While it ended up leaking a day early, we can finally give you all the details about the 2023 911 Sport Classic.

While some have already labeled it as a cynical marketing exercise, there are multiple good reasons an enthusiast would want this Porsche. Firstly, production is limited to just 1,250 units globally, so you'll never lose any money on the deal.

Secondly, the functional ducktail spoiler pays tribute to the famous 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from the early 1970s. It also has a bespoke engine and is only the second car produced by Porsche Heritage Design, the first being the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition.

The Sport Classic is based on the 911 Turbo S and has the same widebody layout.

From there, it gets very special indeed. Unlike the Turbo, the Sport Classic has neither all-wheel drive nor a dual-clutch transmission.

The SC is strictly available with a seven-speed manual transmission that only sends the power to the rear wheels.

The twin-turbo flat-six had to be detuned slightly to ensure the engine doesn't tear the gearbox to shreds. Instead of the 572 hp and 553 lb-ft you get in the standard Turbo, the SC's engine delivers 543 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. While it may be down on power compared to the Turbo and Turbo S, it is the most potent manual 911 that Porsche makes.

The SC also has several standard Turbo features, including ceramic composite brakes, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear-axle steering, the Sport Chrono Package, and a model-specific sports exhaust. To compensate for the loss of the AWD system, the front axle spring rates are slightly decreased.

Porsche claims the SC was designed with driver enjoyment in mind, and we have little doubt it will deliver on that promise.

The press car you see here is finished in Sport Grey Metallic with contrasting stripes in light Sport Grey. Customers can also opt for a non-metallic Black, Agate Grey Metallic, Gentian Blue Metallic, or a custom Porsche Paint to Sample finish of your choice.

Other model-specific design elements include a fixed spoiler lip and Porsche's LED Matrix Design headlights in black. The carbon fiber reinforced hood also dips in the center, which complements the double-bubble roof. The latter is a nod to the first 911 Sport Classic from the 997 generation.

Customers also get the PORSCHE script down the sides and a white lollipop with a number of the customer's choosing. The options are limited between one to 99, but you can have them at no extra cost.

Even the wheels are a modern interpretation of the original Fuchs design. They use a center lock hub and measure in at 20 inches in the front and 21 inches at the rear. To help put that power down, it comes with 315/30 tires at the back.

Another omission you might notice is the lack of air intakes on the rear fenders. Porsche removed them to create a large, smooth, and clean surface.

While this is a small change, Porsche had to design a new intake system. You'll notice the new ducts underneath the ducktail spoiler that channel combustion air to the engine. The charge air continues to be supplied via a grille above the engine.

The interior is just as unique. Porsche used materials meant to be a callback to the 1960s and early 1970s. One example is the Pepita cloth upholstery on the seat centers and door panels. The standard seat upholstery is semi-aniline leather in Classic Cognac, but black is also available.

The standard trim is open-pore dark Paldao wood, contrasting nicely with the light seats. Naturally, you also get a numbered badge stating which of the 1,250 models you own. The analog central tachometer comes with a white needle and scale markings alongside green numbers. The same treatment is applied to the Sport Chrono clock.

If you buy an SC, you also become eligible to purchase a unique watch from Porsche. You can configure the dial of the Chronograph 911 Sport Classic to match your car, which is the ultimate power move. The watch's hands also use the same design as the tachometer.

The 911 Sport Classic will arrive in late 2022 as a 2023 model. The pricing will only be announced closer to the launch date.