2024 Porsche 911 S/T: The End of an Era for a True Enthusiast Car

When it comes to sports cars, few names evoke as much excitement as the Porsche 911. For decades, this icon has been a favorite among driving enthusiasts, blending performance, style, and pure driving pleasure. One of the latest additions to this legendary lineup is the 911 S/T, which has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most important enthusiast cars ever made. But what exactly makes the 911 S/T so special?

Launched to mark the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911, the S/T is designed with the purest driving experience in mind. It’s not about being the fastest on a race track or having the most advanced technology. Instead, the 911 S/T focuses on the sheer joy of driving, making it a true enthusiast’s car. It’s essentially a celebration of everything that makes driving fun.

This model is a throwback to a time when driving was more about the connection between the car and the driver rather than the number of gadgets and driving aids. Porsche has stripped away many of the electronic assists and luxuries found in modern cars, creating a machine that demands skill and rewards the driver with a sense of engagement. With its manual transmission, lightweight construction, and finely tuned chassis, the 911 S/T offers a raw and thrilling driving experience that’s hard to find in today’s world of computerized cars.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T so extraordinary. We’ll explore its design, engineering, and, most importantly, why we think it’s the closing chapter to 911’s true enthusiast car era.

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

Background

The 2024 Porsche 911 S/T was launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 911. Since its debut in 1964, the Porsche 911 has symbolized precision engineering, timeless design, and driving pleasure. Over the years, the 911 has evolved through various generations, each improving upon the last while retaining the core principles that make it beloved by enthusiasts.

The “S/T” designation has deep roots in Porsche’s history, harking back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this era, the original 911 S/T models were crafted for racing, featuring lightweight construction and minimalistic design aimed at maximizing performance. These early S/T models became legends on the track, celebrated for their agility and driver-focused engineering. By reviving the S/T badge, Porsche pays homage to these iconic racers, capturing the spirit of those early cars while infusing modern technology and engineering.

The development of the 911 S/T was driven by a clear philosophy: to create the purest driving experience possible. While many modern sports cars are loaded with electronic aids and luxurious features, the 911 S/T takes a different approach. It strips back to the basics, focusing on the essentials that enhance the connection between the driver and the car. This means less weight, fewer driving aids, and a manual transmission that requires real driving skill.

A Powertrain to Die For

The Matured 4.0L Flat-6

At the core of the 911 S/T lies a 4.0-liter flat-six engine, a naturally aspirated powerhouse that produces an impressive 518 horsepower and 342 lb-ft of torque. This engine is derived from the same unit found in the 992 GT3 RS, but it has been fine-tuned to suit the S/T’s unique character. The flat-six configuration, a hallmark of Porsche’s design, ensures a low center of gravity and an even distribution of weight, which translates to exceptional handling and stability.

One of the 911 S/T’s most exhilarating aspects is its high-revving nature. Capable of reaching a redline of 9,000 rpm, this engine delivers a driving experience that is both thrilling and addictive. The engine’s ability to scream up to such high revs provides a responsive and dynamic drive. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with a significant punch at higher rpm, ensuring the driver is always engaged and excited.

Perfectly Paired Gearbox

To make the engine even more responsive, Porsche has implemented several lightweight components in its transmission. The flywheel and clutch have been designed to weigh significantly less than those found in other models, with the flywheel alone shedding 23 pounds. This reduction in weight allows the engine to rev more freely and quickly, giving it a snappy and eager character. The lighter clutch also contributes to the overall agility of the car, making gear changes feel more immediate and satisfying.

The decision to bring back the six-speed manual is spot on. The gearbox features shorter ratios, meaning the gears are closer together. This setup allows the driver to stay in the engine’s sweet spot more often, enjoying the high-revving nature of the flat-six. The shorter gear ratios also improve acceleration, with Porsche claiming a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. Each gear change is a tactile and rewarding experience, connecting the driver directly to the car’s performance.

A Symphony of Sound

The combination of the high-revving engine and the precise manual gearbox creates a harmonious driving experience. The engine’s responsiveness, coupled with the engaging nature of the manual transmission, ensures that the driver is always in control and fully immersed in the driving experience. In addition, the engine note is a symphony of mechanical excellence, from the deep growl at low rpm to the high-pitched scream as you approach the redline. This sound is a key part of the driving experience, enhancing the emotional connection between the driver and the car. Porsche has deliberately reduced soundproofing materials to ensure that every mechanical noise is heard loud and clear.

Lighter is Better

When it comes to high-performance sports cars, weight is the enemy of agility. The Porsche 911 S/T embraces this principle, focusing on extensive weight reduction to enhance its driving dynamics. By shedding pounds in all the right places, Porsche has crafted a car that feels more responsive, agile, and connected to the road.

One of the key strategies in making the 911 S/T lighter is the extensive use of carbon fiber. This strong yet lightweight material is used for the doors, fenders, hood, and roof. By replacing heavier steel and aluminum components with carbon fiber, Porsche has significantly reduced the car’s overall weight.

But Porsche didn’t stop with just the major body panels; it scrutinized every part of the car to find weight savings. The 911 S/T comes standard with magnesium wheels, which are not only lighter than traditional aluminum wheels but also reduce unsprung weight, improving the car’s handling and ride quality. The brakes are carbon ceramic, which is lighter and provides better performance compared to traditional steel brakes. Inside, the S/T features a thinner windshield, a lighter battery, and even lighter carpets. These seemingly small changes add up, contributing to a total curb weight of just 3,056 pounds, making it the lightest 992-generation 911.

