The owner of this 992 S/T reveals intriguing details and shares his insights about Porsche's ultimate modern-day 911 for the road
by Khris Bharath on September 17, 2024, 12:00Porsche celebrated the 60th birthday of the 911 in 2023, and the 911 S/T was the cherry on top. This throwback pays tribute to the fire-breathing S/T models of the late 1960s but with a modern twist. This lightweight model prioritizes driver engagement. Under the hood? That glorious, naturally aspirated 518-horsepower 4.0-liter boxer six from the GT3 RS, mated to a six-speed manual. Tipping the scales at just 3,056 pounds making it the lightest 992, the S/T sheds weight with carbon fiber everywhere from the hood to the doors. It sprints from 0-60 mph in a scorching 3.5 seconds and tops out at 186 mph. Only 1,963 are destined for production, and the price tag is a cool $290,000.
So if you happen to be one of the lucky few to get your hands on one, I’m sure you’d be eager to know how it stacks up against its predecessors and competitors and that’s exactly what we got from a Reddit user. After two months of ownership and 1,800 miles driven across various conditions, including renowned tracks like S.P.A. and Bilster Berg, owner: HackeSpitze901 shared his insights. His review provides a comprehensive look at the driving experience, performance dynamics, and overall impressions of the 992 911 S/T. Here are six key takeaways from his extensive evaluation.
Key Takeaways
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1. Improved Ride Quality: One of the standout features of the 911 S/T is its significantly improved ride quality compared to the stiffer 992 GT3. The retuned suspension allows for a more compliant ride that absorbs bumps and imperfections without compromising body control. This enhancement makes the S/T more comfortable for daily driving while still maintaining a sporty edge.
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2. Engaging Driving Dynamics: The absence of rear-wheel steering in the S/T contributes to a more organic driving experience. The car exhibits a pendulous feel that allows for smooth weight transfer during cornering. This design choice enhances driver engagement, making the car feel alive and responsive to inputs, especially at moderate speeds.
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3. Excellent Clutch and Gearbox: Equipped with a reworked version of the six-speed manual transmission from the 991 R, the S/T features shorter gear ratios that enhance its responsiveness. The clutch provides a satisfying mechanical feel, making heel-and-toe downshifts enjoyable and precise. This setup emphasizes the driving experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the manual transmission dynamics.
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4. Responsive, Revvy Engine: The S/T’s 4.0L flat-six engine has been finely tuned to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. With a focus on mid-range responsiveness and an eagerness to rev beyond 6,000 rpm, this engine provides a sense of urgency that rivals even some of Porsche’s most revered models, such as the Carrera GT.
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5. Steering Feel Limitations: Despite being one of the best electric power steering setups in modern Porsches, the S/T’s steering still lacks the feedback and precision found in older hydraulic systems. While it offers good weight and response, it doesn’t fully capture the tactile connection that you crave from a Porsche.
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6. Compromised by Size: The dimensions of the 992 platform present challenges for driving on narrower roads or tight corners, despite employing the narrow-body chassis. The owner noted that while the S/T excels in many areas, its larger size can hinder its performance on certain roads designed for more compact sports cars. This raises questions about its suitability for those looking for a truly agile driving experience.
Summing Up The Porsche 911 S/T
In summary, after two months with the Porsche 992 911 S/T, it is clear that this model represents a significant step forward in terms of ride quality and driving dynamics compared to previous iterations like the 991 R. While it captures some of the magic that has defined Porsche’s sports cars over the years, it also faces challenges related to size and steering feedback that may not satisfy all purists.
Ultimately, the 911 S/T stands as a compelling option if you’re seeking an engaging road-focused sports car that balances performance with comfort. The best way I can sum it up is that It is essentially a luxurious GT3 RS for the road. It successfully combines modern engineering with classic Porsche characteristics. As with any vehicle in this category, personal preferences will play a crucial role in determining whether it meets individual expectations—especially when compared to iconic models like the legendary 997 GT3 RS 4.0. But from a collectibility standpoint, I feel that the 2023 911 S/T should only go up in value over the coming years, as it offers a 911 greatest-hits experience. You can read HackeSpitze901’s full review here.
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio