Porsche has recently released a new Sport Classic trim for the latest 911 generation, and it’s as tasty as ever.
Greetings, our dear readers, after a brief break, we’re back with wonderful news especially for Porsche enthusiasts, the Sport Classic is back as a limited edition for the latest 992 generation 911’s! This new addition to the 911 roster brings the retro nostalgia back, and since the Sport Classic has become an icon of the 911 range, I think it’s time for us to take a trip down memory lane and check out the predecessors of this lovely version of the renowned 911’s, so sit back, grab your favourite drink and enjoy as we dig deeper into the 911 heritage.
The new Sport Classic is based on the 992 Carrera and as stylish as ever. The iconic duo stripes and the lip spoiler from the original 997 Sport Classic returns as the number 60 completes the package as a tribute to the 60’s (although you can choose to take the number off the car). Based on the 992 Turbo, The new Sport Classic was actually spotted as a spy car, testing in Nürburgring back in July 2021, but it took Porsche a little longer to release the version. The new 911 already caused a stir in motoring as it brings back everything a Porsche enthusiast would crave for; minimalistic design, seven-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 3.7L Flat-6 that produces 542 HP, which is only 29 HP less than the Turbo, making it the most powerful manual 911 you can buy today. The Sport Classic also gets lowered suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers and more importantly, carbon ceramic brakes as standard. Most trims Porsche made recently were mostly cosmetic, but the Sport Classic redefines the Porsche philosophy of variety without compromises.
As the new Sport Classic is a limited edition, only 1,250 units of the highly exclusive model will be made, and the deliveries will commence in July 2022. The price of the car is thought to be €272,714 (£228,688) which is a pretty hefty price, and that doesn’t include the €12,500 worth of options. Though, considering the exclusivity of the version, it’s safe to say that wealthy 911 enthusiasts will be on a prowl to get their hands on the retro beast.
But is the sheer power alone what makes the Sport Classic so special? I think not. I think the Sport Classic is an escape code for the hardline 911 enthusiasts as it brings back all the old thrills of the classic 911’s. It’s Porsche keeping their promises and delivering an old-school experience that the old 2.7 Carrera RS and the renowned 930 Turbo used to have. Porsche nerds will also notice the interior which looks like the Pasha trim of the front engined 928 back in the late 70’s, which I like quite a lot too. We don’t know if this version will be the last 911 with a manual but we hope it won’t. Now, dear readers, let’s check out other Sport Classic models that we like in Porsche heritage, specifically, the Sport Classic- inspired 996 Classic Club Coupe that was unveiled a few weeks ago, and the original 997 Sport Classic, released in 2009.
The Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe (996.1) by Porsche Club of America
Let’s take a look at the 996 Classic Club Coupe that was unveiled a month ago. This one-off 911 was originally a 996.1 Carrera 2 that has seen better days, but Porsche Club of America (PCA) got their hands on the model to create the ultimate 996 model that would put the underrated generation back in spotlight. Grant Larson, the head Porsche designer, rolled up his sleeves to create the 911 that would pay tribute to both past, present and the future. The design cues from the 997 Sport Classic can easily be seen in Classic Club Coupe as it retains the same retro rims as the 997 Sport Classic and the iconic ducktail spoiler. A new color, named ”Sportgreymetallic” was created just for this model, taking inspiration from the 997 Sport Classic and the renowned 356. The thin blue lines collaborate with the dual grey stripes that is iconic to the Sport Classic. The sharp eyed Porsche fans can also notice the curved double bubble roof which is inspired by one of Porsche’s wildest creations, the Carrera GT. This ultimate blend of modern and retro elements create a perfect harmony that car enthusiasts can drool over.
The 996 Classic Club Coupe would be the ultimate choice for an old-school 911 fan as the car features heavily modernized interior without ruining the classic, youngtimer vibe of the 996.1 Carrera. Despite this, the car now has the latest infotainment system that can be found in the brand new Porsches and an exclusive speedometer made specifically for the one-off, and that’s just the beginning of the good stuff, because the powertrain, suspension and brakes of the Classic Club Coupe come directly from the blissful 996.1 GT3. Therefore, the one-off has a 6-speed manual transmission, a 3.6L Flat-6 engine that produces 360 HP @7200RPM and 370nm @5000RPM, which allows it to go from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds to a top speed of 302 km/h (188 mph). Magnificent. But we’re not surprised, as Porsche is a one of the few brands that still care about the immense attention to detail, and the 996.1 Classic Club Coupe is the prime example of this pursuit to perfection. Sadly, it’s one of a kind, so it’s virtually not possible to own one, it is however, mood-brightening to see a 996.1 being restored by Porsche themselves in 2022, and it being a tribute to Sport Classic, it just feels right.
The Porsche 911 Sport Classic (997)
The original Sport Classic, based on the 997 generation, was unveiled in 2009 and illustrated how a perfect retro tribute 911 should be. The most prominent features of the model was the duck lip spoiler and the retro rims from the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7, but apart from the cosmetic alterations for the retro look, the Sport Classic arrived with huge power under the bonnet as well. Its 3.8L Flat-6 produced 408 HP @7300RPM and 420nm @4200RPM, and the punchy engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It accelerated from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds and had a top speed of 302 km/h (188 mph), which is exactly the same as the Classic Club Coupe. Enough technical information, let’s dig deeper into what made this 997 version such an awesome, sought after special.
Just like the new 992 Sport Classic, the 997 version had Sport Classic Grey, which was a classic color from the 356 as I’ve previously stated, and the interior, which is a blend of faint burgundy and brown that Porsche named Espresso Brown. This combination of new and old is what the Sport Classic versions are all about, it feeds the both sides of the Porsche fans, one mouthful of spoon for the purists who prefer and want old school elements like the manual gearbox and retaining of the retro styling, and one more spoon for the new generation fans that want innovation and moving forwards in design.
But really, what makes the Sport Classic one of my favourite 911’s is the fact that it’s one of a kind. Imagine, dear reader, you wake up in the morning, have breakfast, and get in one of these Sport Classics. I think the feeling of being in one of the most exquisite cars of all time would break your borders of joy, and that, I reckon, is the whole purpose of this model. Sadly, such exclusivity doesn’t come cheap as the 997 Sport Classic costed a whopping €201,682 upon release, and all the 250 units were sold out the same day it was unveiled which illustrates the exclusivity of the model. So, like the new 992 Sport Classic and the 996 Classic Club Coupe, the 997 Sport Classic is a proof that Porsche is still willing to listen to their enthusiasts, and that they haven’t lost their way unlike most car brands of today, who sell their fans out to pursue markets that are out of their zone. Shame on them, but good on you, Porsche.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the new Sport Classic and its related versions. We enjoy going back to pay tributes to future classic cars, but which Sport Classic is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below, and have a great day, keep gas guzzling, and stay safe.
