Porsche 911 | Getting old can wait

An icon, the 911? Certainly, but Porsche must still multiply the variations (and developments) so that it remains firmly fixed on its base. In the last year alone, the German firm has resurrected the T, facelifted the GT3 RS, and then brought the Dakar to the streets. And now she invents the S/T to highlight the 60^e anniversary of this model which sells less well than the all-electric Taycan, but otherwise generates more profits. The electric transition can be financed.

Revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 12, 1963, the Porsche 911 celebrates its 60th anniversary. A success ? Rather an achievement insofar as this sports car no longer weighs very heavily in terms of volume (13% of sales in 2022). On the other hand, it remains the brand’s most profitable model, hence its continued existence, but not without effort from its designers.

Around twenty variations

It must be said that Porsche has skillfully maintained the insatiable appetite of fans of this model. Since 1963, the German manufacturer has assembled more than 1.2 million 911 units, all versions combined. And there were several and not all of them were always very subtle. The press gets annoyed, but the customer asks for more. Today, the eighth generation has more than twenty variants in its catalog and Porsche management is careful not to reveal which are the most popular.

Porsche estimates that by 2030 its model portfolio will be 80% electrified. Macan, Cayenne, 718 (Boxster and Cayman) will each have a wire to the wheel to regenerate the batteries that power them. “Not the 911”, promises the brand’s staff, but it is not impossible that the ninth generation of 911 expected for 2028 will be partially electrified (48 volts, plug-in hybrid?). The 100% electric 911? It can always wait, but Porsche is working on it, particularly in the field of dry batteries (solid-state battery) and its implementation in a future chassis (code name SSP). At the same time, Porsche relies on synthetic fuel (see the “Technical Sheet” tab) to keep the horsepower firmly in the saddle.

Extraordinarily complex puzzle

Over the past year, Porsche Canada launched three additional versions of the 911, including the special edition 60^e anniversary (S/T) which illustrates this test bench. Only 1,963 units will leave the assembly line. This limited number, you guessed it, alludes to the commercial release of the 911.

Apart from the commemorative badges, this S/T demonstrates, once again, the creativity of the engineers and those responsible for marketing. They only have to draw from the organ bank to concoct “real-false” ones. The S/T is a good example of this. It benefits from existing mechanics, removes certain electronic devices for “purer” driving and therefore loses a few kilos to make it the lightest 911 of its generation. A beautiful cocktail costing more than $300,000. Apart from the brand’s fanatical and wealthy customers, there are more economical ways to enjoy the pleasure and refinement of the 911. And the T version is one of them. And it costs at least half as much.

The T is not the most powerful of the 911s, far from it. Moreover, it hardly produces more horsepower or torque than an Acura Integra Type S. But that is not the primary quality of this Porsche which we appreciate above all for its ability to adapt.

No matter who is behind the wheel, no matter the traffic conditions, the 911 is suitable for all hands and all terrains. It has not always been the case. In the eyes of strict Porchists, this is its biggest flaw. In the past, when you were in charge, you couldn’t be afraid. You had to whip it up, decipher its instructions to get all the quintessence from it. And it didn’t always reward you for your diligence.

Today, you have to drive extremely fast to feel this slight flutter of the front axle, to feel this pendulum steering wheel or to detect the specificities of a vehicle whose engine is mounted at the rear. Unless you want to play your license or have access to a circuit, these character traits will be unknown to its users. They will not take much time to discover the quality of the driving position, the excellent visibility, the very small turning circle, the confidence it provides and the braking which never fails, even after multiple requests. Happy birthday !