1972
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.
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 at 6500rpm
Maximum torque: 216Nm at 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
