Porsche 992 Sport Classic

After a hiatus of twelve years, Porsche announced the launch of a new 911 Sport Classic in April 2022. Constructed upon the still-current 992 platform, the second-generation variant further refined the concept of its predecessor, this time utilizing the Turbo model as its basis. The new-shape Sport Classic retained the Turbo’s 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine–to which a seven-speed manual transmission was coupled–but employed only rear-wheel drive, rather than the four-wheel drive system of the base car. This decision necessitated a modest reduction in both peak power and torque to 542 horsepower and 443 lb-ft respectively, in order to avoid overstressing the transmission and rear driveshafts. However, in dispensing with the four-wheel drive system a weight saving of 200 pounds was achieved; a move which afforded the Sport Classic a power-to-weight ratio superior even to that of the Turbo.

Predictably, such a potent powertrain necessitated the employment of appropriately robust systems and components elsewhere; rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, Porsche Carbon Ceramic Composite brakes, and active anti-roll bars–all borrowed from the Turbo S–being several cases in point. Furthermore, the fitment of Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control and Active Suspension Management systems ensured that the car’s formidable performance capability could be explored in relative safety and comfort, while simultaneously maximizing driver enjoyment and communication.

In customary Porsche fashion, no less attention was paid to the Sport Classic’s aesthetic and ergonomic design. The car retained the same “widebody” dimensions as the Turbo; its chassis now adorned with a carbon fiber hood, Carrera GT and first-generation Sport Classic-inspired “double bubble” roof and ducktail rear spoiler. If the latter appendage once again drew inspiration from the Carrera RS, then so too did the eye-catching five spoke center-lock wheels, 20 inches in diameter at the front and a mammoth 21 at the rear, which echoed the RS’s Fuchs-manufactured counterparts from the 1970s.

Internally, the Sport Classic’s cabin represented arguably the most sumptuous and carefully-crafted 911 interior to date. The combination of leather seat cushions and evocative houndstooth fabric inserts echoed 911s of a bygone era, while wooden dash inserts and green dash instrument backlighting further cemented this pleasingly familiar feel. Almost inevitably, the Sport Classic drew virtually universal praise for its near-perfect driving position; a Porsche hallmark fine-tuned during the course of an exhaustive 750,000 mile development phase.

In performance terms, the Sport Classic’s zero to 60 and top speed figures of 4.1 seconds and 196 miles per hour respectively were highly impressive rather than other-worldly, but it was the car’s mid-range and high gear performance which truly set it apart. Remarkably, its seven-speed transmission enabled 70 mph to be maintained in top gear at just 1,800 rpm, whereas the production of maximum torque at the outrageously low engine speed of only 2,000 rpm ensured that mid-range speed could be gathered at a truly bewildering rate. Furthermore, a superbly compliant chassis, excellent roadholding and almost 550 horsepower feeding exclusively through the rear wheels gave the car a unique character not always experienced in certain other 992 variants.

Just 1,250 992-generation 911 Sport Classics, this magnificent example, limitation number 488, was delivered in mid-2023 to Porsche North Houston to its current and sole owner. Finished in the exceptional Paint to Sample color of Jet Green Metallic – a recent addition reminiscent of the 1950s Fjord Green – with Black and Cognac Heritage Design interior, it boasts a generous specification including Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Sport Chrono, PASM Sport Suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Adaptive Sport Seats Plus with Backrest Shells in Leather, Extended Dashboard and Door Panel Package in Leather, Front Axle Lift, Carbon Fiber Roof. Optional extras include Burmester Surround Sound System, Ambient Lighting, and Under Door Puddle Light Projectors. As a single-owner example, it has been carefully stored and little used ever since with its odometer reflecting its “as new” condition, reading just 536 miles as at the time of cataloging.

Offering an irresistible blend of spectacular yet accessible performance, exquisite levels of finish, limited build numbers and that unique Porsche heritage, the Sport Classic assuredly represents one of the most accomplished Porsche – and, indeed, GT class – “all-rounders” of recent times. In this car’s case, it is further distinguished by its minimal mileage, single ownership, and exceptional Paint to Sample finish protected with full PPF treatment, and would represent a stunning addition to any appropriately discerning collection.