Porsche 911 Spirit 70: Time travel back to the 1970s. The test

After those dedicated to the 1950s and 1960s, which have been produced in recent years, Porsche has now presented the 911 inspired by the Seventies. It is called Spirit '70 and is part of the Heritage Design collection, which in addition to the versions dedicated to the 1950s and 1960s has also designed one for 70 years of Porsche, for 60 years of the 911 and for 50 years of the 911 Turbo. The next limited edition will be the one dedicated to the 1980s, but that will have to wait until 2027.

Often special celebratory versions have only small details that differentiate them from the series-production ones, such as a badge or a half-hidden design on some pillars, in this case Porsche's Exclusive Manufaktur division has created a limited edition that stands out immediately, starting with the 911 lettering on the bonnet followed by three wide black satin stripes that continue on the sunroof and the exclusive Olive Neo colour. There are so many exclusive features of this 911 Spirit 70: from the number 70 on the doors, to the historic 1963 Porsche logo on the bonnet, to the Bronzite-coloured details (a matte bronze) such as the front air vents and the parts near the rear exhausts. Also original are the wheels, 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear, with five bronze-coloured spokes and a central nut with the old Porsche logo. There is also the golden 'Porsche' and '911 Spirit 70' lettering in evidence on the rear, the Porsche Heritage badge on the vent grille, a golden badge with the words Exclusive Manifaktur and, above all, the interior where leather is mixed with fabric with a design that recalls a chequered flag. This theme, called Pasha, is only available in green and black or grey and black, but is taken up just about everywhere inside the car, from the front boot floor to the back of the seats, right down to the glovebox in front of the passenger. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster recalls a classic style with white gauges and scale lines in analogue format. The green numerals are reminiscent of the Porsche 356 and the model lettering is integrated into the fully digital rev counter.

The 70 number displayed on the doors is customisable: the more discreet can have it removed or you can choose your own lucky number (perhaps the one you raced with in some race) as long as it is limited to two digits. Even the body colour is actually customisable, being able to choose from the whole range of Porsche special colours. For the occasion, Porsche Design has created a chronograph, exclusively for buyers of the Spirit 70, with numerous details that visually recall certain elements of this collector's car such as the black satin Pasha motif on the dial that is inspired by the central seat insert. The car's serial number is also reproduced on the back of the watch.

We had the opportunity to drive the 911 Spirit 70 on the roads through the Black Forest near Stuttgart. In technical terms, the 911 Spirit 70 is identical to the 911 Carrera Gts Cabriolet, powered by a newly developed 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine that reaches an overall power output of 541 hp (398 kW) and is capable of delivering 610 Nm (610 Nm) of torque. This is aided by an eTurbo system (an electrically-controlled turbocharger) and the eight-speed gearbox-integrated electric unit (PDK). It reaches 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and the top speed is 312 km/h. The active suspension system and 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear keep it glued to the road at all times, while the steered rear end allows very clean trajectories, even at high speeds, and easier parking. The braking system is the same as the 911 Turbo with the option of carboceramic discs.

The sporty drive is exciting and intense, with maximum torque available from quite low revs. The steering is very precise and the electric motors integrated in the turbo and one in the gearbox reduce the response lag and further increase performance.