Last year, spy photographers at the Nürburgring began reporting frequent sightings of a current-generation Porsche 911 prototype with a ducktail spoiler. In April of this year, the prototype having lost enough camouflage to reveal sheet metal details, we were finally able to consider it a new version of the 911 Sport Classic. Engine trend reports that the still-green fruit will be one of a trio of classic-themed models coming from Stuttgart, all finding their original inspiration in variants released in the 1970s. The others will be a 911 ST and a 50th anniversary 911 RS that celebrates the Carrera RS 2.7 from 1973.
We’ll start with the Sport Classic, which first appeared in 2010 on the 997-series 911, but took a lot of inspiration from the Carrera RS 2.7. The next Sport Classic sticks to the recipe with a ducted roof similar to the last Sport Classic’s twin-bubble roof, plus creases on the hood and, of course, the fixed ducktail spoiler. According to Engine trend, the next Sport Classic will inherit the 640-hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six from the current 911 Turbo S. The prototype shown has most of the Turbo’s bodywork, from the front fascia to the Sport Design wheels. However, there are no vents in the fenders of the latest version, although earlier prototypes had sport vents. Since this coupe is only expected to be sold with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, and the Turbo is only available as an all-wheel-drive automatic, it’s possible the Sport Classic will get an engine from the range. non-Turbo, like the 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six with 443 hp and 390 lb-ft from the 911 Carrera S. Don’t be surprised either to swap wheels for units with the classic look of old wheels Fuchs.
We’ll be in the year of the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 in 14 months, and it’s absurd to think that Porsche would ignore a chance to revel in the Diamond Jubilee of one of its most famous models. Engine trend reckons the reboot of the original homologation model will work with the modern Carrera GTS’ 3.0-liter flat-six, which delivers 473 hp and 420 lb-ft. The extra punch, along with hearty weight savings, sleek interior trim like houndstooth or tartan upholstery, and the obligatory ducktail should do the trick.
Finally, a second coming of the 911 ST will channel the race car built between 1970 and 1971 for events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1000 Kilometers of the Nürburgring. It will do so in part with wider rear fenders hovering over the chunky rear rubber. The originals were extremely rare, with experts still unsure whether there were 23 or 24. Engine trend think the next ST will borrow the all-new GT3’s 502bhp 4.0-liter engine and might put a few more horsepower in the paddock. It will naturally be associated with a sleek and stylish interior. That’s pretty much the formula for a new 911 R, after the 2016 version sent Porsche collectors into a frenzy of speculation that led to the creation of the GT3 Touring.
We should start seeing these three new treats debut over the next year. Naturally, expect low production runs and high prices. Now, if we could just find out when this Safari 911 prototype plans to bow, we’d be good.
Watch POV driving footage of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe: