June debut for 2024 Porsche 911 ST lightweight special powered by GT3 engine

As a celebration of the Porsche 911’s 60th anniversary, the German car-maker is reportedly planning something special in the form of a lightweight homage to the ultra-rare 911 ST of the early 1970s.

The 2024 Porsche 911 ST is expected to be unveiled on 8 June 2023, according to unverified overseas reports.

Porsche is said to be reviving the ST badge for a new special lightweight 911 powered with a GT3 engine – and GT3 RS bodywork – with information about the model shared by Porsche collector and comedian Spike Feresten on his podcast, Spike’s Car Radio.

It’s understood the date has been chosen to correspond with the 24 Hours of Le Mans event – the famous French endurance race where Porsche won its class with the original 911 ST in the early 1970s.

According to Drive’s European Correspondent Greg Kable, the ST is also a celebration of the 911’s 60th anniversary, and is expected to be based on the 911 Carrera T variant, but with body parts from its GT-badged siblings.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to supply the engine, though it’s not clear whether the 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed ‘flat’ six-cylinder engine will be offered with the 375kW/470Nm found in the GT3, the 386kW of the GT3 RS, or if it will have different outputs.

It’s also not confirmed at this stage whether the Porsche 911 ST will be offered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch ‘PDK’ auto transmission.

But while prototypes have been heard with both types of transmission, it’s worth noting the manual is 17kg lighter than the auto when optioned on the Porsche 911 GT3.

According to a report in the UK’s Autocar, Porsche insiders claim the 911 ST will be the lightest variant of the 992 generation.

It’s not just the engine the ST will borrow from the GT3 – spies have seen the vehicle testing with centre-lock wheels, the carbon-fibre double-bubble roof from the 911 Sport Classic, and the doors and front wheel arches of the GT3 RS.

The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring.

The hidden active rear spoiler helps ensure the ST retains the classic 911 silhouette, deploying at speed for increased downforce at the rear end.

As well as winning the GT Class at Le Mans, the original 911 ST also competed at iconic races in Daytona, Targa Florio, and the 1000km of Nurburgring.

Built between 1970 and 1971, the 911 ST weighed just 840kg and was powered by flat-six engines of between 2.0 and 2.5 litres, producing as much as 201kW.

Like many of the great lightweight specials, the 911 ST was on a strict diet, stripped of all unnecessary parts despite retaining its road-legal status.

While the later 911 RS 2.7 is considered one of the most desired models from the family, Porsche built 1580 examples – compared with the 911 ST, with estimates of between 23 and 50 being made.

Porsche hasn’t said anything about the 911 ST on record at this stage, but it’s likely the special vehicle will also be a limited build – maybe as few as 60, given the 911’s birthday, or perhaps as many as 911.

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