911 S/T road test: The holy grail of pared-back Porsches?

It’s not the fastest model in the 911 catalogue but, according to Porsche, it is the most engaging. Does Vicki Butler-Henderson agree?

Over the years there have been more barebones 911 specials than Police Academy films, but only three have ever carried the S/T moniker. Here, gilded in 24 carat gold to emphasise their significance, those letters denote the ultimate Sports Touring model. But what makes this limited edition so unique?  

It’s styling, for one. Unlike the GT series with its huge wings and lurid decals, the S/T is all about purity of form. Clean lines, an uncluttered rear; weirdly, it stands out more for not shouting about its performance credentials. Vicki particularly enjoys the lightweight magnesium wheels — both for their sharp look and their performance advantage.  

Performance advantage? That’s right, as well as being shod in ultra grippy yet road legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard, those wheels help to reduce unsprung mass. The Atkins diet continues throughout the car: plexiglass windows, reduced sound insulation, and the omission of rear-wheel steering, all combine to make this the lightest 992 911 money can buy.

And it shows. Taking to a sodden British B-road in a typically spirited fashion, Vicki is blown away by the S/T’s combination of rawness and tactility. Sure, it demands respect in such conditions, but the Driver Review’s host argues that the handling is “as finely tuned as a grand piano in the Royal Albert Hall being played by Bach himself”. Furthermore, a total absence of driving modes highlights that Porsche perfected the formula from the get-go — there’s no need to fiddle with it. 

As for the engine, there’s no doubt that it’ll go down as one of the all-time greats. Revving to a scintillating 9000 rpm and producing over 520 bhp, Vicki remarks that it’s essentially a fully blown racing powerplant. Plus, when paired to a six-speed manual gearbox with auto rev-matching — for when you want to look like a hero without putting in the footwork — the S/T offers a level of driving engagement that’s soon to be extinct. 

But do those weight savings ruin the 911’s fabled daily drivability? Watch the video for Vicki’s final verdict. 

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