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For the 997 generation, Porsche introduced a retro-styled version of the 911 called the Sport Classic. Produced in very limited numbers, the car was said to be inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 of Porsche fame. Now, after skipping the 991 generation, it appears as if the Sport Classic nameplate will make a return for the current 992 911.
We’ve seen prototypes of this car floating around before, but our spy photographers were able to capture it again testing out on public roads in Germany.
See Also: Mysterious 992 Porsche Prototype Could Be New 911 Sport Classic
Styling-wise, the car appears to share its front and rear bumpers with the 911 Turbo S, though its widened fenders are absent of any cooling vents. It also seems to borrow blacked-out versions of its center-lock wheels, although they’re expected to be replaced by a Fuchs-style set upon this car’s eventual debut.
That being said, the prototype isn’t just a parts-bin special, as it has a few unique styling elements in the form of a channeled hood, double-bubble roof, and a sleek ducktail spoiler finishing off the silhouette at the rear. And for what it’s worth, both that double-bubble roof and ducktail spoiler were present on the previous Sport Classic, which only solidifies even further that it is in fact what this car is.
Related: Porsche 911 Safari Spied Again Showing Its Adventurous Rally-Bred Spirit
As for the powertrain, power is speculated to come from the Carrera GTS‘s 3.0L twin-turbocharged flat-six, which makes 473 hp (480 PS / 352 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque. The car would also likely adopt a similar philosophy to the 991 R and previous 997 Sport Classic, placing a heavy focus on driver engagement with a lower curb weight, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.
Only 250 units of the previous Sport Classic were ever produced, and while this new one isn’t expected to be as scarce, production is rumored to be capped at a relatively low 2,000 cars. A reveal is expected in February 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. And if everything surrounding this car is to be believed, and a new Sport Classic is truly on the way, then it would make perfect sense to have a debut scheduled for the 2023 model year, which would also be the Carrera RS 2.7‘s 50-year anniversary.
Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
The 996 generation of Porsche’s iconic 911 is probably the least favorite among fans and customers alike. Maybe it’s the “fried egg” headlights, the reliability, or the fact that it’s not air-cooled like its predecessors. Whatever the reason, it typically gets the least love out of all the 911s. But this one is different than all the rest.
That’s because it’s bulletproof straight from the factory. Built as a one-off by Porsche in the mid-1990s after a customer requested an armored car, this unique 996 Carrera survives to this day as part of the Porsche Museum’s collection.
Read More: Porsche Takes A Look Back At The Original Boxster Concept
To make the bulletproof 911, Porsche started with an early 996 Carrera finished in Dragonfly Turquoise Metallic that they took right off the production line. They then added 20mm thick reinforced glass all around that was specially created and supplied for this car. As a result of this custom work, the rear windshield is even able to keep its heating element. The only thing giving away the new glass is the 2-inch-thick back border around the windows.
An unintended result of all that bulletproofing is that the cabin is dead silent. Despite the extensive modifications made to the exterior, the interior remains exactly the same, minus a sunroof for obvious reasons. That being said, this car did have almost every interior option you would’ve wanted at the time, with a high-end sound system, electrically-adjustable heated seats, and cruise control.
Watch: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 With Akrapovic Exhaust Is Out For 911 Blood
For the bodywork, Porsche strayed away from the obvious choice of heavy-duty steel in favor of something a bit more durable. They chose Dyneema, an energy-absorbing composite that weighs the same as steel, only it’s fifteen times stronger. Again, none of this armoring is outwardly visible, which is one of its best tricks. To the unsuspecting eye, this looks like a normal 996 911 Carrera.
And in case you were wondering, this reinforcement isn’t just theoretical. Porsche has tested it, claiming that in most places the body can withstand the fire of a 9 mm handgun as well as a .44 Magnum revolver.
See Also: Porsche Bringing Entry-Level Taycan Stateside, Starts Under $80,000
However, all this comes at the cost of extra weight. While a normal 996 Carrera weighs 2,904 lbs (1,317 kg), this one tips the scales at a hefty 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg). And despite the weight gain, it’s still powered by the original 3.4-liter flat-six engine making 296 hp (300 PS / 221 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
Eventually, this project remained a one-off for a simple reason: the cost was far too high and the demand was way too low.
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