The focus on weight reduction extends to the drivetrain as well. The removal of rear-wheel steering, while improving the purity of the driving experience, also shaves some weight. The mechanical limited-slip differential is simpler and lighter, further contributing to the car’s overall weight savings. All these measures ensure that the 911 S/T delivers a driving experience that feels direct and unfiltered.

Thus, in a time when many manufacturers are adding weight with hybrid and electric powertrains, the 911 S/T stands out. Even the upcoming hybrid 2025 Porsche 911 GTS is expected to weigh almost 1,000 pounds more than the S/T. This massive difference highlights the S/T’s unique focus on maintaining lightness and agility.

Go Away, Electronics — It’s Old School Time!

In an era where cars are increasingly defined by their electronic aids and driving assists, the Porsche 911 S/T takes a bold step in the opposite direction.

Simplifying the Steering and Suspension

One of the most significant departures from modern trends in the 911 S/T is the removal of rear-wheel steering. While this feature can enhance maneuverability and stability (as seen on the GT3 models), its absence in the S/T aims to deliver a more direct and engaging driving experience. The car features a slower 15.01:1 steering ratio, improving tactile feedback and giving the driver a better sense of what the front wheels are doing.

In keeping with the theme of mechanical purity, the 911 S/T also employs a less complex mechanical limited-slip differential. This component plays a crucial role in managing power delivery to the rear wheels, especially when cornering. The simpler design not only reduces weight but also enhances the driver’s ability to feel and control the car’s behavior, allowing for a more predictable and enjoyable driving experience, as the differential works seamlessly to provide optimal traction without needing electronic intervention.

Additionally, the 911 S/T’s suspension system has been carefully retuned. Unlike its GT siblings, which often feature complex adaptive systems designed for track performance, the S/T’s suspension is more optimized for real-world roads.

Minimal Electronic Interference

Porsche has deliberately minimized electronic interference in the 911 S/T to ensure that the driving experience is as raw and unfiltered as possible. Unlike many modern sports cars with many driving modes and electronic adjustments, the S/T keeps things straightforward. There are no rotary knobs for adjusting drive modes or paddle shifters for a dual-clutch transmission. Instead, drivers can adjust the autoblip function for the gearbox, and the traction and stability control settings, along with a single suspension mode adjustment.

This minimalist approach means the car remains true to its roots, offering a driving experience that relies more on driver skill than on electronic aids. The absence of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other modern conveniences emphasizes the S/T’s focus on the essentials of driving. Indeed, by stripping away many of the digital aids, Porsche has created a car that demands more from the driver but also rewards them with a heightened sense of engagement. Every input, whether it’s turning the wheel, pressing the pedals, or shifting gears, feels more connected and immediate.

911 GT3 Owners, Should You Feel Left Out?

For owners of the Porsche 911 GT3, GT3 Touring, and GT3 RS, the introduction of the 911 S/T might raise some questions. With its unique focus and limited production, the 911 S/T is a standout model in the 992-generation lineup. But does this mean GT3 owners should feel left out? Let’s explore how the 911 S/T compares to its esteemed siblings and what makes it a unique offering.

The 911 S/T’s focus on mechanical purity and driver engagement sets it apart from its GT3 siblings. Its lighter weight, manual transmission, and simplified mechanics offer a raw and unfiltered driving experience that is rare in modern sports cars. While the GT3, GT3 Touring, and GT3 RS each have their strengths, the S/T is specifically designed for enthusiasts who prioritize the sheer joy of driving over technological aids and track times.

However, limited-edition Porsches like the 911 S/T often attract flippers who buy them to resell at inflated prices. To combat this, Porsche has introduced a unique leasing plan for the 911 S/T. Instead of selling the car outright, Porsche requires an initial one-year lease during which the customer cannot transfer ownership. This policy aims to ensure that the cars reach true enthusiasts who will drive and enjoy them rather than storing them as investments.

With a starting price of $290,000, the 911 S/T is indeed pricey (and even more expensive than its GT counterparts). The leasing plan adds an additional layer of consideration for potential buyers, making it less appealing for those looking to make a quick profit. But only through this approach can Porsche preserve the 911 S/T’s legacy as a true enthusiast’s vehicle, ensuring the 1,963 units are driven and enjoyed as intended.

Last Words

Of course, being only limited to 1,963 units, not everyone will get to enjoy the 911 S/T. What’s the closest alternative, then? Well, if money’s not an issue, you can hunt for a 991-gen 911 R, which shares the S/T’s philosophy of driving purity and engagement. But be prepared to pay close to half a million to bring home one of those.

If budget is a concern, the 992 GT3 Touring offers a similar essence at around $100,000 less than the 911 S/T. With its high-revving 4.0L flat-six engine and manual gearbox, it provides a thrilling driving experience that’s close to what the S/T offers, but with a bit more accessibility and availability. And for an even more affordable option, the Porsche 911 Carrera T is also a great choice. It features a seven-speed manual gearbox and a 379-hp turbocharged flat-six, embodying the same lightweight and driver-focused principles.

That said, this limited availability is also one of the reasons why we consider the 911 S/T to be the last of its kind. With the recently launched Carrera GTS embracing hybrid technology, the future for the 911 lineup is shifting towards hybrid — and soon, maybe even fully electric. While future 911s may be quicker than the S/T, the question remains: will they ever be as engaging to drive?

Given the shift in focus towards efficiency and technology, it’s hard to be optimistic about maintaining the same level of driver engagement that the 911 S/T offers. The 911 S/T, therefore, stands as a tribute to a bygone era of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.

Gallery: 2024 Porsche 911 S/T