Distinctive design
On the Porsche 911 Sport Classic these headlights supplement other features finished in black such as the air intake grilles, the mirror triangles and the lower sections on the mirror base. The double-dome roof stands out clearly at very first sight from the front, and again bears reference to a long tradition already to be admired on the Porsche 911 Panamericana show car and in the roofline of the Carrera GT.
Through their unique shape, the side-sills emphasise the substantial width of the car at the rear. While the limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic is based on the 911 Carrera S, it features the rear bodywork of the all-wheel drive models, and is thus 44 mm (1.73") wider. This translates into the rear track also being wider by 34 mm (1.34") for even more dynamic performance with substantial lateral grip.
An important feature not visible from the outside but highly relevant in practice is the use of aluminium in the doors which, together with other technologies, helps to off-set the extra weight of the wide range of standard equipment.
Making clear reference to role models from the past, the 'ducktail' rear spoiler fixed in position forms part of the Aerodynamic Package of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic, and makes a significant contribution to the sporting driving characteristics of the car. A likewise unique rear panel, inspired by the particularly sporting design of the GT cars, rounds off the special look of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic together with the rear light clusters in clear glass.
The rear lid proudly bears a chrome-plated "911 Sport Classic" model designation and an "Exclusive" motif on the front right wing confirms the outstanding exclusivity of this small and very special model series. A bespoke car cover delivered in a matching bag comes as standard with each car, offering an indispensable detail for the collector.
Increased horsepower from 3.8-litre engine
The engine of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic features a newly-developed resonance intake system with six switching butterflies. The 3.8-litre flat-six power unit with Direct Fuel Injection is based on the engine already featured in the Porsche 911 Carrera S. However, working carefully on various details in the intake manifold has allowed Porsche engineers to increase engine output and torque, particularly in the medium speed range. Combined with modified cylinder heads, a new intake system and new engine management, the upgrades serve to raise engine output by 23 hp to 408 horsepower.
A particular highlight is the new, variable resonance intake system featuring six vacuum-controlled flaps switching between a more power- and a more torque-oriented geometry. Opening or closing simultaneously as a function of engine speed and the position of the throttle pedal, these flaps optimise the oscillation of air in the intake manifold for a better cylinder charge. The result is an optimum supply of fresh air into the combustion chambers under all conditions, maintaining maximum torque and optimising the torque curve - together with an increase in engine output.
The exhaust system specially developed for this unique model provides exactly the right exhaust gas counter-pressure, the high-gloss tailpipes with their classic grid inserts likewise purpose-built for the Porsche 911 Sport Classic. Beneath the rear lid, on top of the engine, lays a carbon fibre air filter housing to add a particularly powerful look.
As is typical of Porsche, the increase in engine power is achieved with maximum efficiency, and the Porsche 911 Sport Classic maintains the full fuel economy and CO2 emission ratings of the Porsche 911 Carrera S.
Sports-oriented chassis
Clearly reflecting its name, this limited edition model is consistently sporting in every respect, with appropriate equipment and exactly the right dynamic set-up. The Sport Chrono Package Plus, for example, comes as standard and the Porsche 911 Sport Classic is available only with a manual gearbox. Furthermore, the gearshift travel has been reduced, and offers a perfect match for the car.
In addition to its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension and ride height lowered by 20 mm (0.79"), the Porsche 911 Sport Classic also comes with a rear limited slip differential for very dynamic performance on the road.
Yet another standard feature in the Porsche 911 Sport Classic is Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). Cross-drilled and inner-vented, these composite ceramic brake discs measuring 350 mm (13.8") in diameter weigh approximately 50 per cent less than comparable brake discs made of grey-cast iron, providing a reduction of unsprung masses beneficial above all to the car's driving dynamics. In conjunction with the likewise purpose-built brake linings, the ceramic brake discs immediately build up a very high and in particular consistent frictional coefficient whenever required. In comparison with conventional brake discs, surface abrasion is limited to a minimum thanks to the extremely hard surface of the ceramic discs. The service life of the PCCB brake system, as a result, is very long indeed.