Manual RWD Porsche 911s are the white whale that enthusiasts around the world chase after, and yet something which we see ever so rarely. But now, Porsche has outdone itself. After the 911R, GT3 Touring and the GT3 itself, here comes the Porsche 911 Sport Classic. A manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive and turbocharged 911 with a ducktail spoiler. What else do you need?
Like the first Heritage Edition model, the 911 Targa Heritage Edition, the 911 Sport Classic harks back to traditions in the Porsche heritage lineup. The car is filled with inspiration from the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1972, echoing the ducktail spoiler and graphics, as well as the widebody that was a 911 Turbo speciality, and a double-bubble roof. Everyone loves that. The Sport Classic comes in a special grey colourway that takes inspiration from the Porsche 356, and go-faster racing stripes on the bonnet, roof and rear wing, along with a large white roundel that hosts the race number.
In the interior, Porsche has given the Sport Classic the iconic ‘Pepita pattern’ stitching and seat design from the 1972 Carrera RS 2.7, which has made a history of its own. The seat centres and door panels have the pattern, while the whole of the interior is swathed in a new two-tone ‘semi-aniline’ leather finish in a black and deep red colourway.
The second release in its Heritage Edition lineup, the 911 Sport Touring uses the same 3.7-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine that is also used in the 911 Turbo. 543bhp and 600Nm of torque sound good to you? Keep in mind that the power is put down to the road via a 7-speed manual transmission and is rear-wheel drive only. This makes the 911 Sport Classic the most powerful manual 911 on sale today. You get to hear the full roar of that motor through a sports exhaust system, which is allied to an auto-blip function on the gearbox that will allow some blissful noises when you downshift. The car has the same suspension setup as the 911 Turbo, with the sports suspension and a 10-mm reduction in ride height. It also comes with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management electronic system that helps keep the car gripped to the road with lightning-quick efficiency.