This aerodynamic technology comes from American Indycar racing and refers to a tear-off edge or lip that is attached at an angle to the end of the spoiler wing. While Gurney flaps increase lift in aircraft at the bottom of the spoiler, they perform the opposite function in motor racing and on performance-focused road vehicles: mounted on the upper side of the spoiler, they increase the downforce and therefore the traction and grip of the vehicle by increasing the pressure on the top side of the edge and lowering it on the underside. In the 911 S/T, the tear-off edge works so efficiently that the spoiler only extends at 120 km/h and is not as steeply configured as in the sibling models. The spoiler retracts at a speed of 105 km/h.
Interior: Timeless style, exuberant performance
The interior of the Porsche 911 S/T provides the setting for the direct and exhilarating driving experience in the 911 S/T by stylishly combining purist equipment with sporty elegance. The standard interior door handle made of CFRP (carbon-weave finish) is normally only available in the 911 GT3 RS with the Weissach Package. Together with the textile door opener loop, it exemplifies the design principles of this special edition: both features are as much a traditional stylistic device as they are part of the lightweight concept of the vehicle. CFRP is also used for the door sill guards and the trim strips, in which a gold badge displays the build number of each 911 S/T. Porsche also builds the optionally available roll cage out of CFRP.
The Porsche 911 S/T features part-leather elements as standard. The quilted stitching provides a contrast in GT Silver. The green numerals on the instrument cluster and chrono timer as well as white hands with silver caps correspond to the design in the original 911 from 1963. The black leather cover of the steering wheel rim has a 12 o'clock marker as well as a particularly grippy perforation in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. A shift lever shortened by about one centimetre and full bucket seats made of CFRP upholstered in part-leather guarantee a sporty yet safe driving experience. As an alternative to full bucket seats, four-way-adjustable Sports Seats are available at no extra charge. A Porsche crest embossed in the leather upholstery is featured on the headrests of both seat variants. In keeping with the consistent lightweight design concept, there are no rear seats in this model. In their place is a cover similar to the one in the interior of the 911 GT3 RS.
Exclusive: Heritage Design Package in the 911 S/T
As with previous limited editions of the 911, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is responsible for the exclusive Heritage Design Package for the 911 S/T. It combines classic and particularly luxurious details and equipment to create a harmonious and stylish overall look. Classic design, exquisite materials and the highest level of craftsmanship are the focus of the work of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
The optional Heritage Design Package brings numerous exclusive and performance-focused features and style elements to the 911 S/T. These are evident from the exterior: Porsche offers the Shore Blue metallic paint colour for the 911 S/T only as part of the Heritage Design Package. The same applies to the decal wrapping, which brings the famous motorsport lollipop motif to the side of the vehicle. In racing, the start numbers are placed in the round field. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur likewise applies a start number (0 - 99) to the lollipop on the 911 S/T. It is also possible to dispense with some or all of the decals.
The package adds further exquisite details to the appearance of the Porsche 911 S/T as well: the historic Porsche crest from 1963 adorns the front bonnet and the wheel centre caps. The grille inserts in the centre of the front section and in the front bonnet as well as the rear grille feature a discreet silver colour. The rear of the car features the '911 S/T' model designation as well as a Gold PORSCHE logo in the reflector strip. Also specially reserved for the 911 S/T with the Heritage Design Package is the Ceramica wheel colour, while Brilliant Silver is an additional option for the wheels.
Inside, the Heritage Design Package provides a particularly classic and high-quality ambience. The elegant interior with extensive two-tone leather trim elements combines black leather with semi-aniline leather in the colour Classic Cognac. The decorative stitching is tone-on-tone. The seat centres - in Classic Cognac fabric with black pinstripes - are also colour-coordinated and represent a special nod to Porsche history. The design package includes numerous other leather trim elements. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur covers the trim strips, the door opener loop, the interior door handle, the air vents, the inner door sill guard and the cup holder trim in leather. The package includes leather trim on the steering column as well as on the dashboard and door panels. The two-tone design can also be seen on the GT leather steering wheel with the 12 o'clock marking in Classic Cognac. The leather-covered centre console is embossed with the words 'Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur'.
Additional tradition-focused details further enhance the interior: the illuminated door sill guards made of brushed and black anodised aluminium bear the '911 S/T' logo. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur embosses the historic Porsche crest from 1963 on the leather cover of the headrests, and on the cover of the airbag. LED door projectors shine the 'Icons of Cool' logo on the asphalt next to the doors. The slogan is a nod to the zeitgeist of the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s as part of Porsche's Heritage Design strategy.
In addition to the design of the vehicle, the overall experience of the Porsche Heritage Design Package in the 911 S/T is completed by matching, high-quality vehicle accessories. The key, painted in the same colour as the car, also bears the historic Porsche crest and is presented in an exclusive leather pouch. An exclusive leather cover for the vehicle document case is also included. Customers will also receive an indoor car cover custom-made for the Porsche 911 S/T.
