June 2024
The 911 S/T is the epitome of a sports car.
A brief catchup:
Each 911 in the lineup has its own way of paying homage to its prior generation. However, the 911 S/T is different, starting with its time of release, 2023. This year was special for Porsche, marking not only the 75th anniversary of the brand but also the 60th year of the 911. Enthusiasts and fanatics alike knew Porsche was planning something big, but how big was the question we all had. This is when the 911 S/T emerged.
What makes it so unique?
The 911 S/T possesses a physique similar to a GT3 Touring, but with the beating heart and cues of the GT3 RS, of the same generation. It is also equipped with a single mass flywheel and a lightweight clutch that keeps you connected to the car with a 7-speed manual shifter. Meaning, it is a wingless GT3 RS equipped with a stick-shift. It also does not hurt that it is the lightest 992 to come out. It achieves such a feat with something called CFRP, or Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic. A blend of the two popular materials creates a strong, but also light component that is often seen in race cars. An added lightweight component is the glass. You’ve heard of thick, bulletproof glass put on cars, but the S/T has a much thinner glass used for weight reduction and get another amazing feature out of it.
What is it like to drive?
In a word, wow. The S/T starts off with a sensory overload of noises. Remember that thin glass we were talking about? It allows more sounds to travel into the cabin, from the sound of the 9,000 RPM engine, the mechanics of the gearbox when shifting, even the sound of rubber on pavement. The 911’s flat 6 engine is synonymous with Porsche, and to have it be in a 4.0L Naturally Aspirated style, only adds to the thrill. With such a fast, high revving, engine, Porsche wanted to connect the driver to the car as best they could. The gearbox ratio is shortened to enhance the driving pleasure with more gear changes required. If “less cruise control, more driving” was a slang, the 911 S/T would be the real world example.
Why is it called the 911 S/T?
That all comes down to the history of the 911. The 911 came out in 1963. In the mid 60’s, Porsche wanted to make a race-ready street sports car. Unfortunately, there was a problem: the market was not ready for it. However, the 911 S was starting to hit the road. This is when Porsche came up with a cost effective way to get people interested in race ready road cars. With an option to have cars equipped with racing equipment, this gave road cars the opportunity to be even sportier. Within Porsche, the cars that received this were known as 911 ST. The 911 ST would soon soar into more dealers and consumers who wanted them. Porsche began putting it into races and it progressed for a few years until the emergence of Porsche’s original plan, a race ready street sports car. And so, the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was built.
