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.
