2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic Highlights:
- 13 years after the release of the original 911 Sport Classic, Porsche made another 992-gen car
- In addition to its retro interior and exterior design elements, the 2023 911 Sport Classic combines the current Turbos engine with a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and some desirable performance features
- It is limited to 1250 examples worldwide
Like many advanced automakers, Porsche is very conscious of the impact of its legacy. Therefore, it also publishes models with historical theme on a semi-regular basis. But while not immune to simple bindings, Porsche’s retro-style cars tend to be a little more special. The 718 Boxster 25 Years, for example, shakes not only Boxster Concept colors, but also a flat-six engine. And while the Porsche 911 Sport Classic from 2023 looks very retro, it is also equipped with a rear-wheel drive turbo-kick.
Vintage throwback Porsche 911 Sport Classic returns to 2023, duck tail spoiler and all
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2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic | Porsche -
2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic front interior | Porsche
Although the 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classics initials are ‘SC’, it is not a reference to the 1978-1984 SC ‘Super Carrera’. But the 2023 car and its duck tail spoiler are a reference to a 911 Carrera, the iconic 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS. Or rather, they are references to a previous reference in limited edition to 2.7 RS – a kind.
Let me explain. In 2010, Porsche released a Carrera 2.7 RS-themed version of the 997-gen 911: the original Sport Classic. But because it did not think many people wanted one, it published only 250 examples exclusively for the European market. But in a mirror of the 911 R situation, buyers fell over themselves as they tried to get one.
In short, Porsche got the message when it comes to its fanbase’s demand for retro-themed products. So after making 718 Boxster 25 Years, 911 Targa Heritage Edition and 996-based Classic Club Coupe, it has brought the Sport Classic back to the 992 generation.
First of all, yes, the new Sport Classic still has a ducktail rear spoiler. Like the 2010 model, it also has center locks in Fuchs-style wheels and a double-bubble roof for extra helmet space. The 2023 911 Sport Classic even carries the same shade of gray and stripes as the 2010, MotorTrend say. And in even more retro nods, Porsche gave the black-and-white checkered fabric seat inserts, green-backlit gauges and a 1963-style hood shield.
Still, the 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is not just a visual package. First, the double bubble roof is a carbon fiber panel. The hood is also made of carbon fiber. And as mentioned earlier, this 911 packs a special Turbo heart under the skin.
It’s the only way to get a manual RWD 911 Turbo
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2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic bag 3/4 | Porsche -
2022 Porsche 911 Turbo | Porsche
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| 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic | 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo | |
| Engine | 3.7-liter dual-turbocharged flat six | 3.7-liter dual-turbocharged flat six |
| Horsepower | 543 hp | 572 hp |
| Moment | 442 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| Infection | Seven-speed manual | Eight-stage double-clutch automatic |
| Drive type | RWD | AWD |
| Ready weight | TBD | 3635 lbs |
| 0-60 mph time | TBD | 2.7 seconds (raised with Sport Chrono package) 2.4 seconds (Car and driver) |
Although Porsche has not released official 0-60 mph estimates for the 2023 911 Sport Classic, it will undoubtedly be slower than the more powerful Turbo. But while the 911 Turbo and Turbo S are superbly fast daily driving supercars, they lack the two things the Sport Classic gets. Unlike the automatic AWD turbos, the Sport Classic is RWD and manual only. And that makes it the only way to get a stick-shift RWD 911 Turbo in the US
But the 2023 911 Sport Classic does not only have a turbo engine. Porsche provided the 911 Turbos rear-wheel steering, active roll bars and the 0.4 ”lower PASM Sport active shock absorbers. In addition, it comes standard with the Porsche Sport Chrono package as well as carbon-ceramic brakes. Plus, Porsche re-tuned the front springs to accommodate the RWD driveline, Car and driver adds.
In addition, the 2023 Sport Classic carries the wider body of the Turbo. But this was not just a simple case of screen operation, MT notes. Porsche designed brand new intake-free quarter panels specifically for this car and redirected the intake under the spoiler. Sport Classic therefore does not have the Turbo’s active aero. But given all these suspension and chassis features, it should have no trouble keeping up with the corners, Car and driver say.
How much does the limited edition 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic cost?
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At the time of writing, Porsche has not released pricing information for the 2023 911 Sport Classic. But while it probably won’t be cheaper than the 911 Turbo, Car and driver expects it to be cheaper than the Turbo S. Conversely, the 2022 911 Turbo starts at $ 174,300, while the Turbo S starts at $ 207,000.
But even though the Sport Classic ends up being priced like the Turbo S, it can no doubt be worth it. Not even a fully loaded 911 Turbo S offers a carbon-fiber hood after all. Also remember the checkered fabric inserts? They sit in nougat leather upholstery last used in Porsche’s hybrid hypercar, the 918 Spyder. Plus, while the Sport Classic’s hood shield is ‘just’ gold-colored, its back is made of real gold. Again, this is an RWD stick-shift Turbo.
‘Not cheap’ is not the only thing the 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic will be, however. On the plus side, Porsche sells this car worldwide and makes more than 250 copies. But it only makes 1250 examples for the whole world.
So if you want what’s definitely going to be an instant classic, you might want to line up now.
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