Overview
The 911S was updated for the 1972 model year with the same capacity 2341cc engine as the 911E. Porsche somewhat optimistically called this a 2.4-litre powerplant (it’s actually closer to 2.3-litres). The engine was basically the same as that for the 911E but tuned to produce 190bhp, the 200bhp 911 was getting closer!
However, the big news with the 911S was the adoption of a front spoiler, the first time such an aerodynamic aid had been fitted to a production 911. By modern standards this appears to be little more than a modest lip below the bumper, but in the early 1970s it really looked the part, and gave the car a more aggressive appearance (note that the spoiler was optional on E and T models)
More importantly, though, the bumper went some way to improving the 911’s high-speed stability by reducing front-end lift by a claimed 40 percent. This gave a noticeable improvement but in some ways made the rear-end lift even more of a concern, but a spoiler at the back of the car was yet to come. What the 911S did have, though, was the same external oil-filler cap as the 911E, a telltale sign that was limited to this model year. Indeed, in all other ways the S had the same upgrades as the E of the same year, including the 915 gearbox with its “H” gate.
How to spot
- External oil-filler flap on right-hand rear wing
- Black engine lid grille
- 2.4 badge on engine lid grille
- 911S badge on engine compartment cover
Variations
Targa: The open Targa body-style continued as before. This is the first year that it became available for right-hand-drive cars.
Specification
Capacity: 2341cc
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Maximum Power: 190bhp @ 6500rpm
Maximum Torque: 216Nm @ 5200rpm
Brakes: Front: 282mm discs; rear: 290mm discs
Suspension: Front: MacPherson struts with telescopic dampers and torsion bar springs; rear: trailing wishbones with telescopic dampers and transverse torsion bar. Front and rear antiroll bars
Wheels & Tyres: Front: 15x6J with 185VR tyres. Rear: 15x6J with 185VR tyres
Length: 4163mm
Width: 1610mm
Weight: >1050kg
Did you know?
The shapely front spoiler of the 911S was actually formed from pressed steel, not plastic as its appearance might suggest.