911 Sport Classic to head Down Under

"The most expensive and unique naturally-aspirated 911 limited edition model ever to be sold Down Under." That's how Porsche Australia insiders today describe the (very) limited edition 911 Sport Classic -- a rare, limited-build special set to arrive in Australia some time in the early part of 2010.

Just announced, and due to be unveiled at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show, production of the Sport Classic will be limited to just 250 units worldwide. Australia is likely to get but a handful of the cars.

Patterned on the likes of the classic 1973 Carrera RS 2.7, the Sport Classic reprises the original Porsche ducktail rear spoiler and Fuchs style alloy wheels in thoroughly modern 19-inch sizes. Created by the company's ‘Specialist Department', the car also features a more powerful version of Porsche's latest direct-injected boxer six, unique front and rear styling, a recessed roof panel, new side sills and bespoke front and rear lights.

The cars are finished in Sport Classic Grey exclusively and feature accent striping. They feature the wider rear bodywork of the all-wheel drive 911s but are resolutely rear-drive only. Indeed, much of the bodywork is bespoke – significantly more than is apparent at first glance.

Details abound such as the custom rear valance. Says Porsche, black headlamp surrounds recall "famous racing cars in the history of the company, such as the 911 Turbo RSR from 1974". A fully customized interior is also specified.

The Sport Classic's 3.8-litre engine pumps out 300kW (up 17kW on standard Carrera S) thanks in part to new inlet and exhaust systems. It is matched to a short-shift six-speed manual gearbox. No PDK version will be offered.

Porsche claims the Sport Classic's accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.6sec and rolls on to a top speed of 302km/h.

Suspension and brakes are also upgraded. In addition to its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension and lower ride height (20mm), the 911 Sport Classic gets a LSD and the company's mega-dollar Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).

Inside there are lashings of leather and all the mod-cons you'd expect.

No pricing details have been announced locally, but in the UK the 911 Sport Classic will sell for around double the price of a standard 911 Carrera S.

As equipment levels differ from market to market, it is difficult to calculate the equivalent price Down Under. If pushed, we'd guess that the 911 Sport Classic will approach if not exceed the cost of the current 911 range-topper, the $447,500 turbocharged 911 GT2.

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