2024'S TOP MANUAL TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE CAR

When it comes to high-performance sports cars, there are few that come close to the Porsche 911. As one of the longest-running nameplates in history, the 911 has been perfected over decades, setting the standard that all sports cars strive to reach decade after decade. The current generation is no different.

While most Porsche 911s feature auto-shift manuals, attempting to limit any of that pesky human interaction, there is one that still offers the classic feel of a manual six-speed transmission. The Porsche 911 S/T takes the roaring performance of the GT3 and lets us mere mortals feel an even deeper connection with the car.

We dissect Porsche’s precision-built, range-topping 911 and uncover everything that their ultimate sports car has to offer. From its near-unrivaled performance to its classy yet exciting interior, the Porsche 911 S/T is like no other sports car that you can buy.

The Powertrain Of A 911 GT3 RS Mixed With A Beautiful Manual Transmission

The Porsche 911 is one of the highest-performing sports cars in the world. The GT3 takes that up a notch, with more power and more track-focused tuning. The Porsche S/T combines a love of Porsche heritage with the technology and powertrain of the GT3, all while giving enthusiasts exactly what they want with a manual transmission.

Performance

(Source: Porsche and CarBuzz)

Porsche has always prided itself on deviating from the status quo, developing technologies and layouts that no one else is willing to commit to. Their rear boxer engine layout is something that has defined the 911 for generations and has helped create one of the most thrilling and unique driving experiences of any sports car. The S/T carries this legacy proudly.

While there are other automatic Porsches that offer improved performance, like the GT3 RS, the 911 S/T is one of the few that still offers a six-speed manual. The six-speed may seem counter-intuitive, but the S/T's ideology is to be an ode to Porsche's history. That said, it doesn't sacrifice much in the way of performance for the transmission choice.

Difference Between The GT3 And The S/T

The Porsche 911 offers performance that very few sports cars can match. However, it isn't really built to be a track car. It's a road-focused 911 with the looks of the GT3 touring, yet it has the chops to take on the GT3 RS.

The engine is the exact same as the one thrown in the back of the GT3 but the weight of the clutch and the flywheel have been halved to quicken what was already an absurd throttle response time. Carbon fiber wraps the S/T in places where it doesn't on the GT3 or the GT3 RS. In every way, it has been made quicker and lighter than the GT3, and it shows how Porsche's engineers are obsessive and chase perfection relentlessly.

Only 1,963 Porsche 911 S/Ts Will Be Made

The 2024 911 S/T is a celebration of 60 years of the 911 and looks to honor everything that the 911 has stood for over all those decades. Porsche has made this special edition Porsche a limited run, with only a few being built to add an air of exclusivity to this incredibly special sports car.

Only A Few Were Sold

As you can expect with something as desirable as a special edition Porsche, the 911 S/T sold out within moments of it going on sale. Only 1,963 units were sold, as a nod to the fact that the first 911 was sold in the year 1963. The S/T features a unique exterior livery with the number 63 printed on the door. Its interior is also a package you can’t obtain on other 911s. Owners also have the option of a unique chronograph.

Where in the past, special edition 911s instantly sold out only to be found on the used market days later for an absurd markup, Porsche has found a way to combat flipping. Instead of buying your S/T outright, Porsche offers a one-year lease where you are unable to transfer ownership of the car.

Starting MSRP

The 911 S/T does not come in cheap, and you’ll have to fork out tons for this limited edition Porsche. The S/T has a starting MSRP of $290,000, making it one of the most expensive cars in the Porsche lineup. Comparatively, the GT3 RS has a starting MSRP of $241,300, nearly $50,000 cheaper than the S/T.

Inside The 911 S/T Is An Ode To Porsche's Unrivaled History

As we’ve mentioned, the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T looks to celebrate the history of the 911. Not only does it do this through sheer performance but it's also a damn comfortable sports car. Porsche has perfectly blended new technology with classic interior design cures to create one of the finest interiors around.

Key Features

As standard, the Porsche 911 S/T features leather trim on just about every surface of the car. This comes in black and GT silver, but you can opt for the Heritage Design for no additional fee, which features a black and Cognac two-tone design. You can choose between full bucket seats if you're looking for the highest performance spec, or you can go for the more comfortable four-way adjustable sports seats. Of course, your S/T will also feature its production number, signifying its place in the limited run.

Optional Extras

Porsches are known to be some of the most customizable cars that you can buy, with options for just about everything. The 2024 S/T is no different. As well as the choices you have as standard, there are tons of options to choose from that will quickly raise that starting MSRP depending on what you want.

One of the most prominent options on the S/T is the Heritage Design Package, which plays into the 60 years of Porsche theme. This will outfit your 911 with a Shore Blue Metallic paintwork as well as the heritage design decals on the side of your S/T. This decal features a lollipop that will either read 'PORSCHE' or your custom race starting number. The crests on the car will also be historical Porsche crests rather than the newest ones.

Cadillac's CT5-V Blackwing Is A Close Second To The 911 S/T

The Porsche 911 S/T isn’t the only high-performance manual car on the market today. While they are becoming increasingly rare, there are still some gems that offer that unique connection between car and driver. One of the other most prominent choices on the market is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, arguably the best sports sedan that money can buy.

Performance

(Source: Cadillac)

On paper, the Cadillac is an absolute monster that can't be touched. It is in an exclusive club of very few cars with a claimed top speed of 200 miles per hour. Its massive 6.2-liter engine somehow manages to rocket it to 60 miles per hour at what seems like an impossible rate for a car this side. On top of all of that, you have the choice of a six-speed manual transmission. While it may not have the badge appeal that some European brands like BMW have, it produces power and luxury at levels that make it one of the best sports sedans on the market.

While people looking at the spec sheets alone will find it hard to understand why the Cadillac isn’t the winning choice for the highest-performance car with a manual transmission, there is so much nuance to the Porsche S/T that puts it leaps and bounds ahead. While the Porsche may only go head-to-head with the CT5-V Blackwing in a drag race, if you put these two cars around a track, the superior handling, braking, and all-around precision of the Porsche would put it easily ahead.

2024-04-06T13:42:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd