Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

The Porsche 911 is sort of like Medusa. You cut off one of it's heads and... wait, no, that's not right.  No, the Porsche 911 is sort of like a Mustang - there are so many versions you can't keep track, and they just keep introducing new variations anyway.

This latest derivative is more of a throwback to the old days of the 911, though, rather than a new model name because they changed the shift knob design.  It combines totally modern performance (actually above and beyond a regular 911) with some classic 911 styling cues, including a few we haven't seen in a while.

Let's start with the most obvious.  Gotta be the knockoff Fuchs-style alloy wheels.  How utterly awesome are these?

The 911 SC isn't just vinyl stickers and cool wheels, though.  There have been extensive changes to the body that for me really emphasize the 911's character.  The front bumper has been revamped with bright LED running lights and huge air intakes, and check out the neat double-bubble roofline!

Around back is where the Sport Classic will get the most attention from Porsche-loving 911 fans, what with the ducktail spoiler and all.  Porsche hasn't seen fit to plunk a spoiler like that on a 911 in going on 3 decades, so it's cool to see the concept being re-imagined for modern times.  And notice that this 911 looks even fatter, squatter, and meaner than normal ones?  That's thanks to the huge flared fenders that accommodate a wider rear suspension track, and the SC comes standard with the PASM sports suspension.

There's more snarl to match the classic looks, too.  The 3.8L flat six, borrowed from the hotter Carrera S model, gets a redesigned intake manifold with integrated variable length runners.  Horsepower jumps from 380 to 403, placing it between the Carrera S and the GT3.  Confused yet?  Me too.

Inside, the 911 Sport Classic gets a very likeable special treatment.  That leather looks good enough to eat, and the SC gets some funky woven leather/yarn center panels in the seats along with a grey Alcantara headliner.

Production is limited to just 250 units - no word if any are  headed for the US market - and perhaps the SC is of questionable value at €169,300 (that's as near as anyone cares to a quarter of a million dollars in today's market) - but do you think Porsche is going to have any trouble selling these?  These limited-edition cars, which will all be assembled by Porsche Exclusive, will be on display at the Frankfurt show in a few short weeks - so if you're going to be there, please take a picture!