√2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic revealed with manual gearbox, priced for Australia

This one’s for you, enthusiasts. The Porsche 911 Sport Classic is back, with a 405kW version of the 911 Turbo’s engine, three pedals, and a ducktail spoiler.

2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic pricing and specifications
Special edition limited to 1250 cars globally
Inspired by classic 911s with ducktail spoiler, five-spoke wheels
405kW Turbo engine with rear-wheel drive, seven-speed manual
Priced from $599,100 before on-road costs

The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic has been revealed, ahead of first Australian arrivals in the fourth quarter of 2022 – with only 1250 examples to be produced globally.

The new 992-generation 911 Sport Classic revives a moniker last applied to a special-edition version of the 997-series 911 in 2009, combining looks inspired by the classic 911 Carrera RS of the 1970s, with a purist-focused driving experience positioned one rung below GT-badged Porsches.

Whereas the 2009 Sport Classic was based on the rear-drive Carrera S variant of its day, the 2023 Sport Classic is based on the full-strength 911 Turbo, using a version of its 3.8-litre (technically 3.7-litre) twin-turbo flat-six engine.

But while the current Turbo is offered solely with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Sport Classic receives the seven-speed manual from the lesser GTS, powering the rear wheels only.

That makes it the first Turbo-engined, three-pedal 911 to be sold in Australia since the 997 was discontinued in 2012 – and the first Turbo-engined 911 with rear-wheel-drive in nearly three decades, when production of the 964-series 911 Turbo ceased in late 1993.

Outputs are rated at 405kW and 600Nm in the 992 Sport Classic – likely to both manage the power being transmitted to the rear wheels, and prevent damage to the manual gearbox – down 22kW and 150Nm on the ‘standard’ 911 Turbo (427kW/750Nm).

It’s good for a 4.1-second 0-100km/h time, towards a top speed of 316km/h – 1.3 seconds slower to the speed limit, and 3km/h at maximum velocity than a Turbo (2.8s and 319km/h).

Under the skin, the Turbo’s adaptive suspension is standard – with a 10mm lower ride height – as are carbon-ceramic brake discs and rear-wheel steering.

The 911 Sport Classic makes its mark visually, with touches inspired by iconic classic 911s, including a ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler inspired by the 911 Carrera RS of the early 1970s, and centre-locking 20-inch front and 21-inch five-spoke wheels inspired by the Fuchs wheels of early 911s.

Other highlights include a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front ‘bonnet’, a ‘double-bubble’ roof (also made from CFRP), gold badges, and a sticker package with light grey stripes, and ‘PORSCHE’ and race number-style door decals.

The hero colour is Sport Classic Grey paint inspired by the 997 Sport Classic, though solid Black, Agate Grey Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic are also available, along with custom Paint to Sample (PTS) hues.

The Sport Classic’s front and rear bumpers are lifted straight from the Turbo – but its side air intakes have been omitted for a cleaner look, enabled by the detuned engine’s reduced cooling needs, and revised air ducts elsewhere on the car, according to Motor1.

Inside, the interior is trimmed in a mix of Classic Cognac brown leather and Pepita fabric upholstery – both nods to the past – plus aluminium accents, and Sport Classic branding on the instrument cluster, dashboard, centre console and door sills.

Despite being slower and less powerful than the 911 Turbo – with a less complex transmission and driveline – at $599,100 plus on-road costs, the Sport Classic costs a staggering $194,200 more than a Turbo ($404,900) or $117,500 more than a Turbo S ($481,600).

Only 1250 will be built globally – though it’s unclear how many are bound for the Australian market.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is available to order now, ahead of first local deliveries due between October and December 2022.